Socio-behavioural determinants associated with the first dental visit in Saudi children: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUD: Oral health is an integral component of overall well-being, understanding the age at which children have their first dental visit (FDV) and the socio-behavioural factors influencing these visits is essential for improving oral health outcomes in children. AIM: This study aimed to determine the age at which Saudi children had their FDV and the socio-behavioural predictors associated with these visits in Al Jouf Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study used a multistage stratified random sampling technique to invite 566 parents/guardians of schoolchildren aged 12 years or younger. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify socio-behavioural variables that predict children's FDV. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Most FDVs in children occurred between the ages of 6 and 10 years. More than half of the participants stated that FDVs occurred primarily because of dental pain. Furthermore, educated mothers reported a higher frequency of dental visits for their children. Children with a low family income were 63% (95% confidence interval 0.16-0.83; p = .015) less likely to visit a dentist between the ages of 1 and 5 years. CONCLUSION: First dental visits in children in Al Jouf Province typically occurred between the ages of 6 and 10 years, with dental pain being the main reason. Parents' or caregiver's relationships with children, parental age and familial income were identified as predictors of the FDV.

Unmasking caries risk: a multi-regional study in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries are common and troublesome and may affect individuals' health conditions. It is crucial to comprehend the caries experience for prevention, management, and enhancing oral health. Techniques such as CAMBRA can help assess an individual's risk factors for caries lesions. This study aims to assess the caries risk in five distinct regions of Saudi Arabia, utilizing the CAMBRA methodology. METHODS: This multiregional cross-sectional study was conducted at university dental clinics across the five regions of Saudi Arabia, using a Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) tool. This study used binary logistic regression analysis, the Pearson Chi-square test, and descriptive analysis as statistical methods. RESULTS: A total of 551 respondents participated in the study, with 59.7% being male and 40.3% being female. The age group with the highest proportion was 20-29, making up 31.6% of the participants. All participants exhibited at least one caries lesion (100%), with white spots (66.4%) and enamel lesions (56.1%) being the most prevalent. The moderate-risk category encompassed the largest proportion of participants, accounting for 60% of the total. High caries risk had a significant association with age group (P < 0.001), education (P < 0.001), profession (P < 0.001), and socio-economic status (P < 0.001). Furthermore, only age and socio-economic status showed a significant relationship with high caries risk in the multiple logistic regression. CONCLUSION: The CAMBRA tool indicates a high prevalence of moderate risk across the five regions of Saudi Arabia, identifying age and socio-economic status as significant predictors of caries risk.

Prevalence of Zygomatic Air Cell defects in a sample of 6-18-year-old patients in Saudi Arabia and Yemen: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of Zygomatic Air Cell Defects (ZACD) among pediatric and adolescent populations in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, utilizing digital panoramic radiographs of dental outpatients aged 6 to 18 years. The data were collected from registered digital databases of dental clinics in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, and an oral and maxillofacial radiology center in Sana'a, Yemen, covering the period from July 2018 to September 2022. The radiographs were evaluated based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and ZACD was assessed using standardized descriptions. Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was employed to examine the impact of the associated factors. RESULTS: The study encompassed a total of 3,169 participants, revealing an overall ZACD prevalence of 28.5%. Age emerged as a significant predictor (p ≤ 0.0001), with the likelihood of ZACD increasing as the age of the individual advances. Gender and geographic region did not exhibit statistically significant differences in ZACD prevalence. CONCLUSION: This study provides crucial insights into the prevalence of Zygomatic Air Cell Defects among pediatric and adolescent populations in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It underscores the prevalence of ZACD and the notable influence of age on its occurrence. Additionally, the research challenges prior notions of gender and regional variations in ZACD prevalence, emphasizing the complexity of the factors involved. Early detection is essential to avoid unwanted complications during any surgical intervention in this area.

Caries prevalence among children at public and private primary schools in Riyadh: a retrospective study.

