General Health Assessment Research Articles

Assessment of Quality of Life and Pain Severity in Older Men with Osteoporosis: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The quality of life in osteoporosis is studied for men rather than for women. Aim of the study was to determine how bone mass density (BMD) relates to life quality components and the severity of pain felt by men affected by osteoporosis. Methods: Presented research is a cross-sectional study. The cohort of 62 men aged 65 to 85 years was divided into a group with osteoporosis (N = 27) and a group without osteoporosis (N = 35). The participants’ quality of life was measured with the Qualeffo41 Questionnaire, BMD was quantified by densitometry, and pain intensity was assessed on the Visual Analogue Scale. Results: We found that lower BMD was strongly correlated to participants’ quality of life (r = −0.72), especially the quality of leisure and social activities (r = −0.66), general health perception (r = −0.59), and mobility (r = −0.57). Pain significantly affected general health perception in older men with osteoporosis. General health assessment and pain were highly correlated with each other (r = 0.888). Conclusion: BMD and the overall quality of life of the study participants were related to each other. The strongest relationship occurred between reduced BMD and leisure and social activities component. The pain significantly affected participants’ general health perception. The results may be employed to create new prophylactic strategies to improve life quality in men with osteoporosis.

Oral health-related quality of life outcomes in a randomized clinical trial to assess a community-based oral hygiene intervention among adults living in low-income senior housing

BackgroundQuality of life outcomes have been used frequently in clinical trials of oral health interventions. This study assessed the effects of a randomized trial on oral health related quality of life comparing an individual-based oral hygiene intervention to a community-based intervention.MethodsParticipants were recruited from six low-income senior housing residences. Buildings were randomly assigned to receive the individual-based intervention followed by the community-based intervention or to receive the community-based intervention followed by the individual intervention. Participants’ oral hygiene was assessed at baseline (T0), one month after the first intervention (T1) and one month after the second intervention (T2) and six months after the T2 assessment (T3). Oral hygiene was measured by the Gingival Index (GI) and Plaque scores (PS). Surveys collected data on beliefs, attitudes, behaviors and self-reported health status at T0, T1 and T2. Only oral hygiene and quality of life, measured by the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), was assessed at all time points. general linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to assess changes in GOHAI over time, the interaction of condition by time and the contribution of psychosocial, behavioral, health status and background variables to changes in GOHAI.Results331 people completed T0 assessments; 306 completed T1; 285 completed T2 and 268 completed T3. Scores on GOHAI at T0 ranged from 10 to 48 with a mean of 39.7 (sd = 7.8) and a median of 42. At T1, mean GOHAI was 40.7 (sd = 8.2), at T2 mean GOHAI was 41.1 (sd = 7.8) and at T3, GOHAI was 42.3 (sd = 8.2). GLMM showed that GOHAI improved significantly from T0 to T3 (p = 0.01) but the time by intervention interaction was not significant indicating that both interventions were effective in improving GOHAI but one intervention was not better than the other. Ethnicity, health status, worries, self-efficacy, number of missing teeth and symptoms of dry mouth were related to improvements in GOHAI. Neither GI nor PS were related to GOHAI.ConclusionsThe participants reported relatively good oral health related quality of life which improved significantly over time. Improvement occurred among all participants regardless of condition, suggesting that either intervention would be effective in future studies.Trial Registry: Clinicaltrials.gov, Clinical Trials ID #NCT02419144; Title: A Bi-level Intervention to Improve Older Adult Oral Health Status; Registered 04/07/2015 URL: https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0005H9X&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0000KBK&ts=2&cx=-rajj5q

Longitudinal impact of oral health on geriatric syndromes and clinical outcomes in community-dwelling older adults

