Poor Hygiene Research Articles

Evaluation of predisposing factors in patients with ingrown toenails: a prospective, case-control study.

Ingrown toenails (IGTN) are a prevalent, debilitating nail disorder that occurs when the edge of the nail plate grows abnormally to penetrate the periungual dermis. Multiple risk factors have been identified in the etiology. In this study, we aimed to investigate the risk factors that predispose patients to IGTN. This prospective, case-control study consisted of 130 patients with IGTN and 130 age- and sex-matched controls. The sociodemographic data, clinical features, and predisposing factors were questioned. Multivariate logistic regression (Enter and Forward: LR) analysis was applied to determine the risk factors related to IGTN. The IGTN group comprised 63 (48.5%) females and 67 (51.5%) males with a median age of 31 (IQR = 28.25) years. The most common type of IGTN in the study group was distal-lateral ingrowing in 115 (88.5%) patients. The median duration of IGTN was 5.5 (IQR = 10) months. In the multivariate regression analyses, the presence of improper nail trimming (OR: 7.063; 95% CI: 3.604-13.843), presence of hyperhidrosis (OR: 2.648; 95% CI: 1.198-5.853), poor foot hygiene (OR: 4.873; 95% CI: 2.271-10.456), presence of foot/toe deformity (OR: 5.413; 95% CI: 1.508-19.427), presence of increased curvature of the nails (OR: 2.588; 95% CI: 1.024-6.543), presence of onychomycosis (OR: 3.506; 95% CI: 1.267-9.705), increase in BMI (OR: 1.126; 95% CI: 1.038-1.221) were found to be the predisposing factors that increased the risk of IGTN. Improper nail trimming, hyperhidrosis, poor foot hygiene, onychomycosis, increased curvature of the nails, foot/toe deformity and increase in BMI were found to contribute significantly to the etiopathogenesis of the disease. Considering that most of these risk factors were modifiable, informing the public about risk factors will reduce the frequency of IGTN, and modifying risk factors in patients will enable rapid control of the disease and reduce recurrences.

A chewing gum containing ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid (EDTA), methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) and xylitol works comparable to chlorehexidine mouthrinse.

Dental plaque provides a proper environment for the growth and activity of bacteria responsible for periodontal diseases and caries. As a result, it should be removed by individuals to prevent periodontal diseases and caries. There are different mechanical and chemical plaque control methods. In one study is shown that dental plaque removal efficacy of dentifrice containing Ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid(EDTA)/Methylsulfonylmethane(MSM) was nearly five times that of commercially available fluoride toothpaste. In another study, authors found that xylitol-containing chewing gums caused a marked reduction in the count of Streptococcus Mutans compared to conventional ones. This difference was highly prominent in individuals with poor oral hygiene. In this study we assessed the synergic effects of Xylitol, EDTA and MSM in a chewing gum in comparison with chlorhexidine mouthwash. This study was a crossover, randomized clinical trial. Twenty-four patients were divided in two groups randomly. At the baseline scaling and root planing was done for each patient. Group1 used chlorhexidine mouthwash twice a day. Group2 used novel chewing gum for 15min twice a day. After 14 days, for every patient O'leary plaque index, gingival index and sulcus bleeding index were reevaluated and recorded. Professional brushing was done for patients. 14 days were considered as wash-out period. After that, method of plaque control of groups was changed. After 14 days, all patients were reevaluated and recorded and were compared with previous data. Samples in 2 groups had no significant difference in age and sex. Paired sample t test revealed that there were significant differences between first and second period for O'leary plaque index, gingival index and sulcus bleeding index in Group1 (P < 0.05). But in Group2 there were no differences between first and second period for all indexes. Also independent sample t test showed that there were no significant differences between baseline, after first treatment and after second one for all indexes in both groups (P > 0.05). According to regression model results, type of treatment had no effect on mean of all indexes. According to our findings which showed the similar efficiency of novel chewing gum and chlorhexidine mouthwash in improving and reducing plaque and gingival indexes, we can conclude that novel chewing gum can be introduced as an effective, cheap and accessible tool for dental plaque control.