Dental caries is a global oral health issue, especially critical in children, affecting their growth, nutrition, and education due to school absences or distractions from dental pain. The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between school types (indicative of socioeconomic conditions) and dental caries prevalence among primary school children in Riyadh, alongside assessing the overall caries prevalence among schoolchildren in Riyadh. Retrospective study on 28,343 first and fourth-grade students from 960 public and private schools in Riyadh, using data from the Saudi Ministry of Health (Feb-April 2019). Utilized the DMFT/dmft index for assessment and collected demographic data. Most of the schools were public (76.1%), private national (17.1%), and private international (6.8%). Overall, the mean DMFT index for permanent teeth and the dmft index for primary teeth were 1.78 and 1.94, respectively. 58% of school children had no dental caries, 25% had mild caries, and 17% had moderate to severe caries. Public school children showed a higher caries prevalence than private schools. Oral disease rates were higher in girls than in boys, and grade four students had a higher prevalence than grade one students. Saudi Arabia, a developing nation, faces challenges in addressing oral health, especially in public schools. Targeted initiatives are crucial for awareness, preventive measures, and meeting oral health needs.

Self-reported musculoskeletal pain, headache, jaw pain and swallowing dysfunction in a sample of young Saudi adults who stutter.

Objectives: To report the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, headache, jaw pain and difficulty in swallowing among people who stutter (PWS). METHODS: The cross-sectioal study was conducted from October 3, 2021, to March 21, 2022, after approval from the ethics review committee of King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia, and comprised adult people who stutter belonging to different regions of Saudi Arabia. They were divided into five groups based on stuttering severity as estimated by Stuttering Severity Instrument-4. Data was collected on musculoskeletal pain in different body areas using a questionnaire.. Data ws analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 101 Arabic-speaking subjects, 63(62.4%) were males and 38(37.6%) were females. The overall mean age was 27±7 years (range: 18-39 years). The largest group was of subjects with moderate severity of stuttering 31(30.6%); 21(68%) males and 10(32%) females. The increase in number of musculoskeletal pain locations was related to the severity of stuttering (p<0.05). The most common musculoskeletal pain sites were the lower back 31(31%), neck 26(26%) and shoulder 26(26%). Frequent headaches and difficulty chewing hard food due to jaw pain were reported by 49(49%) and 22(22%) participants, respectively (p<0.05). Swallowing difficulty was reported by 9(9%) participants (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Widespread chronic musculoskeletal pain of low intensity was found to be common among people who stuttered, and the number of pain locations was positively related to stuttering severity.

Knowledge of the monkeypox 2022 outbreak among dental hygienists and students in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of monkeypox infection among dental hygiene professionals and students in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of dental hygiene professionals (n = 259). The questionnaire was developed based on previous literature, and descriptive analysis and a Chi-square test were performed. RESULTS: A total of 159 dental hygienists responded to the questionnaire. Results indicated that only 1.7% had good knowledge, 7.7% had moderate knowledge and 90.6% had low knowledge of the monkeypox outbreak. The mean knowledge scores varied among dental hygiene students, practitioners and faculty members. Significant group differences were observed for some questions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study concludes that dental hygienists had moderate to low level of knowledge of the monkeypox infection and its implications for oral health and patient care, indicating a need for more education on the subject.

Assessment of Periodontal Health Among Removable and Fixed Partial Denture Wearers in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND Prosthetic rehabilitation will have harmful effects on periodontal structure if the patient fails to maintain an oral hygiene protocol. This study aimed to evaluate oral hygiene in fixed and removable partial denture wearers in the Aseer Province of Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study done on 286 prosthesis wearers aged between 25 and 55 years; 142 were men and 144 women. Clinical examination was done using 3 periodontal parameters: plaque index, gingival index, and calculus surface index. RESULTS It was found that 72% and 25% of patients used fixed and removable partial prostheses, respectively. Most patients were in the 45-55 year age group (38.1%), were medically fit (78%), and used toothbrush and paste (70.6%). Most patients were instructed regarding the use of oral hygiene measures for their prostheses (71.3%). However, around half of the study group (52.8%) had odor from their prostheses. Most fixed prostheses were in the posterior teeth (73.2%) and had 3 units or more (58.7%). Removable partial dentures were mostly tooth-tissue supported (74%). A statistically significant difference was found for plaque index and gingival index between natural teeth and abutments in terms of various prosthetic parameters (P£0.001). The higher prevalence of gingival inflammation, plaque, and calculus accumulation in this study may be correlated to improper oral hygiene methods used by patients. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that there is a need to reinforce meticulous oral hygiene practices among patients using prosthodontic appliances.