Background Oral health is essential for daily living and plays a pivotal role in overall health conditions and well-being. This study evaluated the impact of self-reported oral health on geriatric conditions, institutionalization, and mortality.MethodsThis study analyzed the population of the Aging Study of Pyeongchang Rural Area that had undergone geriatric assessments between 2016 and 2017. The oral health status of the participants was determined using three items from the General Oral Health Assessment Index, and the participants were classified into three groups according to the total sum of the scores as good (3), fair (4–7), or poor (8–15). The outcomes were the incidence of geriatric syndromes at 2 years and the composite outcome of mortality and institutionalization.ResultsAmong the 1189 participants, 44.1 % were women, and the mean age of the study population was 75.0 years. Good, fair, and poor oral health were observed in 597 (50.2 %), 406 (34.1 %), and 186 (15.6 %) individuals, respectively. Worsening oral health status was associated with the incidences of various geriatric syndromes at follow-up, and these associations were attenuated after adjusting for baseline demographic and geriatric parameters. Similarly, the significant association between baseline oral health status and the incidence of the composite outcome was attenuated after adjusting for demographic and geriatric parameters.ConclusionsOral health affected the geriatric health conditions in this prospective, longitudinal cohort of community-dwelling older adults. The correlations and interactions of oral health status with other functional parameters may deserve consideration as a geriatric domain.

Brain-Immune Interactions as the Basis of Gulf War Illness: Clinical Assessment and Deployment Profile of 1990-1991 Gulf War Veterans in the Gulf War Illness Consortium (GWIC) Multisite Case-Control Study.

The Boston University-based Gulf War Illness Consortium (GWIC) is a multidisciplinary initiative developed to provide detailed understanding of brain and immune alterations that underlie Gulf War illness (GWI), the persistent multisymptom disorder associated with military service in the 1990–1991 Gulf War. The core GWIC case-control clinical study conducted in-depth brain and immune evaluation of 269 Gulf War veterans (223 GWI cases, 46 controls) at three U.S. sites that included clinical assessments, brain imaging, neuropsychological testing, and analyses of a broad range of immune and immunogenetic parameters. GWI cases were similar to controls on most demographic, military, and deployment characteristics although on average were two years younger, with a higher proportion of enlisted personnel vs. officers. Results of physical evaluation and routine clinical lab tests were largely normal, with few differences between GWI cases and healthy controls. However, veterans with GWI scored significantly worse than controls on standardized assessments of general health, pain, fatigue, and sleep quality and had higher rates of diagnosed conditions that included hypertension, respiratory and sinus conditions, gastrointestinal conditions, and current or lifetime depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Among multiple deployment experiences/exposures reported by veterans, multivariable logistic regression identified just two significant GWI risk factors: extended use of skin pesticides in theater (adjusted OR = 3.25, p = 0.005) and experiencing mild traumatic brain injury during deployment (OR = 7.39, p = 0.009). Gulf War experiences associated with intense stress or trauma (e.g., participation in ground combat) were not associated with GWI. Data and samples from the GWIC project are now stored in a repository for use by GWI researchers. Future reports will present detailed findings on brain structure and function, immune function, and association of neuroimmune measures with characteristics of GWI and Gulf War service.

Health screening among children newly granted asylum in Denmark.

To describe the findings and recommendations of the general health assessment (GHA) of newly resettled refugee children in Denmark. This cross-sectional study included children (aged <18years) undergoing GHA from 2017 to 2019 at a university hospital Section of Immigrant Medicine. GHA was offered to all refugees newly resettled in the Municipality of Copenhagen. It comprised of a structured questionnaire, clinical examination, blood test and recommendations. In the study period, 107 children were eligible, 100 children had a GHA performed and of whom all were included in the study. Trauma was reported in 61% (n=61/100) of children. The median duration of the asylum-seeking process was 18months (IQR: 8-24), and the highest number of relocations was nine. Latent tuberculosis (n=2/100 [2%]) was the only infectious disease diagnosed. Specific recommendations for follow-up were frequent and included referral to specialist departments (n=26/100 [26%]), suggestions for family doctor (n=96/100 [96%]) and for municipality (n=62/100 [62%]). Self-reported trauma was frequent among 100 newly resettled refugee children. For most children, the asylum process was protracted and included several relocations. Specific follow-up recommendations were given to the vast majority. GHA may contribute to improving health, which could possibly support integration for the child and family.

