General Health Assessment Research Articles

A randomized controlled study on acupuncture for peri-operative pain after open radical prostatectomy.

To evaluate the advantages of adding acupuncture to standard postoperative pain management for open radical prostatectomy (RP). A randomized controlled trial (1:1:1) comparing routine postoperative analgesic care (control [CON]) vs the addition of press tack needle acupuncture (ACU) or press tack placebo acupressure (SHAM) for pain management after open RP was performed. A total of 126 patients were enrolled between February 2020 and April 2021. After open RP, the CON group received standard postoperative analgesia, the ACU group received long-term acupuncture with press tacks at specific points (P-6, Shenmen and SP-6) along with standard analgesia, and the SHAM group received placebo press tacks at the same acupuncture points alongside standard analgesia. The primary endpoint was postoperative pain measured on a numeric rating scale, the NRS-11, calculated as the area under the curve. The cumulative use of routine postoperative analgesics, time to first defaecation, and quality of life were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, Fisher's exact test, and Pearson's chi-squared test. The ACU group reported significantly less postoperative pain compared to the SHAM (P = 0.007) and CON groups (P = 0.02). There were no significant difference in median (interquartile range) cumulative pain medication usage, time to first defaecation (CON: 37 [33, 44] h; SHAM: 37 [33, 42] h; ACU: 37 [33, 41] h; P > 0.9), or health status at discharge (EuroQol five-dimension, five-level general health assessment questionnaire: CON: 70 [65-83]; SHAM: 70 [60-80]; ACU: 70 [50-80]). Incorporating acupuncture into postoperative pain management can improve patient postoperative outcomes.

APN nurses' core competencies for general clinical health assessment in primary health care. A scoping review.

The field of Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) has developed over the past six decades. However, the definition of roles and responsibilities of APN nurses seem to be contested due to both a lack of a clear definition of the concept and to institutional and cultural barriers that restrict the nurses' opportunities to practise to the full extent of their competencies. The objective of this scoping review was to identify, examine and conceptually map the available literature on APN nurses' core competencies for general health assessment in primary health care. We performed a scoping review, following the methodological guidance for reporting as it is described by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Furthermore, the PRISMA-ScR statement and checklist for reporting scoping reviews were followed. Guiding the initial process for the search, we used the Population, Concept and Context mnemonic (PCC) to clarify the focus and context of the review. We found three areas of core competencies on which APN nurse draw in performing general health assessments in primary health care: (1) 'Collaborative, leadership and management skills' (2) 'Person-centred nursing care skills' and (3) 'Academic and educational skills'. Furthermore, we found that the three areas are interrelated, because it is crucial that APN nurses draw on collaborative competencies related to leadership and management to meet the service users' needs and deliver high-quality and person-centred care. There is a need for a more specific investigation into how APN nurses' core competencies play a role during general health assessments of patients in primary care. We suggest an evaluation of what works for whom in what circumstances looking into the interrelation between competencies, skills and knowledge when an APN nurse performs a general health assessment in a primary healthcare setting.

Results of a pilot study of the structure and evaluation of the therapy for chronic sleep disorders in comorbid patients with chronic cerebral ischemia

To evaluate the effect of the drug Cortexin on the clinical course and treatment of comorbid insomnia. The study included 50 patients, average age 50.4±2.26 years, with CHI stage 1-2. with concomitant diseases arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus (study CHRONAS). All patients were examined on the day of treatment, 11-15 days and 30-31 days after the end of therapy. At all visits, complaints, neurological status, and changes in physiological and laboratory parameters were assessed. The condition was assessed using the following scales: mental status assessment (MMSE), quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D), assessment of general health, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth daytime sleepiness assessment, hospital anxiety and depression (HADS)).: Patients with additional diabetic polyneuropathy were assessed using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). A high percentage of the prevalence of comorbid insomnia in patients was revealed. The structure of sleep disturbances in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia consisted of disturbances in sleep duration, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings at night, and daytime sleepiness. After treatment, there was a regression of the main complaints, the severity of symptoms, including anxiety and depression, decreased, and a significant stabilization of cognitive status was observed. The positive dynamics persisted 1 month after the end of therapy. An additional normalizing effect of the drug on a number of biochemical parameters was revealed. Clinical dynamics were recorded already by the 11-15th day of treatment and persisted for up to 1 month. During observation, no patient had adverse drug interactions with other drugs (hypotensives, antiplatelet agents, statins). The clinical effectiveness of the drug Cortexin has been proven for all types of sleep disorders. The clinical effectiveness of the drug Cortexin at a dose of 10 mg IM for 10 days has been proven in patients with chronic sleep disorders due to CHI.