Incidence of maxillary sinus septa in the saudi population.

BACKGROUND: The variability in the maxillary sinus anatomy makes dental implant planning challenging. One of the anatomical landmarks that could affect the decision for implant placement around the maxillary sinus is the sinus septa. This study aimed to retrospectively determine the prevalence, anatomical distribution, and morphology of the maxillary sinus septa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 309 CBCT images that were analyzed to determine the prevalence, height, location, and orientation of the maxillary sinus septa. Descriptive statistics, Mann‒Whitney U tests, and Kruskal‒Wallis tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 618 maxillary sinuses were analyzed. Maxillary septa were present in 30% (n = 188) of the sinuses and in approximately 45% of the analyzed images. The mean height of the septa was 5.09 mm. The presence of bilateral septa was evident in 49 subjects (35.25%). Female subjects were significantly more likely to have only one septum (n = 67, 53.6%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The presence of septa is very common, found in one-third to approximately half of the evaluated cases, which warrants careful examination before any surgical interventions to avoid possible complications.

Distribution of dental practices in Jazan of Saudi Arabia: a GIS-based approach.

BACKGROUND: Jazan region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has been extensively studied regarding access to dental care services, but there is currently no specific study on the distribution of public (primary healthcare centres (PHCs) and hospitals) and private dental healthcare facilities in the area. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial distribution of public and private dental care facilities in the Jazan region in relation to the population distribution in each governorate of the region. METHODS: The most up-to-date, easily accessible, and anonymous data and information were used for this investigation. The Ministry of Health's (MOH) Statistical Yearbook 2020 and interactive map were used to identify the locations of healthcare facilities. These locations were plotted on a map using Google Maps, and the data was converted to longitude and latitude with 90% level building accuracy. QGIS's integrated database was used to develop buffer zones and perform attribute analysis. The data was then exported for analysis in Microsoft Excel, where healthcare facility-to-population ratios were determined. RESULTS: In Jazan region, consisting of 17 governorates and a population of 1,726,739, there were 275 public and private dental clinics, with a ratio of one dental clinic per 6,279 people in terms of general health services. Only 12.4% of these clinics were located beyond 20 km of the city centre, serving approximately 70% of the region's population. CONCLUSION: The uneven distribution of dental clinics in the Jazan region has hampered access to dental treatments and has led to a significant burden on dental health facilities, reducing the quality of care available in the region. Mapping the distribution of MOH, private, and other health facilities, as well as the burden of oral disease in the Jazan region, is necessary for further research.

Dental caries experience among qat chewers in dental college clinics, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

AIMS: There is a considerable debate on the impact of qat chewing on dental and oral health. Thereby, this study aimed at assessing the dental caries among qat chewers (QC) and non-qat chewers (NQC) who attend outpatient dental clinics, College of Dentistry, Jazan, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 100 QC and 100 NQC were recruited amongst those attended dental clinics, college of dentistry, Jazan University during the 2018-2019 academic year. Their dental health was assessed by three pre-calibrated male interns using DMFT index. The Care Index, Restorative Index and Treatment Index were calculated. Comparisons between both subgroups were done using independent t test. Multiple linear regression analyses were further conducted to stand on the independent determinants of the oral health among this population. RESULTS: QC were unintentionally older (36.55 ± 8.74 years) than NQC (32.96 ± 8.49 years; P = 0.004). Fifty-six percent of QC reported brushing their teeth compared to only 35% (P = 0.001). NQC with university and postgraduate educational levels were more than QC. The mean Decayed [5.91 (5.16)] and DMFT [9.15 (5.87)] were higher among QC compared to NQC [3.73 (3.62) and 6.7 (4.58); P = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively]. The other indices were not different between both subgroups. The multiple linear regression revealed that qat chewing and age, individually or together, as independent determinants for the dental decay, missing, DMFT and TI. CONCLUSION: Qat chewing habit has a detrimental impact on dental health. It is associated with higher dental caries and missing teeth, and a lower treatment index.

