Dental students' satisfaction with their course and how it is associated to their satisfaction with life and career outlook / Satisfação com o curso de Odontologia e suas associações com a satisfação com a vida e perspectiva de carreira

ABSTRACT Identifying factors that influence the satisfaction of undergraduate dental students can contribute to establishing strategies for improving the educational process, furthering student development, and enhancing students' academic and professional achievements. Aim: the present study investigated associations between undergraduate students' satisfaction with the dental course and their satisfaction with life, perception of professional career and sociodemographic factors. Materials and method: this was a cross-sectional study on 512 dental students from a Brazilian School of Dentistry. Students were asked to respond to three questionnaires about sociodemographic characteristics, academic, and professional perceptions. Satisfaction with life was measured using the Brazilian version of the Satisfaction with Life Scale, which comprises five statements with responses scored on a seven-point Likert scale ranging from "I strongly disagree" to "I strongly agree". Unadjusted and adjusted multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to test associations between satisfaction with the dental course and key variables. Results: most participants were female (73.2%), single (99.8%) and with mean age 21.77 (±2.71) years. Approximately three quarters had a family income over three times higher than the national monthly minimum wage. Higher satisfaction with the course was associated with more optimistic perception of the job market (OR=2.44; 95% CI: 1.36-4.40), better academic performance (OR=1.65; 95% CI: 1.00-2.74) and greater satisfaction with life (OR=1.10; 95% CI: 1.06-1.15). Students' sex and family income did not have significant impact on satisfaction with the dental course. Conclusions: satisfaction with the dental course is related to an optimistic perception of the job market, academic performance and satisfaction with life.

RESUMO Identificar os fatores que influenciam na satisfação dos estudantes de odontologia pode contribuir para o estabelecimento de estratégias que aprimorem o processo educacional, favorecendo o desenvolvimento dos alunos e potencializando suas conquistas acadêmicas e profissionais. Objetivo: o presente estudo investigou as associações entre a satisfação de estudantes de graduação com o curso de odontologia e sua satisfação com a vida, percepção da carreira profissional e fatores sociodemográficos. Materiais e método: um estudo transversal foi realizado com 512 estudantes de Odontologia de uma Faculdade Brasileira de Odontologia. Três questionários foram aplicados aos alunos, com o objetivo de avaliar as características sociodemográficas, percepções acadêmicas e profissionais. A satisfação com a vida foi mensurada pela versão brasileira da Escala de Satisfação com a Vida, que compreende cinco afirmações com respostas pontuadas em uma escala Likert de sete pontos, variando de "discordo totalmente" a "concordo totalmente". A análise de regressão logística foi realizada para testar associações entre a satisfação com o curso de Odontologia e as demais variáveis. Análises de regressão logística múltipla não-ajustada e ajustada foram realizadas para testar associações entre a satisfação com o curso de odontologia e variáveis-chave. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino (73,2%), solteiros (99,8%) e com média de idade de 21,77 (±2,71) anos. Aproximadamente três quartos tinham renda familiar três vezes superior ao salário-mínimo nacional. A maior satisfação dos alunos com o curso foi associada a maior percepção otimista do mercado de trabalho (OR=2,44; IC 95%: 1,36-4,40), desempenho acadêmico (OR=1,65; IC 95%: 1,00-2,74) e satisfação com a vida (OR =1,10; IC 95%: 1,06-1,15). O sexo dos alunos e a renda familiar não apresentaram impacto significativo na satisfação com o curso de odontologia. Conclusão: a satisfação com o curso de odontologia está relacionada com a percepção otimista do mercado de trabalho, desempenho acadêmico e satisfação com a vida.

Dental students' satisfaction with their course and how it is associated to their satisfaction with life and career outlook.