Psychometric analysis and validation of the Persian translation of the systemic sclerosis questionnaire (SySQ).

Scleroderma is a complex multisystem disorder that could have effects on the quality of patients' lives. This study was conducted by determining the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the systemic sclerosis questionnaire (SySQ) that specifically assesses indications and functional limitations of scleroderma patients. In the present cross-sectional study, the method included: translation and back translation. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire including its content and face validity were assessed. Internal consistency with the SySQ (Cronbach's alpha) and reproducibility was by test-retest method. The factor structure of the questionnaire was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis. The convergent validity of the SySQ was assessed using the General Health Assessment Scale (HAQ). Altogether 32 SySQ items, the internal consistency coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) of the whole tool was 0.906. The content validity index was 0.98 and the content validity ratio was 0.796, there was a significant relationship between the questions and the relevant factors in the factor analysis. The correlation coefficient = 0.953 for the instrument. The correlation of SySQ dimensions with HAQ questionnaire dimensions in convergent validity showed that musculoskeletal dimensions, general condition, and cardiorespiratory of the questionnaire are correlated with all dimensions of the HAQ questionnaire. The Persian version of the questionnaire SySQ with competency is valid and reliable and is suitable for measuring specific changes in Persian systemic sclerosis patients.

İNMELİ HASTALARDA EKSPİRATUAR KAS EĞİTİMİNİN STOMATOGNATİK SİSTEME ETKİSİ

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of expiratory muscle training on the stomatognathic system in patients with stroke.
 Method: A total of 31 patients with stroke were included in the study: 16 patients with stroke (age=66.63±8.38, height=166.38±8.59, BMI=28.09±4.81) as the control group and 15 patients with stroke (age=65.60±7.62, height=168.20±8.78, BMI=28.95±6.92) as the study group. Temporomandibular joint range of motion and dysfunction, pressure pain threshold of masticatory muscles, facial asymmetry existence, head posture, oral hygiene, oral hygiene habit, masticatory performance, intraoral pH, deglutition, and deep neck flexor muscle endurance of the patients with stroke were assessed. Assessment methods were in order by digital caliper, the Fonseca Questionnaire, algometry, labial commissure and craniocervical angle measurement, general oral health assessment index, and questionnaire, sieve test, digital pH gauge, repetitive saliva swallow test, Eating Assessment Tool, and deep neck flexor endurance test. Patients with stroke in the study group were enrolled in an expiratory muscle training program consisting of 5 sets of 10 repetitions daily for three weeks in addition to conventional physiotherapy; the control group enrolled in the conventional physiotherapy program. Patients with stroke in the study group were called twice a week to assess their compliance with the expiratory muscle training.
 Results: In intragroup comparison significant increase was found in the inferior portion of the left masseter, mandibular protrusion, and a decrease in labial commissure angle and Fonseca Questionnaire score of the control group (p

The BetterBrains Trial: Baseline characteristics and trial progress of an online multi‐domain lifestyle intervention trial to delay cognitive decline in middle‐aged adults at risk of dementia