Association between different behavioral factors and dental caries among children attending the dental clinics in a sample from Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the association between different behavioral factors and the prevalence of dental caries among children attending the dental clinic in a sample from the Hail and Tabuk regions, Saudi Arabia. METHOD: A cross-sectional study design was employed to determine the burden of dental caries in teeth and key associated factors among 6-12-year-old children who attended different dental clinics. The data was recruited from Hail and Tabuk districts, Saudi Arabia. The study included only Saudi nationals, whose parents could fill out the self-administered questionnaire and provide informed consent for their child's dental examination at clinics. Children underwent a simple dental examination based on the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria for oral health surveys. The Decayed, Missed, Filled Tooth (DMFT) index developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) was utilized to assess dental caries. Descriptive statistics were performed to describe categorical variables. The mean DMFT was compared between girls' and boys' and the children from Hail and Tabuk regions using the Mann-Whitney U-test. The chi-square test was used to examine the association between different behavioral factors and the prevalence of dental caries. RESULTS: Of the total 399 children examined, 203 (50.9%) were boys, whilst 196 (49.1%) were girls. The prevalence of dental caries was correlated with the cleaning tool, parental educational level, dental visits, and sugar consumption (p < 0.05). However, brushing frequency failed to demonstrate a correlation with the prevalence of dental caries (p > 0.05). The total mean DMFT for the studied sample was 7.81 (SD ± 1.9). Caries' experience was made up mainly of decayed teeth. Decayed teeth made up an average of 3.30 (SD ± 1.07). The total mean of missing and filling teeth was 2.51 (SD ± 0.99) and 1.99 (SD ± 1.26) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean DMFT and gender or between Hail and Tabuk (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Saudi Arabia continues to have a high prevalence of dental caries compared to the global norm.

Trends in maternal oral health services at primary healthcare centers in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, many complex physiological changes and increased levels of pregnancy hormones are associated with adverse oral health and increased prevalence of periodontal disease. Our study aimed to assess the oral health needs of pregnant women and describe the patterns of dental services provided to them before, during, and after pregnancy. Assessing the oral health needs of pregnant women and understanding the patterns of dental services provided to them are important to facilitate efficient utilization of oral health services to promote better health outcomes for the mother and baby. METHODS: Our study utilized a cross-sectional design to examine the prevalence of dental problems and use of dental services among a sample of postpartum women who visited primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Jeddah for antenatal care, between 2018 and 2019. A link to a questionnaire adapted from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) was sent to participants via the WhatsApp messaging platform. A total of 1350 postpartum women responded to the online survey. We estimated the prevalence of dental problems among women before and during pregnancy and assessed the association between their dental problems and their respective demographic characteristics. We calculated the prevalence of each dental service received before, during, and after pregnancy and examined the trends in dental services over these three periods. All bivariate associations were tested using Pearson's chi-squared test. RESULTS: We found that significantly fewer women visited a dental clinic during pregnancy (31.0%) compared to pre-pregnancy (38.2%) and post-pregnancy (47.3%). The prevalence of toothache, dental caries, gum disease, and dental extraction need before pregnancy was 45.9%, 57.0%, 27.3%, and 40.0%, respectively. These percentages remained the same during pregnancy, except for the need for dental extraction, which significantly decreased to 35.3%. Check-up dental visits increased significantly to 70.6% during pregnancy compared to pre-pregnancy (51.7%) and post-pregnancy (59.9%). CONCLUSION: Increasing women's awareness of the importance and safety of oral healthcare during pregnancy, training dental students and primary healthcare dentists in the practice guidelines for the dental management of pregnant women, and developing and monitoring key performance indicators for maternal oral healthcare are the starting steps for improving the oral health and well-being of women and their children.