Subjctive assessment of the quality of life of patients with rheumatological diseases

Background: Nowadays, rheumatic diseases are increasingly recognized as chronic diseases that lead to disability, reduced quality of life and dependence on others. They are caused by pain, stiffness and reduced mobility in the joints. Early treatment and rehabilitation can improve quality of life, prolong functional abilities and independence.Objectives: Assessment of functioning and quality of life in patients with rheumatologic diseases.Material and methods: The study group consisted of 200 patients diagnosed with rheumatological disease. The research method was the diagnostic survey method. As a technique, the survey technique was used, and the tool for collecting data from patients was a questionnaire, consisting of two parts: a questionnaire and a standardized quality of life questionnaire SF-36.Results: By far the greatest in the study group of patients were limitations in the performance of roles due to physical health (score at the average level of 96.8%) and also limitations due to emotional problems (score at the average level of 72.0%) classified as high. The severity of the study patients' limitations in physical functioning (50.6%), severity of pain (56.0%), assessment of general health (53.0%) and vitality (53.5%) were rated at medium level. The study patients' limitations in social functioning (34.8%) and mental health (46.2%) were relatively low.Conclusions: The quality of life of patients with rheumatologic diseases is rated at an average level, the physical dimension was rated worse by older people and better by people with higher education.

Determining the factors associated with oral health-related quality of life in Chinese elders: Findings from the fourth national survey.

The purpose of this study was to assess the associations between the self-reported oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of older Chinese people and their socio-economic status and oral health using data collected in the 4th National Oral Health Survey. After multistage stratified cluster sampling, 4332 adults aged 65-74years participated in the study. After a clinical examination, the participants completed a structured questionnaire. A Mandarin version of the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was included in the questionnaire. Clinical examinations were carried out using the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the associations of the clinical and socio-demographic variables with the GOHAI scores of the participants. The weighted mean (SE) GOHAI score was 51.6 (0.0). Female sex and having more than 10 missing teeth, unrestored tooth spaces, more than 10 decayed teeth and a periodontal pocket ≥6mm were negatively associated with the GOHAI score, while having a higher education level and living in the Eastern region of China were positively associated with the GOHAI score. After adjustment for confounders, the OHRQoL of older Chinese individuals was mainly affected by untreated dental caries and the loss of teeth. Older Chinese individuals who were male, had a higher education level, were from the Eastern region, had no unrestored tooth spaces or deep periodontal pockets and had fewer decayed or missing teeth had higher GOHAI scores, indicating better OHRQoL.

Fault Detection and Health Assessment of Equipment Based on Fuzzy DPCA Spatial Eigenvalue Similarity

To improve the fault recognition rate of the dynamic principal component spatial data drive method, a fault diagnosis and equipment health status assessment method based on similarity fuzzy dynamics principal component analysis was proposed. First, the data are fuzzified according to the error function, and an augmented matrix is constructed. The eigenvalues are decomposed to obtain a score matrix and residual matrix of the fuzzy principal component. Further, the similarity between fault data and normal data is calculated. Meanwhile, a health assessment of the equipment is realized. The contribution rate of the observed variables is calculated. Finally, general Tennessee Eastman data and health assessment of a hydraulic press are used to validate the algorithm. The results show that the SFDPCA has a 100 % fault recognition rate for some faults, and the recognition rate for other faults is also higher than that of DPCA-Diss, DPCA-SPE, and PCA-SPE. The SDDPCA accurately identifies abnormal phenomena. It can determine the health level of prefilling and effectively make up for the shortcomings of PCA − T 2 , PCA-SPE, DPCA-Diss, and other methods and also can be applied to data-driven fault diagnosis to improve the fault recognition rate.

Oral Health and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Control Study.