Tężec w Polsce w latach 2020-2022

BackgroundTetanus is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium &lt;i&gt;Clostridium tetani,&lt;/i&gt; which produces a neurotoxin (tetanospasmin) that causes spastic paralysis. This disease can only be prevented by vaccination. Tetanus is very rare in EU countries, where it mainly affects people over 60 years of age. Tetanus is a serious health problem in countries with low vaccination rates and poor hygiene conditions, and neonatal tetanus is a particularly significant problem in these countries. In Poland, according to the Vaccination Program, mandatory vaccinations against tetanus should be given to children and adolescents up to the age of 19.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of tetanus in Poland in 2020-2022.Material and methodsThe assessment of the epidemiological situation of tetanus in Poland in 2020-2022 was made based on the interpretation of data from the annual bulletins "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland" for 2020-2022 and the bulletins "Vaccinations in Poland" for 2020-2022 as well as data from individual epidemiological reports on diseases registered in the "Epibaza" system.ResultsIn 2020, 2 cases of tetanus were registered in Poland, in 2021 – 5 cases, and in 2022 also 5 cases. The total incidence in 2020 was 0.005 per 100 000 people, in 2021 and 2022 – 0.013 per 100 000 and was lower compared to the median for 2015-2019 (0.031). In 2020-2021, all reports concerned hospitalized people, while in 2022 one person was treated as an outpatient. No cases were recorded in people under 30 years of age.ConclusionsIn Poland, a decrease in the number of reported tetanus cases was observed in 2020-2022 compared to previous years. Sporadic tetanus cases in Poland are recorded mainly in older age groups but also occur among adults under 60 years of age. The cases can be associated with the lack of booster vaccinations in adults.

Indices for complete dentures after cleaning at home

Background: According to experts, there are more than 350 million fully edentulous patients globally, accounting for 7% of the world population. Edentulous patients require dentures to maintain a good quality of life. Complete dentures need to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent their microbial contamination and inflammatory complications. Aim: To assess the efficacy of Anolit ANK Super solution for cleaning complete dentures at home. Materials and Methods: The hygiene of complete dentures was assessed using the Ulitovsky–Leontiev index. The efficacy of cleaning complete dentures with Anolit ANK Super solution compared to 0.05% chlorhexidine bigluconate solution was assessed. Moreover, statistical analysis methods were used: normality test; threshold value, or baseline significance level p=0.05; intragroup comparison (6 comparisons) with the Bonferroni correction (critical p=0.0083). Results: When assessing the hygiene of dentures using the Ulitovsky–Leontiev index, the denture cleanliness index (DCI) changed from 4.65 points (poor denture hygiene) to 3.50 points (satisfactory denture hygiene) after one month of using Anolit ANK Super solution. After three months of using Anolit ANK Super solution, the DCI changed from 3.50 points (satisfactory denture hygiene) to 2.60 points (good denture hygiene). After six months of using Anolit ANK Super solution, the DCI changed from 2.60 points (good denture hygiene) to 1.55 points (very good denture hygiene). After one month of using 0.05% chlorhexidine bigluconate solution, the DCI changed from 4.85 points (poor denture hygiene) to 4.40 points (poor denture hygiene) (p=0.0083). After three months of using 0.05% chlorhexidine bigluconate solution, the DCI changed from 4.40 points (poor denture hygiene) to 3.50 points (satisfactory denture hygiene) (p=0.0083). After six months of using 0.05% chlorhexidine bigluconate solution, the DCI changed from 3.50 points (satisfactory denture hygiene) to 2.60 points (good denture hygiene) (p=0.0083). Conclusion: The follow-up revealed that, with similar duration of exposure to test solutions, Anolit ANK Super solution for cleaning dentures at home used for 6 months decreased the DCI threefold from baseline (p=0.000002) and improved denture hygiene from poor to good.

