Impact of nicotine dependence on self-efficacy and readiness to quit among tobacco consumers in rural areas.

Aim and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the impact or effect of nicotine dependence on self-efficacy and readiness to quit. Materials and Method: The current study was performed using a cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire design among tobacco users visiting primary health care facilities in the rural Jaipur district. Jaipur district is divided into four directions: east, west, north, and south. From each direction, two PHCs were selected randomly based on suitable accessibility to patients. Sample size of study is 465. Out of 465 tobacco consumers, 238 were consuming a smoked form of tobacco, and 227 study participants were consuming a smokeless form of tobacco. Results: It was observed that the majority of study participants (145 (31%)) need smoke/smokeless tobacco within 5 minutes of waking up. With regards to internal stimuli, the majority of study participants (179 (38%)) and (203 (44%)) were not very sure that they would refrain from smoking when they were nervous and depressed. It was determined that quitting tobacco products was not at all important for 159 (34%) study participants. In regards to confidence in tobacco product quitting, only 79 (16%) of tobacco consumers were extremely confident. Conclusion: It was concluded that nicotine dependence impacts both self-efficacy and readiness to quit. It was determined that the higher the nicotine dependence, the less self-efficacy and the less would be the readiness to quit.

An interventional study evaluating the NTCP (NATIONAL TOBACCO CONTROL PROGRAM) guidelines-based education model in semi-urban school population.

Background: The present study was carried out to assess the awareness of the adverse consequences of tobacco use in the semi-urban school population in Wardha district because tobacco use in schools is a significant concern and is rising at an alarming rate. The purpose of the current study was to assess the prevalence of tobacco use among students and teachers as well as their knowledge of the negative effects of tobacco use. It also aimed to educate students and teachers about these effects and assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Methodology: A total of 350 students from a semi-urban school in the Wardha area participated in this study. Pre-tests were administered to a group of chosen kids and instructors to gauge their familiarity with tobacco. After the pre-test data were analyzed, teachers were offered intervention. PowerPoint presentations, posters, and models were used to educate them about the dangers of tobacco usage for dental health. There were discussions, role plays, and skits done. After the instruction, the students took a post-test to gauge how well they understood what they had learned. Results: The recent study is a significant step toward the semi-urban school population quitting smoking. Overall, the study involves testing participants' knowledge, teaching them about tobacco's negative consequences, and inspiring habitual smokers to completely kick the habit. The majority of the NTCP questionnaire's elements were significant when compared to knowledge of tobacco use and its components (*p0.05; significant). Conclusion: The suggested study is a significant step toward the semi-urban school population quitting smoking. The research will provide a genuine and dependable change and help promote optimal dental health.

Impact of self-efficacy and sense of coherence on tobacco cessation motivation and readiness among slum dwellers in Ajmer city during COVID-19 health emergency.

Background: Tobacco cessation motivation majorly depends on self-efficacy and sense of coherence. Hence the aim and objective of the present study was to explore how self-efficacy (SE) in addition to sense of coherence (SOC) affected tobacco cessation motivation and readiness among slum dwellers during the COVID-19 health emergency. Materials and Methods: The ongoing research was a cross-sectional, descriptive questionnaire study. The research started in November and ended in December 2020. The research took place in primary health centres located in Ajmer's urban slums. In this analysis, east, west, north and south directions of Ajmer were chosen at random from each direction, and each slum had an associated primary health centre (PHC). From these 16 PHCs, people coming from slum areas were interviewed. The questionnaire consisted of demographic details, tobacco motivation and readiness, SOC and SE. Results: The majority of study participants (178, 56.7%) were not seriously considering reducing their tobacco intake. The majority of study subjects had poor sense of coherence {137 (43.6%)}, self-efficacy {141 (44.9%)} and tobacco cessation motivation and readiness {156 (49.7%)}. Using the logistic regression model, it was discovered that study participants with high SE and a high SOC had a substantial impact on successful tobacco cessation motivation and readiness (P = 0.01*), (P = 0.00*). Conclusion: It was concluded that the study participants with high self-efficacy and high sense of coherence had a significant impact on good tobacco cessation motivation and readiness.