Introduction:Association between oral health and rheumatoid arthritis is well established. Oral health-related quality of life was determined in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Materials and Methods:This study was conducted among 45 patients (males 25 and female 20) (Group I) of RA and 45 healthy participants as control (Group II). Disease activity score 28 test, health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), and general oral health assessment index (GOHAI) questionnaire were applied.Results:The mean HAQ score in Group I was 1.14 and in Group II was 0.36. The mean GOHAI score in Group I was 36.4 and in Group II was 52.8. The mean HAQ in males was 0.94 and in females was 34.6. The mean GOHAI in males was 12.6 and in females was 38.2. In Group I, there were 15 patients with HAQ level 1 and 30 with HAQ level 2 and in Group II was 40 with HAQ levels 1 and 5 with HAQ level 2. In Group I, 42 had Dt GOHAI = 0 and 3 had Dt GOHAI = 1 and in Group II, 10 had Dt GOHAI = 0 and 35 had Dt GOHAI = 1. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean value of HAQ and GOHAI in degree of disease activity (P < 0.05). There was an increase in HAQ and decreases GOHAI scores with the deterioration of disease. There was a correlation between age and involved joints with HAQ and inverse relationship between age and involved joints with GOHAI.Conclusion:Authors found that RA patients had poor oral health quality of life. It was found that aging and with the deterioration of disease, GOHAI, and the oral health quality of life of patients decreased.

The Long-Term Recovery of Parotid Glands in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated by Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy.

BackgroundXerostomia is one of the most common adverse events of radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. There have been many reports on functional changes of the parotid gland after radiation therapy, but there have been few reports on the volume of the parotid gland and its relationship with oral quality of life (QOL) and even fewer reports on longitudinal change of the parotid gland volume. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term change of the parotid gland volume after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the relationship between parotid irradiation dose and xerostomia symptoms.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 26 patients with nasopharyngeal cancer treated by IMRT. Longitudinal changes of parotid gland volumes after IMRT were evaluated on CT images. The parotid gland volumes in each period were converted to the ratio to parotid gland volumes before radiotherapy (relative parotid volume). Dunnett’s test was used to evaluate the longitudinal changes in relative parotid volumes at 0-6, 7-18, 19-30, 31-42, 43-54 and 55-66 months after IMRT. We assessed xerostomia 3 years or more after IMRT by measuring the degree of oral moisture using a moisture-checking device (Mucus, Life Co., Ltd.) and oral QOL evaluation by GOHAI (General Oral Health Assessment Index).ResultsThe relative parotid volumes during radiotherapy and at 0-6, 7-18, 19-30, 31-42, 43-54 and 55-66 months after IMRT were 75.2 ± 14.3%, 67.2 ± 11.4%, 68.5 ± 15.9%, 72.4 ± 14.8%, 73.0 ± 13.8%, 76.2 ± 17.5%, and 77.1% ± 17.3%, respectively. The parotid volume had recovered significantly at 43-54 and 55-66 months after IMRT, especially in parotids receiving less than 40 Gy as the mean dose. The mean irradiated dose for bilateral parotids showed negative correlations with oral QOL score and oral moisture after a long period.ConclusionsThe parotid volume recovered gradually but had not reached a plateau even 3 years after radiotherapy, especially in parotids receiving less than 40 Gy as the mean dose.

Occurrence of Mycoplasmas in Galapagos Sea Lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) and their Association with Other Respiratory Pathogens.

During the 2018 breeding season, an outbreak of respiratory disease occurred among Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) that inhabit rookeries near urban areas with introduced fauna such as dogs and cats. Several sea lions had nasal discharge and respiratory distress and were in poor body condition. Eighteen sea lions were captured for a general health assessment including collection of blood for serology and nasal discharge for culture and PCR. Samples were analyzed for 15 respiratory pathogens known to infect cats, dogs, and marine mammals. There was no evidence for interspecies pathogen transmission between Galapagos sea lions and domestic animals. Several bacterial pathogens associated with respiratory tract infection in the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) were isolated. Mycoplasma spp. were identified by PCR in nasal discharge samples but were not the species commonly found in cats and dogs.