Gender differences in periodontal pocket microflora in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis

Background: Periodontal disease, the primary cause of tooth loss, is a critical public health concern with a considerable impact on quality of life. It is of interest to explore gender differences in the course of inflammatory periodontal diseases, as well as the prospects of their personalized treatment and prevention in males and females. Aim: To assess the dental health and quantitative composition of periodontal pocket microflora in periodontitis patients, taking into account gender differences. Materials and Methods: The study included 39 patients with moderate chronic generalized periodontitis aged 40–60 years. The diagnosis was made using both primary and secondary dental diagnostic tools. The study had two groups: males (41%, n=16) and females (59%, n=23). The following parameters were assessed: oral hygiene index (OHI-S), severity of gingival inflammation (PMA), and quantitative composition of periodontal pocket microflora (DENTOSCREEN, “Lytech” Co. Ltd., Russia), taking into account gender differences. The study findings were statistically processed using Microsoft Office Excel 2016 with Data Analysis and AtteStat 12.0.5 add-ins. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used. The data are presented as median and interquartile range: Me [Q1; Q3]. The frequency of microorganisms is presented as percentage of the mean and standard error of the mean. The confidence interval was calculated using the Wald method, according to the formula for proportions and frequencies. For small values, the Wald method with Agresti–Coull correction was used. Samples were compared using the following tests: the Mann–Whitney U test was used for quantitative data and Fisher’s angular transformation (φ*emp) for frequency (nominal) attributes. Significant differences were defined as a probability 95% (p 0.05). Results: The quantitative composition of periodontal pocket microflora in patients with moderate periodontitis revealed significant gender differences, as demonstrated by an increase in the count of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia, as well as the frequency of Porphyromonas gingivalis, in males compared to females (φ*emp=1.736; p 0.05). Dental health indices confirmed the hypothesis of significant differences between males and females in terms of plaque index (OHI-S) and РМА. In males, poor oral hygiene was reported in 93.7% cases, which was significantly higher (φ*emp=2.04; p 0.05) than in females (69.6%). Moderate gingival inflammation was more prevalent in males, while mild gingival inflammation was more prevalent in females (p 0.05). Conclusion: The study findings emphasize the importance of oral hygiene in the prevention of chronic periodontitis and can be used to improve complex treatment algorithms for patients with periodontal diseases. This includes more frequent dental check-ups and professional oral care sessions, as well as oral hygiene training and monitoring, in males compared to females. Diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction allows for the identification and quantitative determination of DNA from periodontopathogenic bacteria at low concentrations, as well as the justification of treatment algorithms and prediction of treatment outcomes.

Analysis of Factors Related to the Incidence of Dermatitis in Adolescents in Namo Buaya Village Sultan Daulat District

Introduction: Contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory condition of the skin due to exposure to allergens or irritants that trigger an immune response and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes. Objective: This study aims to determine the factors associated with contact dermatitis in Namo Buaya Village Sultan Daulat District, Subulussalam City in 2024. Based on data from the Sultan Daulat Health Center in January Until May 2024, 1 08 adolescent patients were recorded diagnosed with contact dermatitis. Method: This study was an analytical observational study with a case control design. The sample of this research was 194 respondents were divided into 97 case groups and 97 control groups (1:1 ratio). Data collection was conducted on June 3-8, 2024 using a questionnaire and analyzed using the Chi-Square test. Results: Univariate results showed that (50%) of respondents suffered from dermatitis, (57.2%) had unqualified water, (50.5%) were exposed to chemicals, (55.7%) were female, (52.6%) had secondary education, (51%) were unemployed and (56.2%) had poor personal hygiene. Bivariate results showed that there was a relationship between water characteristics (p -value = 0.006, OR = 0.444), chemical exposure (p - value = 0.022, OR = 0.514), gender (p -value = 0.021, OR = 0.509), parental education (p -value = 0.028, OR = 0.570), occupation (p - value = 0.031, OR = 0.536), and personal hygiene (p -value = 0.002, OR = 0.409) with dermatitis. Conclusion: This study concludes that all variables have a relationship with dermatitis in Namo Buaya Village, Sultan Daulat District, Subulussalam City in 2024. It is hoped that health workers will provide education about dermatitis, water characteristics, exposure to chemicals, gender, education, occupation, personal hygiene, and the community maintains personal hygiene to prevent the disease.