Identifying factors that influence the satisfaction of undergraduate dental students can contribute to establishing strategies for improving the educational process, furthering student development, and enhancing students' academic and professional achievements. AIM: the present study investigated associations between undergraduate students' satisfaction with the dental course and their satisfaction with life, perception of professional career and sociodemographic factors. MATERIALS AND METHOD: this was a cross-sectional study on 512 dental students from a Brazilian School of Dentistry. Students were asked to respond to three questionnaires about sociodemographic characteristics, academic, and professional perceptions. Satisfaction with life was measured using the Brazilian version of the Satisfaction with Life Scale, which comprises five statements with responses scored on a seven-point Likert scale ranging from "I strongly disagree" to "I strongly agree". Unadjusted and adjusted multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to test associations between satisfaction with the dental course and key variables. RESULTS: most participants were female (73.2%), single (99.8%) and with mean age 21.77 (±2.71) years. Approximately three quarters had a family income over three times higher than the national monthly minimum wage. Higher satisfaction with the course was associated with more optimistic perception of the job market (OR=2.44; 95% CI: 1.36-4.40), better academic performance (OR=1.65; 95% CI: 1.00-2.74) and greater satisfaction with life (OR=1.10; 95% CI: 1.06-1.15). Students' sex and family income did not have significant impact on satisfaction with the dental course. CONCLUSIONS: satisfaction with the dental course is related to an optimistic perception of the job market, academic performance and satisfaction with life.

Identificar os fatores que influenciam na satisfação dos estudantes de odontologia pode contribuir para o estabelecimento de estratégias que aprimorem o processo educacional, favorecendo o desenvolvimento dos alunos e potencializando suas conquistas acadêmicas e profissionais. Objetivo: o presente estudo investigou as associações entre a satisfação de estudantes de graduação com o curso de odontologia e sua satisfação com a vida, percepção da carreira profissional e fatores sociodemográficos. Materiais e método: um estudo transversal foi realizado com 512 estudantes de Odontologia de uma Faculdade Brasileira de Odontologia. Três questionários foram aplicados aos alunos, com o objetivo de avaliar as características sociodemográficas, percepções acadêmicas e profissionais. A satisfação com a vida foi mensurada pela versão brasileira da Escala de Satisfação com a Vida, que compreende cinco afirmações com respostas pontuadas em uma escala Likert de sete pontos, variando de "discordo totalmente" a "concordo totalmente". A análise de regressão logística foi realizada para testar associações entre a satisfação com o curso de Odontologia e as demais variáveis. Análises de regressão logística múltipla não-ajustada e ajustada foram realizadas para testar associações entre a satisfação com o curso de odontologia e variáveis-chave. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino (73,2%), solteiros (99,8%) e com média de idade de 21,77 (±2,71) anos. Aproximadamente três quartos tinham renda familiar três vezes superior ao salário-mínimo nacional. A maior satisfação dos alunos com o curso foi associada a maior percepção otimista do mercado de trabalho (OR=2,44; IC 95%: 1,36-4,40), desempenho acadêmico (OR=1,65; IC 95%: 1,00-2,74) e satisfação com a vida (OR =1,10; IC 95%: 1,06-1,15). O sexo dos alunos e a renda familiar não apresentaram impacto significativo na satisfação com o curso de odontologia. Conclusão: a satisfação com o curso de odontologia está relacionada com a percepção otimista do mercado de trabalho, desempenho acadêmico e satisfação com a vida.

Contextual and individual determinants of oral health-related quality of life among five-year-old children: a multilevel analysis.

BACKGROUND: Contextual factors may influence oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of individual and contextual determinants of OHRQoL based on the perceptions of children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 769 five-year-old children from public and private preschools in a city in the countryside of northeast Brazil. Parents/caregivers answered questionnaires addressing psychological aspects, sociodemographic data and aspects of the child's oral health. The children answered the child version of the Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for five-year-old children and were submitted to oral examinations. Variables related to the context were obtained from the schools and official municipal publications. Unadjusted and adjusted multilevel Poisson regression models were used to investigate associations between variables. RESULTS: In the adjusted analysis, parent's/caregiver's schooling, household income, parent's/caregiver's age, a history of dental pain, dental caries and its consequences and traumatic dental injury were considered individual determinants of OHRQoL according to the children's self-reports. After the incorporation of the contextual determinants, the association between parent's/caregiver's schooling and OHRQoL lost its significance. Type of school was the context variable that remained associated with OHRQoL. DISCUSSION: Besides the clinical and sociodemographic individual characteristics, characteristics of the school environment in which the child studies are associated with self-reported impacts on OHRQoL.

Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activity of Bauhinia forficata Link and Cnidoscolus quercifolius Extracts commonly Used in Folk Medicine.

