Role of oral health in heart and vascular health: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and hypercholesterolemia, are a major public health challenge. This study investigates the influence of oral health indicators, including gum bleeding, active dental caries, tooth mobility, and tooth loss, on their prevalence in Hungary, considering socioeconomic, demographic, and lifestyle factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the 2019 Hungarian European Health Interview Survey with 5,603 participants informed this analysis. Data were accessed from the records maintained by the Department of Health Informatics at the University of Debrecen between September and November 2023. Variable selection employed elastic net regularization and k-fold cross-validation, leading to high-performing predictors for weighted multiple logistic regression models. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the findings' validity. RESULTS: Significant links were found between poor oral health and chronic cardiac conditions. Multiple teeth extractions increased hypertension risk (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: [1.01-2.77]); dental prosthetics had an OR of 1.45 [1.20-1.75]. Gum bleeding was associated with higher cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.69 [1.30-2.21]) and hypercholesterolemia risks (OR = 1.40 [1.09-1.81]). CONCLUSIONS: Oral health improvement may reduce the risk of cardiac conditions. This underscores oral health's role in multidisciplinary disease management.

Association Between Influenza Vaccine Uptake and Health Awareness: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study Among Medical Students and Healthcare Workers in Northern Vietnam.

BACKGROUND Seasonal influenza poses a significant global health concern. Despite the proven effectiveness of the influenza vaccine, its uptake remains low in Vietnam. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students and healthcare workers on influenza vaccine uptake in northern Vietnam. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 585 participants from northern Vietnam institutions through an anonymous online survey via Google form from June to August 2022. The cut-off for a high level of knowledge and a positive attitude was set at 70% for each variable. Bivariate analysis was conducted to establish associations. Multiple binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice. RESULTS Among the participants, 463 (79.15%) were women, 354 (60.51%) were below 25 years old, 426 (72.82%) were of "Kinh" ethnicity, and 454 (77.61%) were single. Only 237 (40.51%) were vaccinated. Good knowledge and attitude were reported by 36.58% and 42.39% of the participants, respectively. Having a high level of knowledge was found positively associated with having a positive attitude (odds ratio 2.11 [1.48-3.01]). Kinh ethnicity was positively associated with knowledge (1.67 [1.12-2.49]) and attitude (1.97 [1.32-2.94]). Female participants displayed a more positive attitude (2.08 [1.33-3.25]). Several factors influenced the uptake, such as being single (2.07 [1.19-3.59]), being a medical doctor (2.34 [1.09-5.06]), and being advised by a healthcare provider (2.96 [2.00-4.37]). CONCLUSIONS A noticeable gap in knowledge and attitude related to influenza vaccine uptake was found among the target population. Tailored interventions are necessary to improve vaccination coverage.

Assessing the impact of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors on oral health: a cross-sectional study in the Hungarian population.

Introduction: Oral health, a critical aspect of overall well-being, is influenced by various sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, with poor oral health associated with systemic diseases and diminished quality of life. Methods: This cross-sectional study leverages data from the Hungarian European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) representative of the Hungarian population, to conduct a comprehensive examination of the intersection between these factors and oral health, aiming to identify potential risk factors and contribute to the development of targeted interventions. The research examined associations between sociodemographic/lifestyle factors and oral health. Statistical techniques included Pearson's Chi-square test, multivariate and ordinal logistic regression analyses. Weighting was applied to assure the representativeness of the population and enhance the validity of the survey results. Results: The study identifies gender, age, education, financial status, smoking, and self-perceived oral health as key factors influencing oral health outcomes. Notably, regular dental visits significantly reduced the risk of poor oral health and caries. Females, non-smokers, university graduates, high-income individuals, and those with good self-perceived health had fewer missing teeth and better self-perceived oral health. Teeth extractions due to decay, especially when not replaced, significantly increased the perception of poor oral health, while regular dental visits improved it. Discussion: The study highlights the need for personalized oral health interventions considering the different sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, along with promotion of healthy lifestyle, more frequent dental office visits and equitable dental care access. The findings offer the potential to inform regional oral health policies and prevention strategies, improving oral health and overall wellbeing.

Cardiovascular disease and risk factors in adults with diabetes mellitus in Hungary: a population-based study.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary artery disease are highly prevalent conditions that are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in Hungary. The conditions are attributed to identical risk factors, and individuals with DM are primarily susceptible to cardiovascular complications, which are the leading causes of death and disability in patients with DM. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of CVD in individuals with DM and to investigate the association between potential risk factors and the presence of CVD among individuals with DM in a population-based sample. Methods: The study was based on data from three waves of the European Health Interview Surveys (EHIS) conducted in Hungary in 2009, 2014, and 2019. Results: The prevalence of CVD among patients with DM decreased during the study period and that socioeconomic factors, cardiometabolic risk factors including high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and depression are major contributors to CVD burden in patients with DM in Hungary. Discussion: Our findings suggest the importance of regular check-up for hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, better focus on socioeconomic status, as well as ongoing monitoring of mental health among patients with diabetes. Further research is needed to understand the potential causes behind the observed decrease in CVD prevalence.

Investigating the Association between Sociodemographic Factors and Chronic Disease Risk in Adults Aged 50 and above in the Hungarian Population.

Chronic diseases are a major cause of mortality and morbidity globally, with non-communicable diseases being responsible for most deaths. Older adults are at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases due to various sociodemographic and lifestyle factors such as age, sex, income, education, employment, place of residence, dietary supplementation, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. Understanding the relationship between these factors and chronic diseases is crucial for identifying vulnerable populations and improving healthcare delivery. Through both an online and an interview-based survey, this cross-sectional study aimed to examine these associations, focusing on adults aged 50 and above, with the goal of identifying potential areas for intervention and prevention. The study found that gender, area of residence, education status, employment status, nutritional supplementation, body mass index (BMI), alcohol usage, and age are associated with the risk of chronic disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Female gender, higher educational level, employment, normal BMI, and younger age were found to be protective factors, while living in rural areas, alcohol consumption, and older age were identified as risk factors. The study recommends targeted interventions and improved access to healthcare to reduce risk factors and enhance healthcare delivery for better health outcomes.