Poor sleep hygiene practice and associated factors among adults with epilepsy attending follow up care at Mettu Karl comprehensive specialized hospitals in Illu Ababora Zone and general hospital in Buno Bedele zone, Southwest Ethiopia’

BackgroundGlobally, sleep disorders are an important global public health problem. Poor sleep hygiene is at the core of chronic insomnia and other sleep disorders. Sleep hygiene practices are effective, practical, and affordable, and have no side effects other than other therapies benefiting patients with epilepsy. However, there is no research regarding sleep hygiene practice and its awareness among people with epilepsy in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess sleep hygiene practice and its factors in patients with epilepsy.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted. The study included 424 participants selected through systematic random sampling. An interviewer-administered Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) questionnaire was used to collect data.The collected data was analyzed using SPSS Version 25.0. Bi-variable and multi-variable analyses were conducted to identify factors related to poor sleep hygiene.ResultsThe frequency of poor sleep hygiene practice among people with epilepsy was 59.5%. Non-adherence to AED (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.23), depression (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.42, 4.21), poor sleep quality (AOR = 5.7, 95% CI: 3.12, 10.01), anxiety (AOR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.67, 4.82), and current alcohol drinkers (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.27, 3.13) were associated with poor sleep hygiene practice.Conclusion and recommendationThe perception of sleep hygiene practice among patients with epilepsy was poor. Non-adherence to AED, depression, poor sleep quality, anxiety, and current use of alcohol were associated with poor sleep hygiene practices. Therefore, regular screening, sleep issue management, and expanded mental health support are crucial. Training programs and awareness strategies to improve sleep hygiene are highly recommended. Professionals should incorporate sleep hygiene in epilepsy care.

Parental Stress in Autistic Children with Poor Oral Hygiene: A Pilot Study to Develop and Validate a Measurement Scale

Background/Objectives: Research indicates that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit a deficiency in skills and initiative when it comes to adhering to daily oral hygiene routines. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of oral pathologies, thereby placing a significant emotional strain on their parents. In addition to the typical stress they already experience, parents of children with ASD are also burdened with pediatric oral health issues. However, a review of the literature reveals a lack of studies measuring stress in parents of children whose oral health affects their autistic condition. This research aimed to design and to validate a stress scale for parents of autistic children with poor oral hygiene. Methods: The study used an exploratory, non-experimental design to validate and determine the reliability of the scale. Scale reliability was assessed through a cross-sectional pilot test to evaluate internal scale consistency, with a focus on item similarity. We used Aiken’s V to estimate the validity of the scale, and Cronbach’s α for calculating scale reliability. Calculations, estimations, and statistical analysis were conducted using SPSS. Results: Expert validation, a pilot test, and a cross-sectional, non-experimental design established the reliability of the scale. Conclusions: We conclude that the 20-item scale exhibits validity (0.95) and reliability (0.965), ensuring its applicability in future research.

The impact of oral health on depression: A systematic review.