Effects of test experience, closed-arm wall color, and illumination level on behavior and plasma corticosterone response in an elevated plus maze in male C57BL/6J mice: a challenge against conventional interpretation of the test

The elevated plus maze test is a widely used test for assessing anxiety-like behavior and screening novel therapeutic agents in rodents. Previous studies have shown that a variety of internal factors and procedural variables can influence elevated plus maze behavior. Although some studies have suggested a link between behavior and plasma corticosterone levels, the relationships between them remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of experience with a battery of behavioral tests, the wall color of the closed arms, and illumination level on the behavior and plasma corticosterone responses in the elevated plus maze in male C57BL/6J mice. Mice were either subjected to a series of behavioral tests, including assessments of general health and neurological function, a light/dark transition test, and an open field test, or left undisturbed until the start of the elevated plus maze test. The mice with and without test battery experience were allowed to freely explore the elevated plus maze. The other two independent groups of naïve mice were tested in mazes with closed arms with different wall colors (clear, transparent blue, white, and black) or different illumination levels (5, 100, and 800 lx). Immediately after the test, blood was collected to measure plasma corticosterone concentrations. Mice with test battery experience showed a lower percentage of open arm time and entries and, somewhat paradoxically, had lower plasma corticosterone levels than the mice with no test battery experience. Mice tested in the maze with closed arms with clear walls exhibited higher open arm exploration than mice tested in the maze with closed arms with black walls, while there were no significant differences in plasma corticosterone levels between the different wall color conditions. Illumination levels had no significant effects on any measure. Our results indicate that experience with other behavioral tests and different physical features of the maze affect elevated plus maze behaviors. Increased open arm time and entries are conventionally interpreted as decreased anxiety-like behavior, while other possible interpretations are considered: open arm exploration may reflect heightened anxiety and panic-like reaction to a novel situation under certain conditions. With the possibility of different interpretations, the present findings highlight the need to carefully consider the test conditions in designing experiments and drawing conclusions from the behavioral outcomes in the elevated plus maze test in C57BL/6J mice.

Is there a need of health assessments for resettling refugees? A cross-sectional study of 1431 refugees who arrived in Denmark between 2014 and 2018

BackgroundRefugees have increased health risks due to factors related to their country of origin, the migration itself and the receiving country. Based on systematic general health assessments of newly arrived refugees, we aimed to study the characteristics with regard to background, migration and health needs. MethodsAll refugees (children/adolescents and adults) arriving in Aarhus, Denmark from 1 January 2014 to 1 November 2018 were offered a general health assessment by a doctor including: medical history, a physical examination and blood samples. ResultsA cohort of 1431 (of 1618 invited, (88.4%) participants accepted the health assessment. The most commonly found health conditions in children were vitamin D deficiency (28.3%), elevated serum-IgE (34%) and lack of immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases (measles 20.1%, polio 3.9%). In adults, vitamin D deficiency (34.6%), IgE elevation (30%), latent tuberculosis (20.3%) and symptoms of PTSD (15.9%) were most prevalent. We found participants from Southern Asia (Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan) to be overrepresented with regard to vitamin D deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency and symptoms of PTSD. Furthermore, we found that origin in Africa was associated with latent tuberculosis. In total, 63.8% of examined refugees had one or more health problems requiring further testing, treatment or follow-up. ConclusionsA comprehensive health assessment among recently arrived refugees showed multiple health issues to address, and demonstrates the need of systematic health assessments for resettling refugees.

Assessment Of General Ocular Health And Visual Status Of The Small-Scale Industrial Workers