AbstractBackgroundBetterBrains is a prospective, blinded endpoint, 24‐month randomised controlled trial (RCT). It aims to test the effectiveness of an online, person‐centred, modifiable risk factor (RF) management program in delaying cognitive decline in middle‐aged adults (aged 40‐70) with a family history of dementia. This study aims to describe blinded baseline characteristics of the randomised sample and provide trial engagement statistics.MethodParticipants enrolled in BetterBrains (betterbrains.org.au) complete all assessments on an online platform. RF assessment related to vascular health, sleep, mood, and social/cognitive engagement was conducted and participants with ≥1 RF were eligible. Participants complete assessments of cognition, general health, medical history, and lifestyle habits at baseline, 12, and 24‐months post‐randomisation. Primary outcome is absence of decline on at‐least one out of four cognitive tests at 24‐months. Participants randomised to the intervention arm receive a minimum of 6 person‐centred telehealth consultations over 12‐months with an allied health clinician trained in motivational interviewing. All participants receive monthly educational blogposts.ResultSince August 2021, 1518 participants have enrolled and 856 (56%) were randomised (Figure 1). Blinded baseline analyses reveal that randomised participants are mostly female (84%), white (93%), live in metropolitan areas (73%), and all report a first‐degree dementia family history. Mean age is 60 years (±6.7) and participants have 15.4 years of education (±3.9) on average. Mean number of reported RFs is 5 out of a possible 19. Readiness to change lifestyle behaviours to reduce dementia risk was high, with 71% of participants indicating implementation of at‐least some lifestyle changes prior to trial entry. Only 3% of randomised participants have withdrawn. Of participants who have reached 12‐months post‐randomisation (N = 349), 74% have completed follow‐up cognitive testing.ConclusionLow attrition and high follow‐up rates suggest high acceptability and feasibility of the online BetterBrains methodology. The sample is likely at increased risk of dementia, due to high prevalence of first‐degree dementia family history, female gender, and co‐occurrence of multi‐domain modifiable dementia RFs. Presentation of findings will include a detailed breakdown of study methodology, baseline demographic/risk characteristics, and trial progress.

Concordance of shoulder symptoms and imaging findings: a protocol for the Finnish Imaging of Shoulder (FIMAGE) study

IntroductionShoulder pain is a substantial medical and socioeconomic problem in most societies, affecting the ability to work or carry out leisure time activities as well as subsequently influencing physical and...

Assess the maternal factors associated with Birth weight of newborn

An exploratory study was conducted to assess maternal factors associated with Birth Weight of newborn in selected Hospital, Indore. A total of 50 antenatal mothers were selected through convenient sampling technique. An interview schedule was conducted using structured questionnaire to collect the data. Content validity of the tools determined by an expert. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The results of current study reveals that there were significant association found between Maternal factors like Monthly income of the family, weight gain during Pregnancy, Hemoglobin level of the mother, Total No. of ANC visits, anemia with birth weight of newborns. There is no significant association found among other factors. Study concluded that maternal factors (Socio demographic Variables, General Health Assessment, Obstetric History, Medical Ailments during Pregnancy, Nutritional Assessment) can affect the weight of the babies.

Physical activity and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: does age and gender make a difference?

BackgroundThere is overwhelming evidence indicating that depression may be reduced by physical activity (PA), but studies in lower- and middle-income countries and those that involved data at higher physical activity doses were underrepresented. The current study investigated the associations between PA levels (vigorous, moderate, walking and sitting) and depression and tested whether age and gender moderate the link between PA and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodThe participants were 857 adults (51.0% women; aged 18–69, mean age = 29.71, SD = 10.84 years) who completed an online survey as part of the General Health, Speech and Physical Activity Relationship Assessment Study in Nigeria. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form, while depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).ResultsThe results of the Hayes PROCESS macro indicated that those who engaged in vigorous PA reported lower levels of depression (B = − 0.02, p <0 .01). Sitting (B = − 0.00, p = 0.050), walking (B = 0.00, p = 0.054) and moderate (B = 0.00, p =0 .064) PA were not significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Older participants reported fewer symptoms of depression (B = 0.11, p < .001). Women had higher depressive symptoms than men (B = 0.91, p <0 .05). The interactions of age and gender with PA levels were not significant, which showed that age and gender did not moderate the relationships of PA and depression.ConclusionEngagement in vigorous PA may be helpful to reduce levels of depression and improve mental health in the general population.