As of 2020, about 21% of adults in the United States have a diagnosable mental health disorder, excluding substance use and developmental disorders. Depression, predicted by the WHO to be the leading cause of disease burden by 2030, is linked to various systemic conditions and has been associated with poor oral health. Both behavioral factors, like poor dental hygiene and irregular visits, and biological mechanisms, such as changes in salivary immunity, contribute to this connection, which impacts overall well-being and quality of life. This systematic review aims include: (1) Does tooth loss affect depression? (2) Does oral pain, such as that experienced during chewing and speaking, impact depression? (3) Does oral functionality, including chewing and speaking, influence depression? (4) Does overall oral health affect depression? We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EBSCO host, Medline, and Google Scholar databases from January 2000 to June 2024 using relevant keywords. Studies examining the impact of oral health parameters (tooth loss, oral pain, oral functionality, overall oral health) on depression were included. Articles were included if (1) full text manuscripts in English were available, (2) the study described the association of oral health and depression, and (3) the independent value was an oral related factor and the dependent value was depression. The following were excluded from our analysis: (1) any articles where oral factors were not the independent value, (2) systematic reviews, (3) case reports, and (4) duplicate studies among our databases. Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Tooth loss, oral pain, and impaired oral functionality were consistently associated with increased depressive symptoms across the included studies. Greater tooth loss was linked to higher odds of both onset and progression of depression. Oral pain exacerbated depressive symptoms, while difficulties in chewing or speaking were associated with elevated risks of depression. There is a bidirectional relationship between oral health and depression, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive public health initiatives. Integrating oral health assessments into routine medical care, and developing targeted interventions are crucial steps to mitigate the impact of poor oral health on mental health outcomes.

Implementation and Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Oral Hygiene Program for Schoolchildren: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Good oral hygiene is essential for schoolchildren's well-being. However, lack of knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor oral hygiene practices may predispose to oral-related diseases. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a nurse-led oral hygiene program on schoolchildren's knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A quasi-experimental design with pre-and-post-test was used. Using the convenience sampling technique, we recruited 400 schoolchildren, aged 11-12 and in grades 5-6, from two primary schools in Egypt. The study was conducted from September 2022 to May 2023. The Oral Hygiene Program served as the primary intervention. This program contains health education topics (e.g., the importance of oral hygiene, techniques for effective tooth brushing, and dietary choices that promote dental health). Three visits were conducted (Visit 1: introduction of the program purpose and objectives and pre-test scores collection, Visit 2: implementation of oral hygiene topics, and Visit 3: post-test scores collection). We used three self-report instruments (Oral Health Knowledge Questionnaire, Hiroshima University's Dental Behavioral Inventory, and Oral Health Practice Questionnaire) for pre- and post-test. Paired T test and Pearson correlation analysis were used for data analysis. After the intervention program, the oral hygiene program effectively enhanced schoolchildren's knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The post-intervention mean scores were 7.83±0.488 (knowledge), 6.63±1.7 (practices), and 9.33±1.1 (attitudes). High statistically significant differences were noted between schoolchildren's oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices before and after implementing the program (p=0.000). There were enhancements in the level of knowledge, with improved positive attitudes and satisfactory practices among schoolchildren after the implementation of the oral hygiene program. Integrating oral hygiene programs into the general curriculum in primary schools and training school nurses, caregivers, and teachers in implementing oral hygiene programs could improve oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices for preventing oral problems.

INCIDÊNCIA DE SÍFILIS NA POPULAÇÃO CARCERÁRIA MASCULINA ENTRE OS ANOS DE 2000 À 2024: UM ESTUDO DE REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA DA LITERATURA

This study analyzed the incidence of syphilis among the male prison population in Brazil from 2000 to 2024. It emphasizes that syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) with high prevalence in this vulnerable group, primarily due to poor hygiene conditions and limited access to healthcare services. An integrative literature review was conducted, including eight articles that met the inclusion criteria of studies published between 2000 and 2024 specifically addressing syphilis in the male prison population. Articles focusing on other STIs without direct relevance and studies with inadequate methodologies were excluded. The search was performed in the databases PubMed, BVS, MedLine, and Scielo, using descriptors such as “syphilis,” “prison population,” and “Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).” The findings indicate a high incidence of syphilis, exacerbated by risk practices such as unprotected sex and the sharing of syringes, along with the absence of adequate health policies. The study highlights the urgent need for effective interventions, including systematic screening and health education, to control the spread of the disease and improve the quality of life for inmates. These measures are essential not only for the health of prisoners but also for preventing the transmission of syphilis to the broader population.