BACKGROUND: Bauhinia forficata and Cnidoscolus quercifolius plants are commonly used in folk medicine. However, few studies have investigated their therapeutic potential. AIM: Herein, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of B. forficata and C. quercifolius extracts against microorganisms of clinical relevance and their antiproliferative potential against tumor cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following tests were performed: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), inhibition of biofilm adhesion, and effects on cell morphology. Antiproliferative tests were carried out with human keratinocytes and six tumor lines. RESULTS: Bauhinia forficata showed antimicrobial activity only against C. albicans with MIC of 15.62 ug/mL and MFC higher than 2000 ug/mL. It also inhibited biofilm adhesion and caused alterations in cell morphology. Cnidoscolus quercifolius showed no significant activity (MIC > 2.0 mg/mL) against the strains. Bauhinia forficata and C. quercifolius extracts showed cytostatic activity against the tumor cells. CONCLUSION: Bauhinia forficata has promising anti-Cand/da activity and should be further investigated for its therapeutic potential. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of infectious processes has an important function nowadays, due to the limitations of the use of synthetic antibiotics available, related specifically to the microbial resistance emergence.

Oral problems and quality of life of preschool children: self-reports of children and perception of parents/caregivers.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between oral health problems and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children according to both self-reports and the reports of parents/caregivers. A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with 769 preschool children and their parents/caregivers. The OHRQoL was evaluated using the Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for Five-Year-Old Children (SOHO-5). Based on logistic regression for complex samples, the following variables were found to be associated with poorer OHRQoL in the parent/caregiver version: toothache (OR = 6.77; 95% CI: 3.95-11.59); consequences of untreated dental caries (OR = 2.69; 95% CI: 1.27-5.70); and anterior open bite (OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.13-3.56). The following variables were associated with poorer OHRQoL in the child self-report version: toothache (OR = 3.34; 95% CI: 2.11-5.29); cavitated lesions (anterior teeth) (OR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.26-3.84); occurrence of traumatic dental injury (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.19-2.61); and anterior open bite (OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.16-3.29). We conclude that children with dental caries (or its sequelae) had poorer OHRQoL. Having experienced a traumatic dental injury and having a malocclusion were also associated with a poorer OHRQoL.

Impact of breathing patterns on the quality of life of 9- to 10-year-old schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: Mouth breathing can cause a set of changes in craniofacial growth and development, with esthetic, functional, and psychological repercussions. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of mouth breathing on the quality of life of schoolchildren. METHODS: A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with 1911 children ages 9 and 10 years in the city of Recife, Brazil. The children answered the Mouth Breather Quality of Life questionnaire and a questionnaire that addressed sociodemographic data and health-related aspects. Clinical examinations were performed by an examiner who had undergone a training and calibration process for the diagnosis of mouth breathing (kappa = 0.90). Descriptive statistics were conducted to characterize the sample. Statistical analysis involved the Student's t-test and the F test (analysis of variance) (alpha = 5%). RESULTS: The prevalence of mouth breathing was 54.81%. Children with oral breathing demonstrated a poorer quality of life in comparison with children with nasal breathing (p < 0.001). The following variables were significantly associated with a poorer quality of life among the children with mouth breathing: a younger age (p < 0.001) and the use of medication (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Based on the present findings, children with the mouth-breathing pattern experience a greater negative impact on quality of life in comparison with those with the nose-breathing pattern. Thus, the early diagnosis and treatment of this clinical condition are fundamental to minimizing the consequences of mouth breathing on the quality of life of schoolchildren with respiration disorders.

Development of a questionnaire for measuring health-related quality of life among children and adolescents with mouth breathing.