Awareness of undergraduate dental students, interns, and freshly graduated dentists about oral manifestation associated with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: There is growing evidence supporting the presence of oral manifestations associated with COVID-19. The study investigates the knowledge of dental undergraduates and recently graduated dentists concerning oral presentations related to COVID-19. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study in Saudi Arabia comprised 305 individuals, including undergraduate dental students, interns, and freshly graduated dentists. Data were collected using a questionnaire disseminated to approximately 500 subjects via WhatsApp groups and other applications. The questionnaire was tested in a pilot study for validity, edited, and validated by 2 supervisors at the College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding sociodemographic attributes, the level of expertise of dental practitioners, and their knowledge and perspectives regarding COVID-19 and the implementation of oral lesions interrelated to it. The data was subjected to analysis through the utilization of descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, employing the statistical software SPSS (version 24). RESULTS: About 43.9% of subjects stated that COVID-19 causes oral symptoms. Respondents most frequently reported COVID-19-related dry mouth. Oral ulcers, Candida infection, Hyperpigmentation, tongue coating, atrophy, Petechiae, Herpes, white lesions, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis are further symptoms. COVID-19's oral manifestation was unknown to 41.0% of subjects, and 37.7% of respondents lacked knowledge regarding the most impacted locations of oral manifestations. Oral signs and COVID-19 symptoms are debated and significantly associated with higher educational levels. CONCLUSION: The dental students and freshly graduated dentists in this study have proper knowledge of COVID-19 and its symptoms. Also, most dental students and newly graduated dentists recognize the potential correlation between COVID-19 and oral manifestations with an average to excellent knowledge of the types and sites commonly affected. The level of awareness was associated with higher educational levels.

Musculoskeletal disorders among dental students: a survey from Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are injuries affecting bones, joints, muscles, and tendons due to improper working conditions with serious consequences on health and career. Dentists were found to be at greater risk of developing WMSD compared to other healthcare providers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSD among dental students in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey-based study recruited dental students across the kingdom using respondent-driven sampling technique. Data was collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal scale and a validated, self- administered, close-ended questionnaire which assessed WMSDs predisposing factors, enabling factors and musculoskeletal disorders consequences and management. The questionnaire was administered in both Arabic and English languages and was distributed online using google forms. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, Chi-square test or Fisher Exact test was used where appropriate and Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of developing WMSDs. RESULTS: The prevalence of WMSD was 87% (95% CL; 83.9% to 90.3%) among the 462 respondents. Gender, study year, type of practice, having clinics for left-handed, hours of clinical practice, sitting in the proper position while working, use of coping strategies were significantly associated with WMSD prevalence (P < 0.05). Males were OR = 10 times at higher risk of WMSD compared to females (P = 0.0001). Those with daily clinical practice were OR = 5 times at higher risk of WMSD than those who have weekly practice. Those practicing walking, workout, and yoga showed lower prevalence of WMSD (OR = 0.377 & 0.323, p = 0.015, 0.010 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of WMSD among dental students in KSA was high. Males and those with prolonged clinical sessions were at greater risk of WMSD. There is a need for awareness campaigns to educate dental students about risk factors of WMSD. Collegesy, dental colleges should adopt policies in reducing WMSD among their students.

A Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Based Investigation of the Frequency and Pattern of Radix Entomolaris in the Saudi Arabian Population.