Association between health-related quality of life and sense of coherence among health professionals working in primary health centers consuming tobacco in Jaipur, India.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and senses of coherence (SoC) can be affected by the use of tobacco. Hence, the aim of the present study was to explore the association between HRQOL and SoC among health professionals working in primary health centers (PHCs) consuming Tobacco. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study where sampling technique used was systematic stratified random sampling. Jaipur District has 37 PHCs retrieved from site of NRHM Rajasthan. A close-ended questionnaire was prepared to conduct the interview. RESULTS: Majority of study participants (57; 37.01%) were of 36-40 years of age. Males respondents (86; 55.85%) consuming tobacco were more in number than female respondents. Majority of study subjects (91; 59.09%) consumed smoked kind of tobacco, in which most contributed were nurses (49; 62.82%). On applying a linear regression model, it was determined that all subscale of SF-36 was significantly (P ≤ 0.000) associated with SoC. CONCLUSION: From above, it was concluded that there was a strong association between HRQOL and SoC among health professionals working in primary health centers consuming tobacco.

Determinants of Tobacco Use among Children of a Rural Village in India: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths. It is both a major social and health problem. According to National Sample Survey Organization of Government of India about 20 million children of ages 10-14 are estimated to be tobacco-addicted. There are grave consequences of tobacco both socially and also on health thus it is of utmost importance to understand the factors leading to its use and to plan strategies to reduce its intake. However, the health implications of this social issue in a rural context have not been explored. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: this study makes an attempt to explore the health and social implications of tobacco usage by the children below the age of 14 years in hamlet. MATERIALS AND METHODS:   The present study employed a qualitative study design. Data was collected using focus group discussion and in-depth interview of key informants. Thematic analysis for exploring the explicit and implicit meanings within the data was done. The themes which emerged were knowledge about tobacco and the various products available, children and parents' tobacco use and habits, the health and social implication of tobacco use, reasons for tobacco use by the children. RESULTS: It was found tobacco use by the children was very common in the community. Parent, peer pressure, sibling pressure were found to be playing important role in the initiation of tobacco habit by the child. Further illiteracy and lack of awareness was also lead to tobacco use among children. CONCLUSION: The study identifies education and awareness of parents about the ill-effects of tobacco play an important role as parents act as role model for their children, thus equal stress should be laid in improving the parental habits. Even raising the prices of tobacco products can help in controlling this habit.
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Disaster Management and General Dental Practitioners in India: An Overlooked Resource.

OBJECTIVE: To assess General Dental Practitioners' (GDPs) in India willingness to participate in disaster management and their previous training pertaining to disaster management, and to assess GDP objective knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding disaster management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted on all GDPs of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Willingness to participate, perceived knowledge, perceived effectiveness, objective knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding disaster management were assessed through questionnaire method. Information also was collected regarding age, gender, religion, and residence. RESULTS: A total of 142 out of 180 GDPs participated in the study, representing a response rate of 79%. A majority (85%) of respondents were willing to participate in disaster management. Mean score for knowledge was 12.21%, for attitude was 33.56%, for behavior was 14.50%, and for perceived effectiveness was 9.08%. Significant correlations were observed between qualification and perceived effectiveness (P=.003), and between attitude and years of practice (P=.04). Willingness to participate in disaster management and age showed significant association (P=.000). CONCLUSIONS: High willingness and attitude to participate in disaster management was observed among respondents. Low knowledge and behavior scores were observed among GDPs.

Nationwide survey on barriers for dental research in India.

OBJECTIVE: Research in the dental field is progressing at mightier speed worldwide, but an unfortunately representation of India at this platform is negligible. The present study was undertaken to unearth the barriers for dental research among dental professionals in Indian scenario. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on 1514 participant's (Master of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Dental Surgery staff) and postgraduates in 40 dental colleges of India selected by multistage random sampling. The response rate was 75.7%. The survey was undertaken from July 2013 to December 2013. The survey instrument was 24-item, investigator developed, self-structured, close-ended, and self-administered questionnaire grouped into four categories that are, institutional/departmental support related barriers, financial/training support related barriers, time-related barriers, and general barriers. RESULTS: Among all respondents 47.23% informed that they are administrative and educational work rather than research work as (P < 0.001). Overall 57.53% of study participants reported lack of administrative and technical support for research work as (P < 0.001). Overall 64.9% reported meager college funding was the barrier (P < 0.001). Overall 61.5% respondents reported lack of time to do research work due to clinical and teaching responsibilities (P < 0.001) was the barrier for research. Largely 80.25% agreed that, the lack of documentation and record maintenance are an obvious barrier for research (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Present study unearths certain barriers for research in an Indian scenario, which includes administrative overburden, lack of funds, and lack of documentation of the dental data. Governing authorities of dentistry in India have to make major interventions to make research non-intensive environment to research-friendly environment.