BACKGROUND: Mouth breathing can exert an influence on quality of life and should be evaluated within a multidimensional context. However, there is no specific questionnaire to measure the impact of mouth breathing on quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a questionnaire for measuring the impact of mouth breathing on quality of life among children and adolescents. METHODS: Thirty-six items were evaluated by six health care professionals, one parent and one child with mouth breathing. After a qualitative evaluation, a modified set of 32 items was developed. The modified Mouth Breather Quality of Life (MBQoL) questionnaire was submitted to a pretest with a sample of 30 children and adolescents diagnosed with mouth breathing to evaluate comprehension, the order of the items, and the form of administration. The MBQoL questionnaire was then administered to 60 children and adolescents (30 mouth breathers and 30 nose breathers) for the evaluation of construct validity, internal consistency, and reproducibility. All the participants answered the questionnaire, and 50% of each group answered the questionnaire a second time after a 1-week interval (test-retest). RESULTS: Higher MBQoL scores (which indicated poorer quality of life) were significantly associated with mouth breathing. The Cronbach α coefficient for the items of the questionnaire was 0.88, and the Spearman correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability demonstrated that the questionnaire was reproducible (r = 0.993; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Through this validation study, the MBQoL questionnaire demonstrated a good performance in the evaluation of the quality of life of children and adolescents with mouth breathing and may be a useful tool in clinical studies as well as public health programs. However, further studies are needed to establish its applicability in other populations with respiration disorders.

Dental caries experience among indigenous children and adolescents.

Investigations into the oral health status of indigenous populations are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate caries experience and associated factors among 342 indigenous children and adolescents aged 5-15 years of the Xukuru community in the municipality of Pesqueira, Brazil. A cross-sectional census study was carried out using the criteria of the World Health Organization to determine caries experience. Examinations were performed by two calibrated dentists and a questionnaire was administered to parents/caregivers addressing socio-demographic data, diet and oral hygiene habits. Logistic regression analysis were performed, with dmft and DMFT as the dependent variables (P < 0.05). Caries experience (dmft/DMFT) was high in both the primary and permanent dentition (75.6% and 62.9%, respectively). Mean dmft and DMFT indices were 3.11 and 2.21, respectively. Caries experience in the primary dentition was associated with children residing in villages far from urban areas (P = 0.016), while caries in the permanent dentition was associated with older children (P < 0.001) and with children from villages at an intermediate distance and far from urban areas (P < 0.001). The indigenous subjects exhibited a high degree of caries experience, which was associated with age and group of villages. Public policies are needed to improve the oral health status of this population.

Assessment of the association between overweight/obesity and traumatic dental injury among Brazilian schoolchildren.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between overweight/obesity and the occurrence of traumatic dental injury among schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 years. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 590 students at public schools in the city of Campina Grande, Brazil. The classification proposed by O'Brien (1994) was used for the diagnosis of traumatic dental injury. Overweight/obesity was determined based on the body mass index. Clinical examinations were performed by two examiners who had undergone a calibration exercise (Kappa statistics of 0.87 and 0.90 for intra-examiner and inter-examiner, respectively). Data analysis involved the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test with a 5% level of significance. Traumatic dental injury was less prevalent among the schoolchildren with overweight/obesity than those without this condition (8.7% and 13.3%, respectively). When the sample was stratified by gender and age, traumatic dental injury was also more prevalent among schoolchildren without overweight/obesity. When the sample was stratified based on ethnicity, prevalence rates were similar between those with and without overweight/obesity. In the overall sample, no significant association was found between overweight/obesity and traumatic dental injury (p = 0.253). Overweight/obesity among schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 years was not associated with traumatic dental injury in this study. The analysis of physical activity may be important to gain a better understanding of this finding.

Assessment of the association between overweight/obesity and traumatic dental injury among Brazilian schoolchildren

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association betweenoverweight/obesity and the occurrence of traumatic dentalinjury among schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 years. A cross-sectionalstudy was carried out involving 590 students at publicschools in the city of Campina Grande, Brazil. The classificationproposed by O’Brien (1994) was used for the diagnosis oftraumatic dental injury. Overweight/obesity was determinedbased on the body mass index. Clinical examinations were performedby two examiners who had undergone a calibrationexercise (Kappa statistics of 0.87 and 0.90 for intra-examinerand inter-examiner, respectively). Data analysis involved thechi-square test and Fisher’s exact test with a 5% level of significance.Traumatic dental injury was less prevalent among theschoolchildren with overweight/obesity than those without thiscondition (8.7% and 13.3%, respectively). When the sample wasstratified by gender and age, traumatic dental injury was alsomore prevalent among schoolchildren without overweight/obesity.When the sample was stratified based on ethnicity,prevalence rates were similar between those with and withoutoverweight/obesity. In the overall sample, no significant associationwas found between overweight/obesity and traumaticdental injury (p = 0.253). Overweight/obesity among schoolchildrenaged 7 to 14 years was not associated with traumaticdental injury in this study. The analysis of physical activity maybe important to gain a better understanding of this finding...

