Social determinants of health in post-treatment cancer survivors: Scoping review.

PURPOSE: To identify, analyze and describe the available scientific evidence about the influence of social determinants of health on cancer survivors. METHODS: A scoping review was outlined according to the steps described by the Joanna Brigs Institute Reviewer's Manual: selection of studies, data mapping, and results grouping, synthesis and report, was conducted. PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and LILACS databases were searched from 2011 to 2023. RESULTS: Out of a total of 1783 papers initially screened, only 19 studies met the inclusion criteria for the scoping review, focusing on the primary social determinants impacting the health of cancer survivors. These studies were categorized into six main themes: a) employment (challenges in work reintegration and work-place difficulties); b) variations among different ethnic groups; c) disparities based on sex; d) barriers and facilitators in accessing health and social security services; e) the role of support networks and social environments; and f) socioeconomic lever (influence of income and socioeconomic status). CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the impact of social determinants on the post-treatment quality of life for cancer survivors is crucial. Comprehensive survivorship care should address not just medical needs but also holistic aspects like social support, education, overall well-being, and improvements in physical and social environments. This multifaceted approach ensures the well-rounded support needed for optimal survivorship outcomes.

[The FECYT seal of quality, a recognition and a stimulus for Archivos]. / El sello de calidad FECYT, un reconocimiento y un estímulo para Archivos.

Un año más, mediante esta nota editorial, damos cuenta de las estadísticas y los principales avances de nuestra revista. En cuanto a las estadísticas editoriales, que se detallan en los apartados posteriores, podemos afirmar que son las de una revista consolidada: flujo nutrido y constante de trabajos recibidos/publicados, tasas de aceptación y rechazo proporcionadas, tiempos de gestión razonables y diversidad en las autorías. El logro más destacable del 2023 fue superar con éxito el proceso de evaluación de la Octava edición de Evaluación de la calidad editorial y científica de las revistas científicas españolas, comúnmente conocido como 'Sello FECYT'….

Frequency of symptoms and the associated factors of eating disorders in a group of dental students in Medellín, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders (EDs) are considered a public health problem. Scientific research has focused on teenagers due to their higher prevalence in this population. However, other groups, such as university students, may be exposed to suffering from EDs due to their academic, social and personal characteristics. Identifying the magnitude of EDs and the associated characteristics may impact the generation of prevention strategies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence of the risk of EDs (anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN)) and the associated factors in dental students at the University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 278 students (76 males, 202 females) with the use of a Google-Forms survey. The validated Spanish version of the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and the Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food (SCOFF) questionnaire were used. Other recorded variables included sociodemographic data, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related factors, health, and social support (the Duke-11 profile). The bivariate analysis of the risk of EDs was conducted according to different variables (95% confidence interval (CI)), followed by the logistic regression models adjusting for different variables (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and 95% CI). RESULTS: According to EAT-26, the risk of EDs was 27.6% (18.8-38.6) for males and 28.7% (22.9-35.3) for females. However, differences between males and females were higher when the SCOFF questionnaire was applied (males: 6.6% (2.8-14.5); females: 22.3% (17.1-28.5); p < 0.01). According to the SCOFF instrument, after adjusting for sociodemographic and health variables, women were more likely to report the symptoms of EDs (aPR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.06-4.57). Women receiving information from social networks were more likely to report the symptoms of EDs (aPR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.19-2.88). Multivariate models showed that women reporting poor self-rated health and some symptoms during the mandatory confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to report the symptoms of EDs. CONCLUSIONS: A higher risk of EDs was found in dental students. Healthcare, psychological and/or psychiatric interviews, and educational/early prevention strategies are required.

Percepciones sobre salud (física, mental y bucal) en un grupo de mujeres en situación de prostitución en la ciudad de Medellín