The Health and Functional Age Trend Self-assessment of the Older Workers and Retirees in Ukraine from Online Data Human Health Passport in COVID-19 Pandemic

For a general health assessment of the workers in organized industries, and unorganized groups of the unemployed and retirees, systematic online health monitoring has been used. Health monitoring includes a scale assessment of functional tests. The actual state of population health is still not included in the registers of National Statistics of Ukraine for example workers, pensioners and unemployment. The purpose of the study was systemic online health monitoring, to assess the impact of professional, demographic, and socio-economic factors in the Covid-19 pandemic condition and the limited capacity of the health care system in Ukraine. Methods: The study used the intrinsic capacity assessment scales, the five-question scale to detect muscle dysfunction in older persons, as well as some questions regarding residual performance, psychophysiological methods, and characteristics of the functional age. The questionnaire Human Health Passport 1.1 includes 70 questions; 21 of them were assessed by 1 point for positive answer and zero for negative case. The screening was carried out online on social media to Internet users aged 31 to 90. In the study 377 respondents of which 83.83% were employees. The Human Health Passport screening showed reliability (Cronbach alfa = 0.737), and correlation relationships of the main estimated indicators are significant. So, 54% of respondents do need health care under a physician’s supervision. The 39% of respondents need should convey the proper individual schedule of workout and labour hours, as well as physical activity and breathing exercises because only 7% of respondents are healthy. Correlation analysis of the scale results showed a significant relationship between age, with static balancing, falls during the last 6 months, and the ability to 5 times sit to stand test within 14 seconds. The optimal management of Human Health Passport screening helps to reduce the harmful influence on the environment, and transport expenses for doctor visits and saves the doctor's time for patient examination and prevention of the exposure and the spread of COVID-19. The screening showed the existing reserves of training for health promotion and, the overstrain of the functional systems of the body in the working population - 76%—by the purpose. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Keywords: remote health screening; retirees; biological age; ageing; elderly workers

Development and Validation of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Scale for Patients Undergoing Endodontic Treatment (OHQE) for Irreversible Pulpitis

An oral health-related quality of life measure specific to patients undergoing endodontic treatment has not been developed. This study aimed to validate the oral health-related quality of life scale for patients undergoing endodontic treatment (OHQE) for irreversible pulpitis, comprised of 42 questions. Sixty-two patients with irreversible pulpitis, comprising 23 (37.1%) males and 39 (62.9%) females, were enrolled between August 2022 and February 2023. Data were collected at three time points: pretreatment, post-treatment, and at the second week post-treatment. Factor analysis revealed physical, psychological, and expectations as subscales of OHQE. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.87 to 0.95 for each subscale. Each subscale of the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was moderately correlated with the OHQE subscales. Good–poor analysis revealed a significant difference between the high-scoring and low-scoring groups for each OHQE subscale. The intraclass correlation coefficients of the OHQE subscales ranged from 0.89 to 0.95. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between the pretreatment and post-treatment psychological factors (p &lt; 0.05). Thus, OHQE will help researchers and policymakers understand the impact of oral health on the quality of life of patients with irreversible pulpitis undergoing endodontic treatment. OHQE could contribute to the appropriate planning, treatment decisions, and management of dental treatment.