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a associação entre osobrepeso/obesidade e a ocorrência do trauma dentário entreescolares de 7 a 14 anos de idade. Caracterizou-se como um estudotransversal realizado com 590 escolares de escolas públicasde Campina Grande, Brasil. Utilizou-se como critério de diagnósticopara traumatismo dentário a classificação proposta porO’Brien (1994) e para sobrepeso/obesidade o índice IMC. Osexames clínicos foram feitos por dois examinadores previamentecalibrados (Kappa intra e inter de 0,87 e 0,90, respectivamente).Os testes estatísticos utilizados foram Qui-quadrado e exato deFisher (significância de 5%). Os indivíduos sem sobrepeso/obesidadeapresentaram mais lesões de trauma dentário que aquelescom sobrepeso/obesidade (13,3% vs 8,7%). Quando estratificadaa amostra em relação ao sexo, idade e grupo étnico, otraumatismo dentário foi mais prevalente entre crianças/adolescentessem sobrepeso/obesidade, com exceção do grupo étnico,que apresentaram prevalências similares. No grupo total não foiobservada associação entre sobrepeso/obesidade e trauma dentário(p=0,253). A presença de sobrepeso/obesidade em escolaresde 7 a 14 anos não foi associada ao traumatismo dentário. Aanálise da atividade física pode ser um fator importante paramelhor elucidar a temática...

Malocclusion and quality of life in Brazilian preschoolers.

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among preschool children and their families. This study involved 732 preschoolers. Parents/caregivers filled out the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS) and a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data. Overbite, overjet, and crossbite were recorded during the clinical examination. Bivariate and multiple Poisson regression analyses were performed and prevalence ratio (PR) were calculated (α = 5%). The prevalence of negative impact from malocclusion on OHRQoL was 27.6% among the children and 22.3% among the families. Mother's schooling (PR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.10-1.70), parent's/caregiver's assessment of child's oral health (PR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.60-2.58), history of toothache (PR = 3.84; 95% CI: 2.34-6.30), and visits to the dentist (PR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.37-0.94) remained significantly associated with OHRQoL in the final model for the children, whereas parent's/caregiver's assessment of child's oral health (PR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.71-3.14) and history of toothache (PR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.69-3.09) remained significantly associated with OHRQoL for the families. Malocclusion was not associated with a negative impact on OHRQoL. In contrast, parents'/caregivers' perceptions regarding the oral health of their children and a history of toothache were predictors of a negative impact on the OHRQoL.

Assessment of the association between overweight/obesity and traumatic dental injury among Brazilian schoolchildren. / Assessment of the association between overweight/obesity and traumatic dental injury among Brazilian schoolchildren.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between overweight/obesity and the occurrence of traumatic dental injury among schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 years. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 590 students at public schools in the city of Campina Grande, Brazil. The classification proposed by OBrien (1994) was used for the diagnosis of traumatic dental injury. Overweight/obesity was determined based on the body mass index. Clinical examinations were performed by two examiners who had undergone a calibration exercise (Kappa statistics of 0.87 and 0.90 for intra-examiner and inter-examiner, respectively). Data analysis involved the chi-square test and Fishers exact test with a 5

level of significance. Traumatic dental injury was less prevalent among the schoolchildren with overweight/obesity than those without this condition (8.7

and 13.3

, respectively). When the sample was stratified by gender and age, traumatic dental injury was also more prevalent among schoolchildren without overweight/obesity. When the sample was stratified based on ethnicity, prevalence rates were similar between those with and without overweight/obesity. In the overall sample, no significant association was found between overweight/obesity and traumatic dental injury (p = 0.253). Overweight/obesity among schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 years was not associated with traumatic dental injury in this study. The analysis of physical activity may be important to gain a better understanding of this finding.

Impact of traumatic dental injury on the quality of life of Brazilian preschool children.