Introducción: las mujeres y las personas trans que han ejercido el trabajo sexual se encuentran vulneradas puesto que son víctimas de discriminación por su condición laboral, por su género y por los riesgos que acarrea esta labor, y esto impacta en su situación de salud. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer las percepciones sobre salud (física, mental y bucal) en cuatro mujeres que ejercen la prostitución en Medellín, a partir de sus experiencias de vida y aquellas relacionadas con su contexto social. Métodos: se realizó una investigación cualitativa con enfoque etnográfico para analizar las situaciones mencionadas de acuerdo con el objetivo general. Se contó con la participación de cuatro mujeres: dos de nacionalidad venezolana y dos de nacionalidad colombiana; se llevaron a cabo entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se realizó análisis de contenido cualitativo, lo cual permitió la generación de cuatro categorías (salud mental, salud bucal, salud general y calidad de vida). Resultados: sus discursos permitieron elucidar la conexión entre las condiciones de vida y la situación de salud. La falta de oportunidades laborales, un proceso migratorio de profundos cambios económicos y sociales, y una Colombia con inequidades y barreras de acceso a servicios de salud y sociales, son procesos determinantes de orden general, particular y singular de las precarias condiciones de salud bucal y general. Conclusiones: la población participante se encuentra en situación de vulnerabilidad social y de salud, lo cual evidencia la necesidad de políticas públicas y estrategias basadas en la realidad social que contribuyan a generar equidad en salud.

Introduction: women and trans people who have engaged in sex work are triply vulnerable since they are victims of discrimination due to their employment status, their gender, and the risks that this work entails, this impacts their health situation. This study aimed to know the perceptions about health (physical, mental, and oral) of four women who work in prostitution in Medellin, based on their life experiences and those related to their social context. Methods: qualitative research with an ethnographic approach was conducted to analyze the situations mentioned. Four women participated, two Venezuelans and two Colombians, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Qualitative content analysis was performed, which allowed the generation of four categories (mental health, oral health, general health, and quality of life). Results: her discourses made it possible to elucidate the connection between the living conditions and the health situation. Lack of job opportunities, a migratory process of profound economic and social changes, and a Colombia with inequities and barriers to access to health and social services are determining processes of a general and singular order of the precarious conditions of oral health and general. Conclusions: the participating population is in a situation of social and health vulnerability, which shows the need for public policies and strategies based on the social reality that contribute to generating equity in health.

Oral health-related quality of life in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) are chronic diseases that are associated with connective tissue and bone destruction, which affects the quality of life of the people suffering from these conditions. The identification of social conditions and the determinants of RA and PD would permit the elaboration of policies and strategies based on social reality. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to identify the relationship between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the indicators of general health and oral health in patients with RA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 59 patients with RA was conducted between 2019 and 2020. Demographic, general health, periodontal, and oral health parameters were collected. In addition, the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire was administered to each patient. A description of the OHIP-14 dimensions according to different variables was performed. The relationship between OHRQoL and general/oral health indicators was analyzed with logistic and linear regression analyses. RESULTS: The highest OHIP-14 scores were found in people that were 60 years of age and over, single, had low educational achievements, a low socioeconomic status, were unemployed, and had no health affiliation. In the adjusted model, the prevalence of the impact on OHRQoL was 1.34 (1.10-5.29) times greater in those with erosive RA than in those without, and 2.22 (1.16-29.50) times greater in those who self-reported morning stiffness. Regarding the stage of PD, those with stage IV had a prevalence of the impact on the OHRQoL of 70%, an average extent of 3.4 ±4.5 and a severity score of 11.5 ±22.0, with statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: The dimensions with the greatest impact on the OHRQoL of patients were physical pain, discomfort and psychological disability. The type of RA and the severity of PD are indicators of worse scores on the OHRQoL scale.

Understanding the Quality of Life and Its Related Factors in Orthodontics Postgraduate Students: A Mixed Methods Approach.

This study analyzed the academic, sociodemographic, and labor conditions related to the quality of life (QOL) of orthodontics postgraduate students in Colombia. A mixed study (explanatory sequential design) was conducted. An online cross-sectional survey (n = 84; 64.3% females) was carried out with sociodemographic, academic, social support, health, labor, and QOL (WHOQOL-BREF) variables. Descriptive, bivariate analyses, and multivariate linear regression were performed. Focus groups (FGs) delved into aspects of relevance regarding QOL and determinants, through qualitative content analysis and triangulation of information. The median score in the four WHOQOL-BREF dimensions surpasses 50 points, with the highest score being in the psychological dimension (62.5 ± 16.7). According to the multivariate linear regression models, the variables significantly associated with QOL scores were playing sports, being married/living together, normal BMI, low social support, and medium/low socioeconomic status. The qualitative results explained the determinants of QOL in the personal, academic, and social dimensions of the participants. The discourses showed that the postgraduate course represents a resignification of their life, where their QOL is affected by the difficulties of their academic development, by the difficulty of reconciling the personal academic load with their affective, work, and social life, and by the stress they experience in their staff process. In conclusion, the participants' QOL was moderate and affected by different factors. The findings highlighted the importance of mental health promotion and well-being strategies in students of orthodontic postgraduate training programs in Colombia for improving QOL.