Background and Objectives: An understanding of the anatomical complexity of teeth is a significant factor for a successful endodontic treatment outcome. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency and pattern of distribution of radix entomolaris (RE) in mandibular first molars (MFMs) of a Saudi Arabian subpopulation using CBCT scans. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at dental clinics of Qassim University from February to May 2023 by evaluating CBCT scans that were previously obtained for diagnostic purposes. Scans of Saudi national patients with bilaterally present MFMs and fully formed root apices were included. Conversely, scans with one/or two missing MFMs, MFMs with incomplete root apices, full- or partial-coverage prosthesis, endodontic treatment, and associated radicular resorption were excluded from study. A total of 303 CBCT scans with 606 bilateral MFMs were analyzed by two calibrated evaluators for the presence of, and type according to Song's typolgy of RE. The data were analyzed using SPPS-24. The descriptive variables were documented as frequencies and percentages. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between the prevalence of RE with the gender, jaw side and age group. Both inter-rater and intra-rater agreements were estimated for detecting and classifying RE using Cohen's kappa test. Results: The sample had 63.7% males and 36.3% females. The prevalence of RE was 6.6%, with Song's type III (57.5%) as the most common variant. Absolute agreement was noted between the raters about the presence of RE and very strong agreement was noted for the classification of the RE. Conclusions: RE is an uncommon finding among the mandibular first molars of the Saudi population without any gender and quadrant predilection. The clinicians' knowledge of the presence and Song's type of RE may contribute towards the enhancement of endodontic treatment outcomes.

Impact of Orofacial Clefts on Oral Health Quality of Life: A Cross-sectional Survey Study in Saudi Arabia.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of facial clefts on the dental health quality of life of affected individuals, and to determine whether age and gender affect the oral health quality of life differently. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional survey included 50 participants (32 females and 18 males) from the northern region of Saudi Arabia, using a reliable and validated questionnaire, the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP), which measured self-reported oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children and adults using a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis was performed, and results were considered significant if the p-value was less than 0.05. RESULTS: The highest scores in the oral health domain were related to bad breath and reluctance in speaking or reading aloud in class within the school environment domain, with mean scores of 3.44 ± 1.3 and 3.52 ± 1.2, respectively. Most patients showed apprehension regarding necessary dental treatments (mean = 1.44 ± 0.07). The study found a non-statistically significant difference in tooth discomfort between age groups (p = 0.092), with individuals aged from 20 to 29 experiencing higher levels of discomfort than other age groups surveyed. CONCLUSION: The two topics with the highest mean scores in the oral health domain and the school environment domain were bad breath and not wanting to speak or read aloud in class. Females reported more discomfort, and there was a substantial association between gender and tooth pain/sensitivity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the difficulties cleft patients face is crucial, as doing so will enable dentists to encourage and handle these issues more effectively.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of Saudi dental hygiene students towards novel corona virus disease (COVID-19): A nation-wide study.

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare workers involved in procedures that generate aerosol or handling patient specimens are associated with a high possibility of COVID-19 infection. Thus, it is very important for the health workers to understand the knowledge related to transmission, prevention and protocols of COVID-19. METHODS: Cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on dental hygiene students in Saudi Arabia. An online version of pre-tested and validated questionnaire was used to test the KAP for COVID 19. RESULTS: The mean score for knowledge-related questions was found to be 2.91 ± 1.59, attitude-related questions to be 2.84 ± 1.41 and for practice-related questions to be 4.20 ± 1.36. After converting the scores into percentages, any score <60% was categorized as poor score, 60%-80% as average score and >80% as good score. Students showed poor knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19. But the practice of dental hygiene students towards COVID-19 was found to be good with the score of 83.4%. CONCLUSION: The outcome of this cross-sectional study shows that most of dental hygiene students studying in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are following good practices towards COVID-19 inspite of having poor knowledge and attitude.

A Systematic Review of Cross-Sectional Studies Conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Levels of Dental Anxiety Between Genders and Demographic Groups.