A 10-year survival rate of tapered self-tapping bone-level implants from medically compromised Korean patients at a maxillofacial surgical unit

BackgroundThe 10-year survival rate of dental implants in healthy subjects is 90–95%. While in healthy individuals, dental implants have become commonplace to solve problems of edentulism, whether dental implant treatment is optimal in patients with systemic disease remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical outcomes of tapered, sand-blasted, and acid-etched internal submerged dental implants installed in medically compromised patients in our maxillofacial surgical unit.MethodsA total of 1019 Luna® dental implants were placed in 333 patients at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seoul National University Dental Hospital. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates after 10 years of follow-up were computed for healthy vs. medically compromised patients.ResultsThe 10-year follow-up survival rate of 1019 Luna® dental implants in the Korean maxillofacial surgical unit was 97.0% with a mean follow-up of 41.13 ± 35.13 months (0–120 months). The survival rate was 97.0%, in which 31 implants were failed during the follow-up. Cumulative 10-year implant survival rates were 99.4% in healthy individuals without systemic disease and 95.9% in patients with systemic disease.ConclusionsComparable success and survival rates were achieved with those of implants in healthy patients. Preoperative general health assessments including laboratory test results and checking the previous medication records are essential in diagnosing any unrecognized conditions for improved implant success rates in medically compromised patients.

Effects of oral health-related quality of life on total mortality: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe effects of oral health on mortality have been reported; however, the association between mortality and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHQOL) is unknown. We investigated the effect of OHQOL on total mortality in a cohort consisting of dentists.MethodsIn this cohort study, we analyzed data from the Longitudinal Evaluation of Multi-phasic, Odonatological and Nutritional Associations in Dentists study. We conducted a baseline survey of general and oral health factors. We called for 31,178 participants and collected responses from 10,256 participants. We followed up with 10,114 participants (mean age ± standard deviation, 52.4 ± 12.1 years; females, 8.9%) for 7.7 years, until March 2014, to determine the average total mortality. OHQOL was assessed using the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). The total score was divided into quartiles (Q1 ≤ 51.6, Q2 = 51.7–56.7, Q3 = 56.8–59.9, and Q4 = 60.0), with higher GOHAI scores indicating better OHQOL (score range, 12–60). The association between OHQOL and total mortality was analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsWe documented 460 deaths. Males with low GOHAI scores possessed a remarkably high risk of total mortality. The multivariate adjusted-hazard ratios (aHRs), were 1.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 − 3.48) for Q1, 1.69 (95% CI, 0.90 − 3.17) for Q2, and 0.65 (95% CI, 0.29 − 1.46) for Q3, relative to Q4 (trend p = 0.001). The aHRs in the multivariate model with all background variables were 1.69 (95% CI, 1.15–2.46) for Q1, 1.53 (95% CI, 1.04–2.27) for Q2, and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.71–1.70) for Q3, relative to Q4 (trend p = 0.001). In females, there was no significant association between the quartiles, in both the multivariate-adjusted model (trend p = 0.52) and multivariate-adjusted model with all background variables (trend p = 0.79).ConclusionsA lower OHQOL indicated an increased risk of total mortality in dentists. OHQOL may be used as an indicator for selecting treatment plans and personalized care interventions, thus contributing to increased healthy life expectancy.Trial registrationAichi Cancer Center, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, and Hiroshima University (Approval numbers: 33, 632–3, 8–21, and E2019-1603).

Predicting Participation Willingness in Ecological Momentary Assessment of General Population Health and Behavior: Machine Learning Study.

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is widely used in health research to capture individuals' experiences in the flow of daily life. The majority of EMA studies, however, rely on nonprobability sampling approaches, leaving open the possibility of nonrandom participation concerning the individual characteristics of interest in EMA research. Knowledge of the factors that predict participation in EMA research is required to evaluate this possibility and can also inform optimal recruitment strategies. This study aimed to examine the extent to which being willing to participate in EMA research is related to respondent characteristics and to identify the most critical predictors of participation. We leveraged the availability of comprehensive data on a general young adult population pool of potential EMA participants and used and compared logistic regression, classification and regression trees, and random forest approaches to evaluate respondents' characteristic predictors of willingness to participate in the Decades-to-Minutes EMA study. In unadjusted logistic regression models, gender, migration background, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, stress, and prosociality were significant predictors of participation willingness; in logistic regression models, mutually adjusting for all predictors, migration background, tobacco use, and social exclusion were significant predictors. Tree-based approaches also identified migration status, tobacco use, and prosociality as prominent predictors. However, overall, willingness to participate in the Decades-to-Minutes EMA study was only weakly predictable from respondent characteristics. Cross-validation areas under the curve for the best models were only in the range of 0.56 to 0.57. Results suggest that migration background is the single most promising target for improving EMA participation and sample representativeness; however, more research is needed to improve prediction of participation in EMA studies in health.