[Archivos, positioned on the road to impact]. / Archivos, posicionada en la senda del impacto.

Con este bagaje, comenzamos 2023, un año en el que nuestra revista cumple un cuarto de siglo llevando a cabo la misión para la que fue concebida, misión que los distintos comités editoriales que hemos participado consideramos un acierto: contribuir a la transferencia de conocimiento útil para avanzar en la mejora de la salud de las personas trabajadoras.

Factors related to compliance with periodontal disease treatment appointments: A literature review.

Periodontal disease is considered a public health problem due to its high prevalence worldwide. Currently, the treatment of periodontal disease is not always successful due to many aspects, including non-compliance with scheduled appointments by the patient. Several authors over the years have evaluated different factors that could be related to non-compliance with periodontal treatment, so the objective of this narrative review of the literature was to explore and analyze the factors that may be related to compliance with periodontal treatment appointments. The results obtained allowed us to conclude that compliance by the patient will depend on a series of multiple factors, however, such compliance will favor the outcome of the periodontal treatment. Key words:Patient Compliance, Treatment Adherence, Periodontal Diseases, (MeSH).

A Comprehensive Mixed Methods Approach for Studying the Quality of Life of Colombian Periodontists.

This study analyzed the association of the sociodemographic, labor, and health conditions on the quality of life (QOL) of the periodontists in Colombia. A mixed study (explanatory sequential design) was conducted. The first quantitative phase was carried out by a cross-sectional survey (n = 187; 60.4% females). Variables: sociodemographics, labor, and health conditions, QOL (WHOQOL-BREF). Normality tests, descriptive statistics, and bivariate analyzes were performed. Factors associated with QOL were established using multivariate linear regression. A second qualitative phase with two focus groups (FGs) delved into those aspects of relevance, through qualitative content analysis and triangulation of information. The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the factors associated with the QOL scores were in the case of men and negatively (QOL decreases): having low social support (p < 0.001), reporting poor mental health (p < 0.01). For women, QOL scores were negatively associated with low social support (p < 0.001), reporting poor general and mental health (p < 0.01), having greater stress at work (p < 0.05), having a temporary contract (p < 0.05), and living in a medium or low socioeconomic status (p < 0.05). The analysis of the FG allowed us to understand how QOL is permeated by the social context. The specialization of periodontics has generated a change in living conditions, and an adaptation to the workplace that allows them to gain recognition and a higher QOL. In conclusion, the QOL of periodontists is defined in subjective terms (standards) and related to social and labor conditions. Follow-up and evaluation strategies of the general conditions of these clinical specialists in Colombia are required.

Peruvian children toothbrushing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Toothbrushing is a convenient, inexpensive, widespread and culturally accepted method, resulting in an ideal public health outcome. This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on toothbrushing in Peruvian children. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted using a database of children aged 0 to 11 years, with a final sample of 39,124 participants, 15,974 in 2019 (62.03%) and 7088 in 2020 (55.54%). General toothbrushing, daily toothbrushing and minimum frequency of two times a day were dependent variables; the year was considered as the independent variable. In addition, other covariates such as geographical landscape, area of residence, place of residence, altitude, wealth index, health insurance cover, sex and age. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were applied. Results: General toothbrushing was 96.19% (n=51 013), daily toothbrushing was 87.47% (n=42 246) and minimum toothbrushing two times a day was 84.53% (n=33 957). In multivariate form, the year presented a negative association with daily toothbrushing (RPa: 0.97; CI95%: 0.96-0.98; p<0.001) and minimum toothbrushing two times a day (RPa: 0.97; CI95%: 0.95-0.98; p<0.001), adjusted for the previously associated co-variables. Conclusions: The year 2020 of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted daily toothbrushing and minimum twice-daily toothbrushing of Peruvian children.

Quality of Life and Related Factors in Specialists on Pediatric Dentistry and the like Graduated from a Public University: A Mixed Methods Approach.