This study aimed to assess the impact of traumatic dental injury (TDI) on the quality of life of preschoolers and their families. A cross-sectional study was carried out, with a sample of 814 children, aged three to five years old, in Campina Grande, Brazil. Parents/caregivers were asked to complete the Brazilian Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale and a questionnaire on socio-demographic data. Oral examinations of the children were performed by three previously calibrated dentists. Bivariate and multiple Poisson regression analyses were performed (α = 5%). The prevalence of negative impact from oral conditions on quality of life was 31.1% among the children and 24.7% among the families. TDI was not associated with a negative impact on quality of life. Parent/caregiver's assessment of the child's oral health (PR = 1.210; 95% CI: 1.027-1.426) and history of toothache (PR = 4.997; 95% CI: 2.943-8.493) remained in the final model for the child section, whereas only a history of toothache (PR = 2.791; 95% CI: 1.801-4.325) remained in the final model for the family section. TDI exerted no negative impact on quality of life in the present sample. A history of toothache was the only variable associated with a negative impact on the quality of life of the preschoolers and their families.

Smoking, behavioral factors and familial environment: a population based study with Brazilian adolescents / Tabaquismo, factores comportamentales y ambiente familiar: un estudio basado en la población de adolecentes brasileños

Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the association between smoking and both behavioral and environmental factors among adolescents in the public school system in the city of Campina Grande (northeastern Brazil). Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out involving 574 schoolchildren between 10 and 19 years, with the use of a structured questionnaire addressing behavioral factors, environmental factors and smoking. The chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used for the statistical analysis (5 % level of significance). Results The prevalence of smoking was de 3.3 %. The lowest age regarding the use of tobacco for the first time was eight years and the age group with the greatest frequency of initiation into this habit was 11 to 14 years (44.3 %). A total of 84.3 % of tobacco users smoked between one and 10 cigarettes per day. Smoking was associated with delays in schooling (p=0.047), gender (p=0.016), alcohol use and frequency of alcohol use (p<0.001) and the relationship with one's father (p=0.014) and mother (p=0.004). Conclusions Despite the low prevalence, an early initiation into smoking was found, suggesting that educational campaigns should be directed at earlier ages. Alcohol use stood out among the variables studied, suggesting that smoking is influenced by both the use and intensity of this substance.

Objetivo El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre el tabaquismo, los factores comportamentales y los factores ambientales entre adolescentes de escuelas públicas de Campina Grande- Paraíba. Métodos El estudio realizado fue de tipo transversal analítico, en el cual participaron 574 adolescentes, entrevistados por medio de un cuestionario estructurado que contenía preguntas relacionadas con factores comportamentales y ambientales y con el tabaquismo. Las pruebas estadísticas utilizadas fueron el Chi-Cuadrado y la prueba exacta de Fisher (5 % nivel de significancia). Resultados La prevalencia del tabaquismo fue de 3,3 %. La menor edad relacionada con el inicio del uso del cigarro fue de 8 años y el grupo de edad con la mayor frecuencia de inicio fue entre 11 y 14 años (44,3 %). Se estimó que 84,3 % de los fumadores consumía entre 1 a 10 cigarros por día. El tabaquismo fue asociado al fracaso escolar (p=0,047), al sexo (p=0,016), al consumo y frecuencia de uso de alcohol (p<0,001) y a la relación con el padre (p=0,014) y con la madre (p=0,004). Conclusiones A pesar de la baja prevalencia encontrada, se observó un inicio prematuro en el tabaquismo sugiriendo que las campañas educativas deben ser enfocadas en edades más tempranas. Entre las variables analizadas se destaca el uso de alcohol, lo que también sugiere que el tabaquismo puede ser influenciado tanto por el consumo, como por la intensidad del uso de esta sustancia.