Dental anomalies of the deciduous dentition among Indian children: a survey from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

BACKGROUND: Anomalies and enamel hypoplasia of deciduous dentition are routinely encountered by dental professionals and early detection and careful management of such conditions facilitates may help in customary occlusal development. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypodontia, microdontia, double teeth, and hyperdontia of deciduous teeth among Indian children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 1,398 children (735 boys, 633 girls). The children were examined in department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry in Jodhpur Dental College General Hospital, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Clinical data were collected by single dentist according to Kreiborg criteria, which includes double teeth, hypodontia, microdontia, and supernumerary teeth. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the descriptive analysis and chi-square test. RESULTS: Dental anomalies were found in 4% of children. The distribution of dental anomalies were significantly more frequent (P = 0.001) in girls (5.8%, n = 38) than in boys (2.7%, n = 18). In relation to anomaly frequencies at different ages, significant difference was found between 2 and 3 years (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Double teeth were the most frequently (2.3%) observed anomaly. The other anomalies followed as 0.3% supernumerary teeth, 0.6% microdontia, 0.6% hypodontia. Identification of dental anomalies at an early age is of great importance as it prevents malocclusions, functional and certain psychological problems.

Color stability of esthetic restorative material after topical fluoride application

AIM: Present study was conducted to compare the effect of topical fluoride agents on color change of three aesthetic restorative materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Restorative material used were Ketac Fill type II (GIC), Filtek Z350(Composite) and Beuttifull II (Giomer). Topical Fluorides used were Pascal (1.23% APF gel) and Fluoride Varnish (Bifluoride). 24 samples of each restorative material were prepared, which were divided into 8 each, among three groups. Treatment of Group A with APF gel, Group B with Varnish was done and Group C with distilled water which was used as a control, followed by immersing of samples in artificial saliva for 48 hr. Samples were then subjected to colorimetric analysis. Data collected was statistically analysed using one way ANOVA and Tukys Post Hoc Test. RESULTS: GIC showed statistically significant change in color in both APF and Varnish group compared to composite and Giomer after 48 hr. CONCLUSION: Present study concludes that Topical fluoride agents have detrimental effect on color of aesthetic restorative materials. Giomer was least effected out of the three restorative materials and this can be used as alternative to other restorative material.

Exploring the predictors of quitting tobacco usage among patients attending a private dental institution--a survey from Jodhpur, India.

BACKGROUND: Burden of tobacco epidemic has swiftly moved to developing countries making the exploration of predictors of quitting tobacco usage extremely important. AIM: To assess the willingness to quit tobacco use and to ascertain the predictors of quitting tobacco as well as tobacco dependency by employing Fagerstrom scale. METHODS: The study consisted of 252 subjects visiting the Public Health Dentistry department in a Dental institution JDCGH (Jodhpur Dental College General Hospital), Rajasthan, India. Data on demographic information, tobacco usage and quitting, information on reasons for quitting like; self-concepts, social concerns, legal issues, and health concern was collected by interview schedule method. RESULTS: Overall 76% of the study participants were planning to quit. Demographic variables like age, marital status and religion were significant predictors of planning to quit tobacco usage (p ≤ 0.05). Significant relationship was observed on Fagerstrom Scale with place of residence, type of tobacco use and frequency of tobacco use (p ≤ 0.05). The most frequent cited reason for quitting tobacco usage was spitting and ash dropping which was embarrassing in-front of others (75.65%) and least reported reason was future health concerns (33.16%). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the respondents had favourable attitude towards quitting tobacco usage and social concern was the main predictor of quitting tobacco usage. Less reported reasons like legal issues and health concerns have to be explored in depth. The present study highlights the need for more researches exploring the predictors of quitting tobacco usage in India and further nationwide study.

Tobacco cessation in India: a contemporary issue in public health dentistry.

In India, tobacco use is incredibly linked to poverty and accounts for the high public health costs of treating tobacco-related diseases. Dental public health programs aid in detecting the tobacco-related periodontal diseases, oral cancers, etc., where the majority belongs to the submerged portion of iceberg, which otherwise leads to substantial morbidity and mortality. Moreover, public health dentists plays a key role in identifying both clinical and subclinical cases and aid in tobacco use cessation through various modes of health education and counseling. Therefore, the community-based measures are deemed to be the most cost-effective tool for tobacco cessation.