This study aims to analyze the factors associated with the quality of life (QOL) in pediatric dentistry specialists and the like, graduated in a public university between 1972 and 2018. A mixed study (explanatory sequential design) was conducted. Firstly, a cross-sectional survey (n = 62, 51% women) was carried out and complemented with three focus groups (FGs) and four semi-structured interviews (SIs). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyzes and non-parametric correlation were calculated. A multivariate linear regression was carried out to establish the factors associated with QOL. In FGs, the concept of QOL and the factors that influence it was investigated, by following a qualitative content analysis and later the information was triangulated. The median QOL scores surpass 62 points. The multivariate analysis showed that the factors exerted the greatest influence negatively (decreases the QOL score) were: having an independent or service provision contract (p < 0.05), low social support (p < 0.001), job dissatisfaction (p < 0.01), poor mental health (p < 0.01), self-perceived poor general health (p < 0.01). The information from the FGs and interviews allow to establish three categories of analysis: (1) QOL and health: multiple facets, determinants, and dimensions; (2) encounters and disagreements between the postgraduate curricular training proposal and the labor and social field of the specialist; (3) an itinerant clinical specialization. The QOL of participants is considered good in general terms and is conditioned by subjective factors, the social environment, and the conditions of their professional work.

Impact of Social Support on Perceived Stress in Latin American and Caribbean Dental Students and Dental Practitioners during Mandatory Social Isolation within the Coronavirus Pandemic in 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of social support on perceived stress in Latin American and Caribbean dental students and dental practitioners during mandatory social isolation within the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 1812 dental students and dental practitioners from 21 Latin American and Caribbean countries. Perceived stress was assessed using the perceived stress scale (PSS-14), and the influence of social support was addressed using the Duke-UNC-11. Additionally, sociodemographic variables, knowledge of and preventive behaviour against COVID-19 and health status were considered. A descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed through multiple linear regression. RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis, model 4 presented R2% = 21.20 (P < 0.001), a constant of 40.049; within the model, the social support variable had a non-standardised regression coefficient (b) of -4,527 (95% CI - 5.646 to -3,408; P < 0.001), the self-perceived level of concern regarding COVID-19 was b = 1.838 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.887 to 2.790; P < 0.001), the self-perceived health status was b = -2.191(95% CI -2.944 to -1.437; P < 0.001), the number of days in compulsory isolation was b = -0.965 (95% CI -1.908 to -0.022; P = 0.045), while the level of confinement was b = 0.923 (95%CI: 0.106-1.740; P = 0.027), age was b = -1.743 (95% CI -2.625 to -0.860; P < 0.001), sex was b = 1.324 (95% CI 0.311 to 2.337; P = 0.011) and the economic income level was b = -1.539 (95% CI -2.434 to -0.644; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: An association was determined between perceived stress and social support, as well as the variables of concern about the disease, self-perceived health status, number of days and level of confinement, age, sex and economic income level, based on the experience of dental practitioners and dental students in mandatory isolation.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the timing of dental care in elderly peruvians.

In Peru, there is low dental service use among older adults, in addition to a social gradient for use. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered complex scenarios characterized by inadequate access to health services, with greater impact on vulnerable population groups such as the elderly. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the time since last dental care visit among elderly Peruvians. It was a cross-sectional study conducted on a population of 5247 respondents in 2019, and 5066 respondents in 2020. The study considered the answers of people who responded to the question on the last time they had received dental care, extracting a total 4045 subjects for 2019 and 3943 for 2020. The dependent variable was time since last dental care measured in years, while the variables on health, geographic and sociodemographic characteristics were grouped within three dimensions. A descriptive bivariate and multivariateanalysiswasapplied by means of multiple linear regression to analyze the behavior of the variables. Time since the last dental care visit was 7.93 years (SD=8.03) in 2019 and 7.94 years (SD=7.28) in 2020. A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was performed, where no variable in the 2019 model was significant; while for 2020, health, geographic, and sociodemographic characteristics variables were significant. In the analysis where the 'year' variable becomes independent, only model 4, which considers all variables, was valid (p=0.018). The variables 'area of residence' and 'wealth index' were also significant. To conclude, the 2020 pandemic year for COVID-19 had no impact on the time since last dental care visit among elderly Peruvians, though factors such as area of residence and wealth index were found to be associated with the time since last dental care visit.