BACKGROUND: Incidence of visual disorders in industrial workers may result in visual loss, anguish, reduced manpower, man hours and economic loss. Most of these hazards are preventable if adequate precautionary measures are taken. [8,11] Worker’s eyes may be exposed to a variety of dangerous agents depending on the type of industry which may constitute an occupational hazard. According to OSHA, personal protective equipment is devices design to protect workers’ eyes from severe work place injury or illness resulting from contact with metal splash, chemical splash, dust, flying particle or radiation. [14,16] So the aim of the study is to assess Ocular Health, Visual & Refractive status of the workers working in the metal machinery (small scale) industries. METHODS: A clinical examination of the workers was accompanied by detailed occupational history in the small scale & tiny sector metal machinery industries. Visual acuity was measured using Snellen’s chart for distance and N notation reading chart for near. Color vision testing was done with Pseudoisochromatic-Ishihara chart. Anterior segment of eye was examining with the help of torch light and SLE. Fundus evaluation was done with the help of direct ophthalmoscope. Objective & Subjective Refraction was performed using Retinoscope and trial case. Stereopsis was measured with the help of Titmus Fly test. RESULTS: Hundred and eighty small scale industry workers were screened. Among them, all were male with a mean age (45.5 ± 11.31 years). 74% showed Visual impairment. The most common visual disorders were uncorrected presbyopia 65% (117), uncorrected refractive error 59% (106) out of which 17% (30) were already use their own spectacle prescription remaining 42% (76) were prescribed new spectacle. Color vision defect was found in 2% (3). Out of hundred and eighty only 11% (19) of the workers were use protective eye wear, remaining 89% (161) of them were never use protective eye wears on daily basis. CONCLUSION:This study concluded that uncorrected refractive error and uncorrected presbyopia was high among workers as they are not aware about eye health and safety measures for the occupation. The use of safety eye devices is low among workers and recommends that process about awareness and implementation of ocular safety in these industries is established as occupational protective measures are important for metal machinery industrial workers who are at a high risk of eye injuries. It is recommended that, there is a need to review the design, and reinforce the strict implementation of occupational eye safety programs.

Letter to the Editor: THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS.

Letter to the Editor: THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS.

Comparison for oral health-related quality of life in fibromyalgia subgroups according to fibromyalgia impact questionnaire: A preliminary study

Aim: This study aimed to compare the relationship between the severity of fibromyalgia and oral health-related quality of life in participant subgroups according to the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire.. Materials and Methods: Forty female participants aged 46.18±8.91 years old who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia were included in the study. Demographic data, education status, smoking, systemic anamnesis, employment status was recorded. Decayed, missing and filled teeth index values, periodontal situation and removable prosthesis conditions were evaluated. Participants were asked to fill three self-reported questionnaires: the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, oral health impact profile-14 and general oral health assessment index scores. Fibromyalgia subgroups were classified as FM-Type I and FM-Type II according to the Souza et al classification. The primary outcome of which relationship between subcategorize of oral health related quality of life indexes and fibromyalgia impact questionnaire values were evaluated with Spearman correlation analysis. Results: The total value of oral health impact profile-14 was found to be 12.25±9.17 in the FM-Type I group and 19.74±10.48 in the FM-Type II group. There was a statistically significant relationship between fibromyalgia subgroups and oral health impact profile-14 psychological impacts (p=0.031) and total values (p=0.023). The values of total fibromyalgia impact questionnaire scores were obtained on a wide scale between 34.08 and 93.34, and the mean value was measured as 67.06 ± 16.06. The fibromyalgia impact questionnaire median cut-off score was detected as 66.42 according to ROC analysis.Conclusion: The higher negative oral health related quality of life values were observed in participants more severely affected by fibromyalgia. In addition to medical and psychiatric treatment of fibromyalgia participants, evaluation of dental conditions may be suggested.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Adult Orang Asli in Jelebu, Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACTAims:This study aimed at exploring the self-perception of Orang Asli (OA) from the Temuan tribe in Jelebu by using the Global Self-rated Oral Health (GSROH) and General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI).Materials and Methods:It was a cross-sectional study involving a two-stage sampling to select the district and villages. A total of 325 participants were selected based on convenience sampling.Results:Almost half of the participants rated their oral health as poor or average. The mean GOHAI score was 52.96 (±7.749), ranging from 29 to 60. The GOHAI score was statistically significantly lower for female gender (P = 0.025), lower education level (P = 0.001), and elderly (P = 0.001). The GSROH score was also statistically significant with GOHAI score (P = 0.001).Conclusions:A limited number of studies were conducted in this area, particularly in the vulnerable population of OA. Our study found that half of the OA living in the fringe had a poor GOHAI score. It is, therefore, suggested that potential study and intervention programs concentrate on the low GOHAI score group; the male, lower educational context, and the elderly.