Requirements, Challenges, and Key Components to Improve Onboard Medical Care Using Maritime Telemedicine: Narrative Review.

Telemedicine has been able to bring healthcare services to all people in far locations such as the sea. Our main objective was to overview the main features, challenges, and requirements of applying telemedicine at sea. The electronic search includes all types of papers published in English. It was performed in four databases with keywords to Feb 2023. Next, main categories were defined to extract major concepts. By mapping extracted themes, maritime telemedicine concepts were represented in two conceptual models. After screening the papers based on title and abstract, 18 articles remained. They can be divided into 13 categories based on their clinical domains. Out of 18 reviewed articles, six articles were published in 2020. The greatest number of studies with five articles was conducted in France. Evidence showed that maritime telemedicine service can be provided to all kinds of ships. Regarding clinical domains, the greatest demand belonged to primary care problems (5 papers) and general health assessment (4 papers). Challenges were divided into four main categories. Moreover, the required services and equipment in four categories were described too. Finally, a conceptual model is represented for providing telemedicine services at sea using satellite Internet. Despite the existing challenges in providing the required equipment and resources for the implementation of maritime medicine, it has an important role in providing better care for seafarers without time limitations.

A multi-level assessment of biological effects associated with mercury concentrations in smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu

Total mercury (THg) was measured in muscle (fillet) and liver tissue of adult smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu collected at multiple sites in the Potomac and Susquehanna River drainages within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Smallmouth bass in these drainages have experienced episodic mortality events, a high prevalence of skin lesions and reproductive endocrine disruption (intersex or testicular oocytes and plasma vitellogenin in males). A multi-level assessment of general and reproductive health including indicators at the organismal, organ, cellular and molecular levels was conducted on adult smallmouth bass during the spring (prespawn) season. Concentrations of THg were correlated with increased visible abnormalities, increased macrophage aggregates and tissue parasite burdens. In male bass positive correlations of THg were observed with plasma vitellogenin and hepatic transcript abundance of estrogen receptor β1 and androgen receptor α, while there was a negative association with estrogen receptors α and β2 and androgen receptors β. In female bass there was a negative correlation between THg and plasma vitellogenin as well as hepatic transcript abundance of vitellogenin, choriogenin, estrogen receptor β2 and 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Associations of THg concentrations with various biological indicators suggest mercury may be an important environmental stressor contributing to the observed adverse effects in smallmouth bass populations.

Top-Ranked Nursing Programs: Curricula Content Analysis

Nursing curricula are in a constant state of evolution to meet stakeholder and population needs. Although general guidelines are available from accrediting organizations, particular curricular features are not mandated. Curricula from top-ranked nursing programs may provide some insight on best practices in curricular design. Curricula from top-ranked undergraduate nursing programs were reviewed for common features using publicly posted institutional materials and quantitative and qualitative analysis. Course requirements in general education, health assessment, pediatric, and mental health care were common across top-ranked programs. Notable differences in nomenclature and concentrations for adult health care were observed. Faculty and administrators may consider the research methodology and variations that were identified in this analysis as a basis for discussion when revising their curricula to meet the needs of future nurses. [J Nurs Educ. 2023;62(4):233-235.].