En Perú, los adultos mayores presentan un bajo uso de los servicios odontológicos, además de percibirse una gradiente social para su utilización. Adicionalmente, la pandemia por COVID-19 desencadenó escenarios complejos, caracterizados por un inadecuado acceso a los servicios de salud, que afectó con mayor énfasis a grupos poblacionales vulnerables, como las personas en edades extremas. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en el tiempo de atención odontológica en adultos mayores peruanos. Estudio transversal con población de 5247 encuestados para el 2019 y 5066 para el 2020. Se consideraron los registros de quienes respondieron a la pregunta sobre el tiempo desde su última atención odontológica, extrayéndose del 2019 un total de 4045 y para 2020, 3943 sujetos. La variable dependiente consistió en el tiempo desde la última atención odontológica medido en años; mientras que dentro de tres dimensiones,seagruparon a lasvariables sobre características de salud, geográficas y sociodemográficas. Se aplicó un análisis descriptivo, bivariado y multivariado, donde el tiempo desde la última atención odontológica en el año 2019 fue de 7.93 años (DE=8.03) y en el 2020 fue de 7.94 años (DE=7.28). Se realizó un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple jerárquica, donde ninguna variable del modelo 2019 fue significativa; mientras que para 2020, las variables características de salud, geográficas y sociodemográficas si lo fueron. Al análisis, donde el año pasa a ser independiente, sólo el modelo 4, que considera todas las variables fue válido (p=0.018); asimismo, el área de residencia e índice de riqueza presentaron significancia estadística. Para concluir, en el año 2020 la pandemia por COVID-19 no impactó en el tiempo de atención odontológica en adultos mayores peruanos, sin embargo, factores como área de residencia e índice de riqueza si presentaron asociación con el tiempo desdelaúltimaatención.

A Scoping Review about Migrants' Oral Health in South-South Contexts.

OBJECTIVE: To gather the available scientific evidence about the oral health of migrants in south-south contexts. METHODS: A scoping review methodology was applied through a comprehensive search in databases of scientific and grey literature: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, LILACS, EMBASE, Google Scholar and the International Centre for Migration, Health and Development. A descriptive analysis of the characteristics of the selected studies was conducted. RESULTS: The search yielded 23 papers. Seventeen studies (17/23, 73.9%) were conducted on the Asian continent and 91.3% (21/23) were cross-sectional. Studies were focused on oral health problems such as dental caries and periodontal disease with diverse findings when comparing immigrants with natives. Some studies found poor oral health indexes in migrants. Migrants face barriers to dental health services. Other oral health variables addressed in the studies were oral health-related quality of life, beliefs, knowledge and practices in oral health. Determining factors related to oral health were evidenced, such as migration status, sociodemographic, cultural, psychological, living, economic and material conditions, social support, oral health practices and previous oral and general health status. Studies reported conceptual and methodological gaps and limitations that must be considered when interpreting the results. CONCLUSION: According to the scientific evidence, immigrant populations in south-south migratory contexts show poor oral health indicators, and this translates into social vulnerability in this group. Further research is needed to increase the scientific body about the social and contextual determinants in oral health and understanding of the social construction of this phenomenon.

A Scoping Review about the Characteristics and Success-Failure Rates of Temporary Anchorage Devices in Orthodontics.

This study synthesized the scientific evidence concerning the main characteristics of the Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) used in orthodontics and reported the success-failure rates during treatment. For that means, this scoping review collected articles from previous research. A complementary search was carried out in the databases PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS, and EMBASE, focusing on original studies published from 2010 to 2020. We analyzed the main characteristics of the publications. As a result, 103 articles were included. Most of the research was conducted among different groups, who needed TADs principally in the maxilla and an interradicular location between the second premolar and first molar. AbsoAnchor, Dentos Inc., Daegu, Korea, was the most used brand of TADs. The most common characteristics of the devices and biomechanics were a diameter and length of 1.6 mm and 8 mm, a self-drilled system, a closed technique for placement, immediate loading, and forces that ranged between 40 and 800 g. Of the studies, 47.6% showed success rates ≥90%. In conclusion, high success rates were found for TADs, and differences were found according to sociodemographic and clinical variables. The studies showed variability in methodological design, and scientific publications were concentrated in certain countries. We recommend further scientific research on TADs using more standardized designs.

