ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the psychological impact of COVID-19 on burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients. It focuses on comparing post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), post-traumatic growth (PTG), and resilience between BMS patients and Controls. METHODS: A total of 100 BMS patients and 100 Controls from five Italian centers participated in this observational cross-sectional study. They completed several assessments, including the General Health Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, National Stressful Events Survey Short Scale, Impact of Event Scale-Revised, Post Traumatic Growth Inventory Short Form, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. RESULTS: BMS patients had significantly higher stress, anxiety, and depression (DASS-21 score) and post-traumatic stress symptoms (IES-R-6 score), particularly in terms of intrusive thoughts. They showed lower post-traumatic growth (PTGI-SF score) compared to Controls. The resilience scale (CDRS-10) was a key predictor of PTG in both groups, explaining a significant variance in PTGI-SF scores. CONCLUSIONS: BMS patients experienced heightened post-traumatic stress, stress, anxiety, and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, with reduced post-traumatic growth. This highlights the need to prioritize their psychological well-being, focusing on stress management and fostering post-traumatic growth in challenging times.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to verify the knowledge on oral cancer and to assess possible differences in awareness and information basing on different demographic and subject-related factors. An anonymous survey was provided to 750 random subjects using online-based questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed in order to evaluate the influence of demographic variables (gender, age, education) on knowledge of oral cancer and its risk factors. 68.4% of individuals knew about the existence of oral cancer, mostly from media and family/friends. Awareness was significantly influenced by gender and higher education, but not by age. Most participants recognized smoking as a risk factor, but alcohol abuse and sunlight exposure are less known, especially among less educated subjects. On the contrary, our study shows a diffusion of false information: more than 30% of the participants indicated the possible role of amalgam fillings in oral cancer onset, independently of gender, age or education. The results of our study suggest the need for oral cancer awareness campaigns, where school and healthcare professionals should be actively involved in promoting, organizing and finding methods to monitor the medium and long-term efficacy with proper methodological quality.