Health assessment by using medical astrology principles: A community-based survey

Abstract Background: Medical astrology is an extended arm of astrology that helps in understanding the association of various parts of the body, diseases, and disorders with the nature of the sun, moon, planets, and the 12 astrological signs. Despite the extensive availability of astrological literature, research conducted in the field of Vedic Medical astrology remains scarce. The study aimed at providing a general health assessment of participants using astrological principles, thereby implementing statistical analysis to prove the association amongst the same. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of participants toward medical astrology. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, observational study, the Lagna Kundali of the participants was obtained using Astrosage software. The general health of the participants was assessed by implementing medical astrology principles. Thereby, the participants were interviewed for their pre-existing knowledge, level of satisfaction attained, reliability, and willingness to recommend medical astrology using a set of questionnaire. A study score was devised. Results: A total of 131 participants were interviewed, counseled, and analyzed. The study population had a slight male predominance (51.90%). The average age distribution of the study was 31 years (±10.99 years). The average score of the study was 12.38 (out of 20). On the basis of score evaluation, 46% of the total participants (59) showed a “good” response towards knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical astrology, whereas the remaining showed poor response. The correlation between the age of the participants and their familiarity with medical astrology principles was found to be significant (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The level of satisfaction was found to be very high in the majority of participants. Overall scoring was “good” in nearly half of the participants. We conclude that medicine and astrology, hence, if combined will help medical science and can prove to be a good therapeutic branch in the future. However, a lot of research work should be carried out to ensure advancement of medical astrology.

The dose limits of teeth protection for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy based on the early oral health-related quality of life.

Radiation-related teeth damage is a common complication in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) that seriously affects their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). However, few studies have focused on protecting teeth function. This study aimed to calculate dental dose limits based on OHRQoL. Analysis was performed on 96 NPC patients who received RT (all received routine pre-radiotherapy dental interventions in our department). Based on the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), OHRQoL was assigned into poor (<46) and good condition groups (≥46). The binary logistic regression analysis model was used for single-factor and multivariate analyses to identify the independent factors affecting OHRQoL. The cut-off value of dose received by teeth was obtained by drawing a receiver operating characteristic curve. NPC patients experienced a decline in OHRQoL following RT (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis of GOHAI revealed that the average dose of maxillary anterior teeth, the average dose received by the oral cavity, tumor volume (GTVnx), and liking of the sweet food all affected GOHAI (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that the average dose of maxillary anterior teeth and liking sweet food were independent factors that influenced the OHRQoL of NPC patients with RT. When the average dose received by maxillary anterior teeth is greater than 28.78 Gy, and there is a tendency in sweet food, the OHRQoL will deteriorate. NPC patients who received RT had a better OHRQoL if the average dose to maxillary anterior teeth was limited to less than 28.78 Gy and the intake of high-sugar foods was reduced.

Quality of Life Evaluation of Postsurgical Mandibular Fracture Patients with Oral Health Impact Profile 14 and General Oral Health Assessment Index Parameters.

Mandibular fracture is the most common maxillofacial fracture accompanied by complaints of malocclusion and pain. This causes a decrease in the quality of life. Mandibular fracture management can be done with open reduction and internal fixation or intermaxillary fixation. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP 14) and the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) were used to evaluate the quality of life after surgical treatment based on the distribution of age, sex, type of neglect, and surgical management. This research is an analytic study with an analytical observational method with total sampling. The total sample used was 15 patients during the 2006 to 2020 period. The results of this study were scored, and then, the data were processed using the eta test. The results of the study based on the OHIP 14 parameters showed the results of each distribution, namely, age: p = 0.154, gender: p = 0.080, neglected type: p = 0.080, and management: p = 0.419. Meanwhile, the GOHAI parameters showed the results of each distribution, namely, age: p = 0.105, gender: p = 0.356, neglected type: p = 0.356, and management p = 0.286. The results of this distribution showed that there was no significant difference between patients' quality of life based on age, sex, neglected type, and treatment using both OHIP 14 and GOHAI parameters. The results obtained in this study using characteristics of age, gender, type of fracture, type of neglect, and management did not have a significant effect on the level of patient satisfaction after surgery, using both OHIP 14 and GOHAI questionnaires.