General Labor Well-Being in Latin American Dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study aimed to determine the general labor well-being of Latin American dentists according to sociodemographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a final sample of 2214 participants from 11 countries. A validated online questionnaire on general work well-being was used (data collection period from 1 June to 10 July 2021), containing two dimensions: psychosocial well-being and collateral effects. The sociodemographic characteristics of the dentists and their perception of the economic impact of the pandemic were also recorded. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed (hierarchical regression model) to evaluate the joint effect of the explanatory variables on labor well-being and the changes in the variance between each model. A score of psychosocial well-being of 233.6 + 40.2 and collateral effects of 45 + 20.1 was found. Psychosocial well-being was associated with sex, country of origin, academic training achieved, type of dental activity, and perceived impact during the pandemic (p < 0.05). Somatization was frequently manifested through back pain (88.2%) and muscular tensions (87.2%). Women, those who worked 41 or more hours and had between 1 to 15 years of professional experience presented a greater collateral effect (p < 0.001). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic a year and a half after it began on the labor well-being of Latin American dentists was evidenced with important interactions with social characteristics.

Impact of COVID-19 on the future career plans of dentists.

BACKGROUND: It is important to complement the scientific literature with the data regarding the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the social, work and health practices as well as on the daily life of dentists, and to promote adequate public policies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the career plans of dentists in Colombia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As part of global research on the impact of COVID-19 on dentistry, a crosssectional survey was administered via digital media to dentists in Colombia. The validated questionnaire included inquiries regarding sociodemographic variables, the perception of the risk of contagion with COVID-19 and the impact of COVID-19 on the dentists' career plans. The variables were summarized in absolute and relative frequencies, and a binomial logistic regression analysis was carried out to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on career plans according to the independent variables. RESULTS: A total of 5,370 dentists answered the survey (women: 3,878; median age: 45 years; response rate: 16.85%). Most of the dentists (96%) believed that COVID-19 infection was a risk for them and 81.96% reported that the COVID-19 pandemic had some impact on their career plans, including reducing working hours (77.96%), retiring early (26.54%) and changing their career away from dentistry (18.15%). The regression model showed that older adults (OR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.26), general practitioners (OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.44), private practice owners (OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.94, 2.79), private practice associates (OR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.84, 2.63), and those with 'very probable' risk perception (OR = 4.29; 95% CI: 1.35, 13.60) had a significantly greater chance of the pandemic having an impact on their future career plans. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic has had a great impact on dentists' career plans. Dentists who are most fearful of the risk of contagion, those who are older and those who have their private practice are thinking about reducing working hours, retiring early or changing their career.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the timing of dental care in elderly peruvians / Impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en el tiempo de la atención odontológica en adultos mayores peruanos

ABSTRACT In Peru, there is low dental service use among older adults, in addition to a social gradient for use. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered complex scenarios characterized by inadequate access to health services, with greater impact on vulnerable population groups such as the elderly. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the time since last dental care visit among elderly Peruvians. It was a cross-sectional study conducted on a population of 5247 respondents in 2019, and 5066 respondents in 2020. The study considered the answers of people who responded to the question on the last time they had received dental care, extracting a total 4045 subjects for 2019 and 3943 for 2020. The dependent variable was time since last dental care measured in years, while the variables on health, geographic and sociodemographic characteristics were grouped within three dimensions. A descriptive bivariate and multivariate analysis was applied by means of multiple linear regression to analyze the behavior of the variables. Time since the last dental care visit was 7.93 years (SD=8.03) in 2019 and 7.94 years (SD=7.28) in 2020. A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was performed, where no variable in the 2019 model was significant; while for 2020, health, geographic, and sociodemographic characteristics variables were significant. In the analysis where the 'year' variable becomes independent, only model 4, which considers all variables, was valid (p=0.018). The variables 'area of residence' and 'wealth index' were also significant. To conclude, the 2020 pandemic year for COVID-19 had no impact on the time since last dental care visit among elderly Peruvians, though factors such as area of residence and wealth index were found to be associated with the time since last dental care visit.