Level of Knowledge on Helicobacter Pylori Infection among Patients in the Gastroenterology Department of a Hospital in Ate, 2023

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium responsible for inflammation of the gastric mucosa. This bacterium causes chronic gastritis in more than 50% of the world’s population and, in about 10 to 15% of cases, can lead to gastric adenocarcinoma, gastroduodenal ulcers, and MALT lymphoma. Notably, H. pylori infection is more prevalent in less developed countries due to poor hygiene, lack of information, and overcrowding. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge about Helicobacter pylori infection in patients of the Gastroenterology Service from a hospital in Atein 2023. Materials and Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted at the hospital in Atein Lima, involving 352 adult patients who attended the gastroenterology outpatient clinic between October and December 2023. A validated survey consisting of 20 questions covering sociodemographic data and knowledge about H. pylori infection was used. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.25, using descriptive measures, including frequencies and percentages. Results: The study consisted of 352 patients aged 35 to 60 years, predominantly women. It was identified that 42.6% had a low level of knowledge about H. pylori. Most had low knowledge about conceptual definitions (63.4%) and modes of infection (52.0%). Regarding complications, 44.88% were aware of the relationship with gastric cancer. Conclusion: This study highlights the need to implement educational and awareness strategies to improve knowledge about H. pylori infection among patients. More research is warranted to understand the barriers to greater knowledge and develop effective interventions to overcome them.

Oral health status, self-perceptions, and risk awareness among young adult users of electronic cigarettes in Pakistan.

The use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) has surged globally, particularly among young individuals. This study aimed to assess the perceptions of vaping-related oral health risks, clinical oral health status, and self-perceived dental and periodontal conditions among young adult users of ECs in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to March 2024, recruiting 142 young users of ECs. Intraoral examinations assessed Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), Plaque Index (PI), and dental stain. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behaviors, vaping habits, and perceptions of impact of vaping on oral health were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire. Associations between EC use and various oral health variables were analyzed using the chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. Mean DMFT was 5.66 (SD=2.20). Poor oral hygiene (29.6%) and severe dental staining were prevalent. Most participants (76.1%) brushed once daily, while only 34.5% attended regular dental check-ups. Gingival bleeding and plaque accumulation were observed in 47.2% and 35.3% of participants. Around 66% reported daily EC use, with 80.3% initiating vaping before the age of 18 years. Most common reason for vaping was perception that ECs are safer than traditional smoking (31.7%). Participants' perceptions of vaping-related oral health risks were relatively low, with 45% associating vaping with tooth decay, 48% with gum disease, and 58.5% with tooth staining. Tooth brushing frequency, vaping frequency (per day), and time since vaping started, were significantly associated with oral clinical indicators (p<0.05). The education level was the only variable significantly associated with vaping-related risk perception (p<0.05). The study reveals that oral health awareness among young vapers is low, with many starting EC use at a young age and exhibiting poor oral health behaviors. Misconceptions about the safety of ECs compared to conventional cigarettes may contribute to increased vaping.

Clinical Decision-Making of Repair vs. Replacement of Defective Direct Dental Restorations: A Multinational Cross-Sectional Study With Meta-Analysis.

This web-based survey, conducted across multiple countries, sought to explore the factors that impact the decision-making of clinicians when it comes to managing defective direct restorations. A survey consisting of 14 questions was sent out to dentists in 21 countries through various online platforms. The survey consisted of two sections. The first contained five questions about demographic information, while the second involved eight clinical scenarios. In the second part, participants were tasked with deciding whether to repair or replace defective composite and amalgam restorations. Three thousand six hundred eighty dental practitioners completed the survey. For composite restorations, repair was preferred in scenarios like partial loss or fracture (RR:0.72; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.89; p = 0.002), whereas replacement was favored for secondary caries (RR:2.43; 95% CI: 1.87, 3.16; p < 0.001) and open/defective margins (RR:3.93; 95% CI: 2.68, 5.76;p < 0.001). Amalgam restorations were mostly replaced across all scenarios. The main factors influencing decision-making were caries risk, restoration size, and patient oral hygiene. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across countries. This study underscores the complexity of the decision-making process and the need for evidence-based guidelines to inform clinicians' decisions regarding restoration management. Patient-level factors predominantly influence decision-making, emphasizing the need for individualized approaches. The study reveals that the material type in the original restoration is a critical determinant, with composite restorations being repaired in specific scenarios, while amalgam restorations are consistently replaced across different countries. Key patient and tooth-level factors, such as high caries risk, poor oral hygiene, and restoration size, significantly impact clinicians' decisions, often favoring replacement over repair. These findings underscore the necessity for evidence-based guidelines to assist clinicians in making informed choices, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.

