Perception of sexual ramification among women toward male doctors in today's Indian society.

The objective of the study was to assess the perception of women patients toward attitude of health professionals who have undergone physical examination.A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,257 women. A self-administered structured questionnaire comprising of 16 questions was designed to assess perception of patients toward attitude of health professionals.Mean perception scores of the study population were 19.79 ± 1.78. Women in the age group of 29-38 years had a greater perception (20.34 ± 1.54) that they had been a subject or could be a subject to sexual exploitation by a doctor. Graduate and above group participants had a greater perception (19.54 ± 1.86) when compared to primary and secondary education level (19.52 ± 1.85, 18.35 ± 1.5). Data were analyzed using ANOVA.Women had mixed perception of sexual gratification toward male doctors. It is necessary to educate the doctors regarding the respect, dignity, and values for female patients, which could reduce occupational defamation.

Insignificant Correlation between Thyroid Hormone and Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibodies in Alopecia Areata Patients in Northern Rajasthan.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, recurrent form of nonscarring alopecia which often presents as circumscribed patches of spontaneous hair loss. The global prevalence of this disease varies from 0.1% to 0.2% in general population and 7-30 cases per 1000 dermatological patients. The etiology of AA still remains uncertain; however, genetic or environmental factor and autoimmunity are claimed responsible for it. Various autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, diabetes mellitus, vitiligo, and lupus erythematosus, have been reported in association with AA. AIM: The index study was aimed at estimation of serum T3, T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Similar age/sex-matched AA patients and controls (110 in each group). Enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay for thyroid profile and anti-TPO antibody level estimation in veinous blood sample. OBSERVATIONS: The mean/standard deviation (SD) of T3 was 3.30 ± 0.84 pg/ml in AA while 3.27 ± 0.67 pg/ml in controls (P = 0.302). Serum mean/SD of T4 level was1.23 ± 0.76 ng/dl in AA patients while 1.17 ± 0.34 ng/dl in controls (P = 0.522). The mean/SD of anti-TPO levels in AA patients was 21.52 ± 35.09 while 56.43 ± 140.72 in controls (P = 0.136). LIMITATION: The limitation of this study was moderate number of AA patients and different genotype of study population. CONCLUSION: Occurrence of thyroid dysfunction and evidence of anti-TPO antibodies in AA is rare event in this study population.

Assessment of Dental Nutrition Knowledge among Nutrition/Dietetics Students.

INTRODUCTION: Diet and nutrition plays an important role in signifying the health of an individual. Oral health is the most important aspect of the body when it comes to food intake and its health benefits. It is important for the nutrition/dietetics students to be aware of the health modalities related to oral aspect. AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess knowledge towards the effect of diet and nutrition on oral health among nutrition/dietetics students of Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among all the nutrition and dietetics students of Udaipur city. A self-administered, pretested 14 item questionnaire was given to 180 students to assess their knowledge about dietary factors related to caries, anti-cariogenic foods, frequency and duration of sugar intake etc. One-way analysis of variance and independent sample t-test were utilized for statistical analysis. Confidence level and level of significance were set at 95% and 5%, respectively. RESULTS: The mean score for knowledge was 28.92±1.72. Mean knowledge scores for III, II and I year students were 29.91±1.94, 29.56±1.27 and 27.30±1.66 respectively. When post-hoc Bonferroni test was applied, mean knowledge score was found to be at a higher end among III year as compared to I year (p=0.03) students. CONCLUSION: This study highlights about low dental nutrition knowledge among nutrition/dietetics students. Health profess-ionals should have more information outside their immediate fields. Inter-professional team members should work in collaboration with each other to improve patient outcomes.

Assessment of oral hygiene habits, oral hygiene practices and tooth wear among fertilizer factory workers of Northern India: A Cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The association between oral hygiene habits & practices and severity of tooth wear lesion varies from community to community and also from occupation to occupation. The present study was conducted with to assess oral hygiene habits & practices and tooth wear among fertilizer factory workers of Punjab, India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted among 965 male workers who were aged between 19-58 years, who were the workers of fertilizers factory of Bathinda, India. An interview on the demographic profile, oral hygiene practices, and adverse habits followed a clinical examination for recording the Tooth Wear (Smith and Knight Index 1984) using Type III examination. The Chi-square test and a Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were used for the statistical analysis. Confidence interval and p-value set at 95% and ≤ 0.05 respectively. RESULTS: In the present study majority (47.2%) of the study population used chew sticks for cleaning their teeth. Overall prevalence of adverse habits was reported (92.4%). Study population showed higher prevalence of tooth wear (77.1%). Best predictors identified for Tooth Wear were oral hygiene practices, adverse habits, years of work experience and age respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable percentages of fertilizer factory workers have demonstrated a higher prevalence of tooth surface loss. This may be useful in designing the investigations that aim to further explore the causes for these findings and more importantly to plan oral health promotion program implementing both preventive and curative strategies. KEY WORDS: Tooth wear, smith & knight index, fertilizer factory.