RESUMEN En Perú, los adultos mayores presentan un bajo uso de los servicios odontológicos, además de percibirse una gradiente social para su utilización. Adicionalmente, la pandemia por COVID-19 desencadenó escenarios complejos, caracterizados por un inadecuado acceso a los servicios de salud, que afectó con mayor énfasis a grupos poblacionales vulnerables, como las personas en edades extremas. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en el tiempo de atención odontológica en adultos mayores peruanos. Estudio transversal con población de 5247 encuestados para el 2019 y 5066 para el 2020. Se consideraron los registros de quienes respondieron a la pregunta sobre el tiempo desde su última atención odontológica, extrayéndose del 2019 un total de 4045 y para 2020, 3943 sujetos. La variable dependiente consistió en el tiempo desde la última atención odontológica medido en años; mientras que dentro de tres dimensiones, se agruparon a las variables sobre características de salud, geográficas y sociodemográficas. Se aplicó un análisis descriptivo, bivariado y multivariado, donde el tiempo desde la última atención odontológica en el año 2019 fue de 7.93 años (DE=8.03) y en el 2020 fue de 7.94 años (DE=7.28). Se realizó un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple jerárquica, donde ninguna variable del modelo 2019 fue significativa; mientras que para 2020, las variables características de salud, geográficas y sociodemográficas si lo fueron. Al análisis, donde el año pasa a ser independiente, sólo el modelo 4, que considera todas las variables fue válido (p=0.018); asimismo, el área de residencia e índice de riqueza presentaron significancia estadística. Para concluir, en el año 2020 la pandemia por COVID-19 no impactó en el tiempo de atención odontológica en adultos mayores peruanos, sin embargo, factores como área de residencia e índice de riqueza si presentaron asociación con el tiempo desde la última atención.

Preventive measures for COVID­19 among dental students and dentists during the mandatory social isolation in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2020.

BACKGROUND: Dentistry is one of the professions that are most exposed to the contagion with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID­19). However, the prevalence and positivity rates of COVID­19 are low in dentists, indicating that the current measures of infection control may be sufficient to prevent infection in dental settings. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine whether the preventive measures for COVID­19 during the mandatory social isolation were followed by dental students and dentists in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2020. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross­sectional study was conducted using anonymous virtual surveys in a convenience sample of 2,036 dental students and dentists from 21 Latin American and Caribbean coun­ tries. The variables were the preventive measures for COVID­19 and the sociodemographic characteristics. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: The final sample included 2,036 dental students and dentists. The self­perceived level of know­ ledge about COVID­19 was found to be associated with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), the type of aca­ demic training, having a specialty in the case of professionals, the place of origin, and having met someone with COVID­19 (p < 0.05). The self­perceived level of concern regarding COVID­19 was associated with sex, BMI and having met someone with COVID­19 (p < 0.05). The number of days in the mandatory social isolation was associated with age, the type of academic training, having a specialty, the place of origin, and having met someone with COVID­19 (p < 0.05). The confinement level was associated with age, sex, BMI, the type of academic training, and having met someone with COVID­19 (p < 0.05). Following the preven­ tive measures for COVID­19 was associated with age, the type of academic training, having a specialty, the place of origin, and having met someone with COVID­19 (p < 0.05). The use of face masks, hand washing and social distancing were associated with age, BMI, the type of academic training, the place of origin, and having met someone with COVID­19 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dental students and dentists followed the preventive measures for COVID­19 during the mandatory social isolation period in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2020.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the timing of dental care in Peruvian children.

BACKGROUND: Due to the high transmissibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), governments adopted preventive measures, such as social distancing and obligatory social immobilization, which negatively affected access to health services, including oral health services. Similarly, dental care restraint arose in this context, with the aim of reducing the possibility of cross-infection caused by aerosols, which notably restricted dental care activity. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the timing of dental care in Peruvian children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a population of 42,115 respondents for 2019 and 20,510 for 2020 was conducted. The participants were children aged 0-11 years. The records of those who responded to the question on the time since their last dental care were considered, extracting a total of 22,166 (69.03%) subjects for 2019 and 9,945 (30.97%) subjects for 2020. The dependent variable consisted of the time since the last dental care measured in years; the variables of health, geographic and sociodemographic characteristics were grouped within 3 dimensions. Descriptive bivariate and multivariate analyses were applied by means of multiple linear regression in order to analyze the variables. RESULTS: The time since the last dental care during 2019 was 5.25 ±4.30 years, and it increased to 6.64 ±4.90 years in 2020. Within the multivariate analysis, the dimensions and their variables were ordered hierarchically for 2019 and 2020 separately, and as a whole. Each model was not significant when observed independently (p > 0.05); however, when evaluated as a whole, validity was observed only in model 1 of the year (p = 0.018), with R2 = 2.90, a constant equal to 3.852, the non-standardized regression coefficient (ß) of 1.653, and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.289-3.018. CONCLUSIONS: The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic year had a negative impact on the timing of dental care in Peruvian children, increasing it by 1.39 years as compared to 2019.