Impact of dental care on oral health perception, quality of life and behavior: An observational study in a nigerian rural community

Objective: Dental care may improve oral health behavior because of its potential to influence oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and self-perception. The study objective was to examine the impact of dental care on OHRQoL and self-perception and their consequent effect on oral health behavior in rural dwelling adults. Methods: Randomly selected 403 participants were examined pre- and post-uptake of dental care in Udo rural community. Information on oral health behavior was obtained with questionnaires. Global rating of oral health and General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) were used to measure self-perceived oral health and OHRQoL. Normative assessment was done according to the World Health Organization Oral Health Survey criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM) version 21.0 at 95% confidence interval (CI) and test for significance set at (P

Quality of life in irradiated patients with head and neck cancer: A preliminary study about the impact of prosthetic rehabilitation

BackgroundOral quality of life is of great importance in head and neck cancer, where each patient combines functional, social and esthetic needs. Our study aimed to evaluate the influence of prosthetic and/or maxillofacial rehabilitation on patients’ perceived oral quality of life. Material and MethodsThe General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was used in 28 patients with head and neck cancer who had undergone radiotherapy, recruited at La Timone University Hospital, Marseille, France, and who required prosthetic rehabilitation. The questionnaire was completed at three timepoints in the study: before insertion of the prosthesis (T0), then one week (T1) and three months after insertion (T2). ResultsThe percentage of patients with poor quality of oral health decreased from 96.4% to 64.3% between T0 and T1. Between T0 and T1, the mean score of the psychosocial component of the GOHAI increased from 14.28 ± 4.51 to 20.14 ± 5.20 and the mean functional component score increased from 9.32 ± 3.86 to 12.07 ± 4.04. ConclusionsProsthetic rehabilitation appeared to have a positive impact on oral quality of life in our study subjects, particularly on social relations and self-esteem. Its influence on pain and discomfort remains to be clarified. This preliminary study gives a prospective view of the impact of prosthetic rehabilitation in patients with head and neck cancer who had undergone radiotherapy. Analysis of data yielded by cross-referencing of different questionnaires should make it possible to refine these results. Key words:GOHAI, quality of life, head and neck cancer, prosthetic rehabilitation.

The result of prospective randomized study CITADEL - the efficacy and safety of drug cytoflavin in postcovid rehabilitation

To investigate the structure of postcovid syndrome, age and gender characteristics of its course, and to assess the effect of Cytoflavin on the clinical course of neurological disorders in patients who have undergone COVID-19. The study included 100 patients, the average age was 40.4±11.7 years, there were statistically more men than women. The duration of the transferred SARS-CoV-2 days is from 30 to 90 days from the date of recovery). By random sampling, the patients were divided into two groups, the main group, received Cytoflavin tablets, a course of 25 days, 2 tablets 2 times a day. Comparison group - other drugs (vitamins, nootropic drugs). All patients were examined on the day of treatment and 25-30 days after the end of therapy. The status was assessed using Asthenia Assessment Scale (MFI-20), Brief Mental Status Assessment Scale (MMSE), Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D), General Health Assessment Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The analysis of laboratory parameters was carried out retrospectively. Postcovid syndrome was more common in men, among comorbid conditions arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis prevailed, neurocognitive and autonomic disorders predominated. Appointment of Cytoflavin made it possible to achieve a pronounced anti-asthenic effect with the correction of cognitive impairments, which was reflected in a significantly more significant positive dynamics of indicators of all scales. An additional effect of Cytoflavin was revealed - a decrease in the severity of thrombocytopenia. During the observation period, no patient had any serious adverse events or side effects associated with taking the drug. Prescription of the drug does not require age-related dose adjustment and is well combined with basic therapy for concomitant pathology.