Assessment of Tooth Wear Among Glass Factory Workers: WHO 2013 Oral Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Glass factory workers are often exposed to the hazardous environment that leads to deleterious oral health and subsequently, general health. We planned to determine the effects of the particulates present in the milieu on the tooth wear among workers. AIM: To assess tooth wear among glass factory workers in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 936 glass workers in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India from January-June 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey proforma was designed for tooth wear evaluation with the help of WHO Oral Health Assessment form 2013 (for adults). Information regarding oral health practices, adverse habits and dietary habits, demographic details was gathered and clinical parameters were recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The Chi-square test, t-test, One-way Analysis of Variance and a Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The most prevalent form of erosion was enamel erosion (589, 62.93%) with few subjects of deeper dentinal erosion and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.001). Dental erosion was found to be higher among males compared to females. Years of experience and educational status were identified as best predictors for dental erosion. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that there was considerable evidence of dental erosion found among the factory workers. Due to ignorance on social, cultural and health aspects, professional approach with regular dental care services for detection of early symptoms and planning of preventive strategies is warranted.

The antiplaque efficacy of propolis-based herbal toothpaste: A crossover clinical study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, herbal products have been suggested as an economic, safe and probably effective alternative for prevention and control of various oral diseases. But still there are some products which need to be evaluated. Of lately, Propolis is one such product. To assess and compare the efficacy of herbal dentifrice containing Propolis with Miswak and Colgate total toothpastes in controlling plaque formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double blind, randomized, crossover study design was conducted among thirty healthy dental students. After oral prophylaxis all subjects were given a washout product for one week period. Subjects were then made to brush with (washout product) for 1 minute followed by 1 minute brushing with assigned test product. The baseline MGMPI plaque scores were recorded. Subjects were then refrained from oral hygiene for 24 hours, and were recalled to be re-disclosed and re-measured for plaque formation. This procedure was repeated according to crossover design after a washout period of (2 week). Statistical tests used were Krukalwallis and Wilcoxon sign rank test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in 24 hour score between the test products evaluated. When the change from baseline to 24 hours was analyzed, the test product Propolis resulted in a consistently and significantly (p < 0.05) lower MGMPI mean scores than the Colgate Total and Miswak toothpastes. CONCLUSION: Propolis was found to be safe and effective in reducing plaque accumulation when compared to Miswak and Colgate total toothpaste.

Knowledge and attitude toward informed consent among private dental practitioners in bathinda city, punjab, India.

OBJECTIVES: A study was conducted with the purpose to assess the knowledge and attitude towards informed consent among private dental practitioners in Bathinda City, Punjab, India. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among all private dental practitioners in Bathinda City. A self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of 14 items was used to assess their knowledge and attitude regarding informed consent. The response format was based on a 3-point Likert scale. One-way analysis of variance, independent sample t test, and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were utilized for statistical analysis. Confidence level and level of significance were set at 95% and 5%, respectively. RESULTS: The mean scores for knowledge and attitude were 19.37 ± 31.82 and 9.40 ± 1.72, respectively. Analysis revealed that qualification and years of experience was statistically significant among both dependent variables (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: An unbalanced knowledge of informed consent among the current dentists has suggested the need for awareness programs to fill the knowledge gaps and instill positive attitudes.

The association between educational achievements, career aspirations, achievement motives and oral hygiene behavior among dental students of Udaipur, India.

BACKGROUND: There are several factors which influence oral hygiene behavior of an individual. Educational achievements, career aspirations and achievement motives of individuals are some of those factors. The objective of this study was to investigate whether educational achievements, career aspirations and achievement motives have associations with oral hygiene behavior among dental students of Udaipur, India. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among all (n=200) 1st year dental students from all dental colleges of Udaipur City, India. Self-administered structured questions were used to assess their educational achievements, career aspirations and oral hygiene behavior (OHB). Achievement motives were assessed using Achievement Motive Scale developed by Lang and Fries (2006). Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression tests were used in data analysis. Confidence level and level of significance were set at 95% and 5% respectively. RESULTS: Students with better educational achievements undergone regular dental check-up (30.48%) (p=0.03) and used other oral hygiene aids (90.24%) (p=0.01). Tooth brushing frequency, time and replacement time of tooth brush were found to be significantly associated with career aspiration (p=0.007; p=0.002; p=0.00 respectively). Achievement motives did not have statistically significant association with oral hygiene behavior. CONCLUSION: Educational achievements and career aspirations appear to be associated with oral hygiene behavior of young dental students. Students with higher career aspirations practiced better oral hygiene behavior. There was no significant relationship between achievement motives and oral hygiene behavior.

Dental Sealants: Knowledge, Value, Opinion, and Practice among Dental Professionals of Bathinda City, India.

Objective. The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, value, opinion, and practice regarding use of dental sealants among private dental practitioners in Bathinda City, Punjab, India. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among all private dental practitioners in Bathinda City, Punjab. A self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of 28 items was used to assess their knowledge, value, opinion, and practice regarding dental sealants. One-way analysis of variance, independent sample t-test, and multivariate regression analysis were utilized for statistical analysis. Confidence level and level of significance were set at 95% and 5%, respectively. Results. The mean scores for knowledge, value, opinion, and practice were 41.8 ± 3.7, 18.7 ± 2.8, 18.1 ± 1.4, and 12.9 ± 2.3, respectively. Analysis revealed that qualification was statistically significant among all dependent variables (P ≤ 0.05); work experience was significantly associated with both knowledge and opinion means scores (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion. The results suggest that dental practitioners had sufficient knowledge about dental sealants. They also acknowledge the importance of use of dental sealants. Practice of dental sealants in clinics was found adequate but they were not following the specific guidelines and standardized procedures.