Knowledge, Attitude And Practice In Oral Cancer Among Dental Hygienists In Libya

Background: Oral cancer remains a global health problem. Lack of awareness leads to inadequate watchfulness regarding early signs/symptoms despite the ease of visual oral inspection. Dental hygienists play an important role in early detection of oral cancerous lesions. Evidence on the awareness and knowledge level of oral cancer and its associated risk factors among dental hygienists in Libya is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) regarding OC among dental hygienists in Libya. Materials and methods: Administered questionnaires were distributed on dental hygienists (through Google Forms). The questionnaire included four sections: sociodemographic information, oral cancer knowledge, attitudes toward oral cancer, and clinical practices related to oral cancer. Participants' responses to the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Responses were received from 100 participants (60% women and 40% men). Overall, there is a good knowledge of the real risk factors among the participants (86%, 83%, and 71%) regarding the following risk factors smoking, alcohol, and poor diet respectively. The analyze related to the knowledge of non- risk factors, Just over half of the respondents correctly indicated that family history, poor oral hygiene, and poor fitting prosthesis are not risk factors for OC onset (57%; 55%; and 51%, respectively). The majority of respondents (80% &amp; 77% respectively) correctly identified leukoplakia and erythroplakia as oral potentially malignant disorders. The totality 81% of DHs believed they needed continuous updates in the future. With regard to practice, high percentage of DHs stated to perform an extra/intraoral examination and carried out palpation of the lymph nodes. Conclusions: Overall, this study highlighted the importance of introducing continuous education and training courses to dental hygienists which could increase oral cancer prevention and survival rates among oral cancer patients

Comparison of masticatory performance and oral hygiene status using cream-type denture adhesives and home liners: A cross-sectional study using propensity-score matching.

Differences in the effects of cream-type denture adhesives and home liners remain unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to clarify the differences in the oral-hygiene status and masticatory performance between participants using cream-type denture adhesives and those using home liners. Masticatory performance with and without cream-type denture adhesives and home liners was evaluated using colour-changeable chewing gum. Oral hygiene was assessed using the tongue coating index (TCI). Propensity-score matching was performed using oral moisture, presence of palatal or mandibular protuberances, type of residual ridge, denture type (complete or partial denture), and denture retention as background factors. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to examine the differences in masticatory performance with and without cream-type denture adhesives and home liners and differences in masticatory performance and TCI between the cream-type denture adhesive and home-liner groups. This study included 38 and 40 cream-type adhesive and home-liner users, respectively, and 17 pairs were obtained after propensity-score matching. The Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed that masticatory performance was significantly different with and without the use of home liners, and higher values were obtained with the use of home-liners. However, the cream-type denture adhesive and home-liner groups showed no significant differences in terms of the change in masticatory performance with the use of them. Furthermore, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed that TCI values were significantly high in the cream-type adhesive group. The findings in this study suggest that home liners improve masticatory performance and that participants regularly using cream-type denture adhesives have poorer oral hygiene.

Burden and determinants of scabies in a pastoralist community: a case–control study from Southwest Ethiopia

BackgroundScabies is a skin infestation caused by the human itch mite, affecting people globally across all demographics. However, it is more prevalent among children, individuals with poor hygiene, those in...

Acid Fast Positivity Rate and Associated Factors of Leprosy in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Northeastern Ethiopia: Its Implication for Evidence-Based Leprosy Prevention and Control.