BACKGROUND Dental anxiety can impact oral health and dental treatment in patients of all age groups, which seems to be an obstacle to quality dental care. This systematic review of the literature aimed to evaluate the findings from cross-sectional studies conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on levels of dental anxiety (DA) between genders and among various demographic groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS An electronic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was carried out in January 2022. Studies that measured dental anxiety in Saudis in all regions of the KSA by direct evaluation and interviews were included. Studies that were not in the English language or used proxy measures were excluded. Quality assessment was carried out using Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies. RESULTS A total of 19 cross-sectional studies from the KSA were identified that used validated anxiety scales, including the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale, Revised (DAS-R), and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). All studies were rated as having a high risk of bias. A mild level of DA was the most common among participants in the KSA. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this systematic review showed that in the KSA, although a mild level of dental anxiety was most common in the study participants, women, young adults, and university students showed a higher prevalence of dental anxiety. However, the lack of sufficient literature to support the current findings make an overall conclusion about DA extremely difficult.

Towards a better understanding of the psychosocial determinants associated with adults' use of smokeless tobacco in the Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Most diagnosed oral cancer cases in Saudi Arabia are in the Jazan region. A common type of smokeless tobacco "Shammah" is prevalent in this region. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the possible psychosocial determinants of Shammah consumption among adult Shammah users in Jazan region. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted by means of one-on-one interviews among thirty adult Shammah users. Participants were recruited by means of a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide utilizing face-to-face and phone-call interviews. Thematic analysis with hybrid approach was used to analyze the dataset. RESULTS: Twenty-four sub-codes within four overarching themes were generated. Participants revealed uncertainty related to Shammah composition, how to quit knowledge and Shammah prevention/cessation programs. Shammah use identified as a normal phenomenon in society. Its use was frequently reported in participants' close network but most users faced family and peers' disapproval. Some users expressed joy, happiness and focused when using Shammah. Others were disgusted or neutral. Many users believed Shammah causes cancer and tears oral tissues. Others believed it relieves toothache or has no effect. Majority of users were confident to quit and recalled some quitting aids. Toothache, craving, drinking tea and chewing Khat (leaves of Catha edulis plant that causes moderate euphoria) perceived to be triggers to use Shammah. Availability of Shammah, withdrawal symptoms, stress, lack of support, seeing others using Shammah, losing part of routine and toothache were barriers to quit. CONCLUSIONS: Shammah use was associated with uncertainty about Shammah composition and quitting knowledge, social acceptability, influence from family/friends, a range of positive and negative attitudinal beliefs toward its use and high quitting efficacy beliefs. Future interventions targeting Shammah should address the acknowledged triggers and barriers in the present study including the dual use of Shammah and Khat.

Geographic accessibility to public dental practices in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: It is impossible to attain good general health without maintaining oral health and this becomes problematic when dental services are located far from the population that needs to utilise them. This study aimed to assess the geographic accessibility of dental clinics located in public primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) and hospitals in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia and how long it takes to reach them by car and on foot. METHODS: The location of clinics and hospitals, maps of road systems, and the governorates' borders (administrative areas) within the Jazan region were downloaded using the QGIS mapping tool. The time taken to travel to the clinics and hospitals, either by driving or walking, was assessed. If the time was 30 min or less, residents in the area were classified as 'serviced'. It was more than 30 min, they were 'underserved'. RESULTS: Only 31% of Jazan residents were found to live in a serviced area if they drove to clinics and hospitals. Residents of Jazan's seven mountainous governorates were more likely to require services. Only 40% could drive less than 30 min to a primary health dental clinic. Only 19% of people could walk to a hospital in less than 30 min. Only two governorates had a majority of residents who lived in serviced areas. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates an accessibility issue, as many Jazan inhabitants must drive or walk for an extended period (> 30 min) to reach a healthcare facility, whether a primary health care centre or a hospital. This issue may result in many people not receiving necessary health care, compromising their oral health status. Additional research is needed to identify public, private and other health facilities in the region and the prevalence of oral disease.