Leprosy is one of the most common skin neglected tropical diseases in Ethiopia posing social stigma, physical disability, deformity, discrimination, loss of social status, and poor quality of life in families. Hence, evidence-based collaborative inter-sectoral actions should be performed to reduce and eliminate its burden in endemic areas. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the acid-fast positivity rate and associated factors of leprosy among suspected cases in Northeastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023 among 256 leprosy-suspected cases selected using a simple random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, clinical, and predictor variables of leprosy through face-to-face interviews. Skin slit specimens were collected and stained using Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. STATA 17 was used for analysis. The scale reliability coefficient was checked using Cronbach's α and the goodness-of-fit test of the model was assessed by the Hosmer-Lemshow test. Moreover, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were computed. Finally, variables with an adjusted odds ratio and their p < 0.05 were taken as statistically significant. The mean ± standard deviation of the age of participants was 43.25 ± 16.35. The overall, prevalence of acid-fast positivity among suspected cases was 19.6% (95% CI: 15.8%, 23.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that sex being male (p = 0.045), rural residence (p = 0.047), not eating three times meals frequency (p = 0.014), not eating a balanced diet (p = 0.036), poor personal hygiene (p = 0.028), distant from health facility (p = 0.039), not washing hands usually (p = 0.013), presence of current co-infection (p = 0.002), type of leprosy (p = 0.004), and close contact with leprosy cases (p = 0.003) were more likely to be positive for leprosy. The prevalence of leprosy was remained high. Thus, early detection and treatment are necessary to reduce delayed diagnosis and hidden transmission of leprosy in the community. By addressing the driving factors through evidence-based intervention, we can significantly control the burden of leprosy in the affected communities, and improve their health outcomes and quality of life.

External fixation for tissue preservation following complex mandible trauma and its sequelae: reminder of a time-honored method and case series of 23 patients

ObjectiveOral and maxillofacial surgeons are often called upon to manage complex mandible injuries, which can be associated with significant tissue loss. External fixation (EF) of comminuted, contaminated, compound and infected fractures can preserve tissue, maintain anatomic integrity, and provide an effective stage in comprehensive reconstruction. The purpose of this report is to review the EF surgical technique and share our outcomes and experience of using EF over six years in 23 patients. Study DesignPatients treated with mandibular EF were identified through a retrospective chart review for a single surgeon. Assessment of surgical outcomes included: evaluation of tissue preservation via clinical and radiographic exams; patients’ subjective tolerance of the treatment; and a need for further reconstructive surgery. ResultsWe identified and reviewed 23 patients who were treated with mandibular EF between September 2018 - June 2024. Diagnostic fracture categories for which the EF was used include: pathologic, infected with non-union, subacute with infection, acute comminuted and compound, and ballistic. Treatment was well accepted and tolerated by most patients largely due to pain relief post-fixation. ConclusionsEF allowed anatomic reduction and healing in patients with acute injuries, served to temporarily stabilize fractures with gap defects, and was excellent for infected fractures. There were no instances of external fixator hardware failure or infection, including in patients with consistently poor hygiene.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Caries among Children of Moroccan Schools

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to describe the oral health status of schoolchildren, while focusing on the relationship between carious prevalence and the two risk factors which are obesity and passive smoking. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in primary school of Casablanca, Morocco. A total of 1003 schoolchildren aged between 6 to 12 years old were examined in their classrooms in daylight. The questionnaire was used to collect information about socio-demographic status, oral health practice consumption of sweets and passive smoking. Dental caries was assessed using the decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft, DMFT) index, and oral hygiene status by the simplified oral hygiene index OHI. The obesity was defined based to the measurement of BMI index. Results: The caries prevalence was 57.7% in temporary dentition and 43% in permanent dentition. The caries index was dmft= 2.44 and DMFT= 1.3. Higher Caries prevalence was associated with poor oral hygiene, increased consumption of sweets; however, caries prevalence in temporary and permanent dentition was lower in children with obesity (5,5% and 4,9% respectively), and exposed to passive smoking (25,4%,31,8% respectively).