Smoking, behavioral factors and familial environment: a population based study with Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the association between smoking and both behavioral and environmental factors among adolescents in the public school system in the city of Campina Grande (northeastern Brazil). METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out involving 574 schoolchildren between 10 and 19 years, with the use of a structured questionnaire addressing behavioral factors, environmental factors and smoking. The chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used for the statistical analysis (5 % level of significance). RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking was de 3.3 %. The lowest age regarding the use of tobacco for the first time was eight years and the age group with the greatest frequency of initiation into this habit was 11 to 14 years (44.3 %). A total of 84.3 % of tobacco users smoked between one and 10 cigarettes per day. Smoking was associated with delays in schooling (p=0.047), gender (p=0.016), alcohol use and frequency of alcohol use (p<0.001) and the relationship with one's father (p=0.014) and mother (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the low prevalence, an early initiation into smoking was found, suggesting that educational campaigns should be directed at earlier ages. Alcohol use stood out among the variables studied, suggesting that smoking is influenced by both the use and intensity of this substance.

Factors associated with early weaning at a Child-Friendly Healthcare Initiative Hospitall / Fatores associados ao desmame precoce em Hospital Amigo da Criança

PURPOSE: Considering the benefits of breastfeeding on children's health, the aim of the present study was to determine factors associated with early weaning among children at a Child-Friendly Healthcare Initiative (CFHI) children's hospital in the city of Campina Grande, state of Paraíba, Brazil. METHODS: An analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out involving 800 mothers of children between 0 and 24 months of age at the Elpídio de Almeida Health Institute. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered and contained questions on socio-demographic characteristics, eating habits and nonnutritive sucking habits. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were employed for statistical analysis. A multivariate analysis was performed with variables that achieved a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of early weaning was 13.5%. In the bivariate analysis, the factors associated with early weaning were income (P=0.001), child's birth weight (P=0.016), bottle feeding (P=0.003) and pacifier use (P<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, pacifier use remained significantly associated with early weaning (OR: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.871 to 5.591; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Pacifier use was associated with early weaning, even when mothers were advised to avoid this habit.

OBJETIVO: Considerando os benefícios da amamentação para a saúde da criança, o objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar os fatores associados com o desmame precoce entre as crianças em um Hospital Amigo da Criança na cidade de Campina Grande, estado da Paraíba, Brasil. METODOLOGIA: Um estudo analítico e transversal foi realizado com 800 mães de crianças entre 0 e 24 meses de idade, no Elpídio de Almeida Instituto de Saúde. Um questionário semi-estruturado foi aplicado, contendo perguntas sobre características sócio-demográficas, hábitos alimentares e hábitos de sucção não nutritiva. O teste do qui-quadrado e teste exato de Fisher foram empregados na análise estatística. A análise multivariada foi realizada com as variáveis tendo atingido um valor de P<0,25 na análise bivariada. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de desmame precoce foi de 13,5%. Na análise bivariada, os fatores associados com o desmame precoce foram: renda (P=0,001), peso de nascimento da criança (P=0,016), uso de mamadeira (P=0,003) e uso de chupeta (P<0,001). Na análise multivariada, o uso de chupeta permaneceu significativamente associada com o desmame precoce (OR: 3,23 IC 95%: 1,871-5,591, P<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: O uso de chupeta foi associado com o desmame precoce, mesmo quando as mães foram aconselhadas a evitar esse hábito.

Traumatic dental injuries and associated factors among Brazilian preschool children aged 1-5 years.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental trauma in children aged 1 to 5 years old and its associated factors (gender, age group, malocclusion and labial-closing), interviewing parents and guardians for additional information on the trauma occurrence. A transversal study of 820 preschool children from the City of Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brazil was conducted. Data were collected by means of a clinical examination and a structured interview. The statistical analysis included a distribution of frequencies, a bi- and a multi-variate analysis at a significance level of 5%. Trauma prevalence was 20.1%, tooth 61 was the most often affected, and enamel fractures followed by the fractures of the enamel and the dentine were the most frequent alterations. Trauma prevalence was highest in 3- to 5-year-old males with malocclusion (open bite and protrusion) (p < 0.05). According to most parents and/or guardians, the most usual etiology was falling and the place most often cited was home. All the variables studied, except for lip coverage, were associated with dental trauma. The outcome of the present study showed high prevalence of dental trauma in a pediatric population under the age of 5 years. Falls and accidental collisions were the etiological factors most often cited. The front upper incisors were the teeth most often affected, and enamel fracture was the trauma most often observed.

Obesity and dental caries among preschool children in Brazil / Obesidad y caries dental en preescolares de Brasil

Aim This study was aimed at verifying the relationship between childhood obesity and dental caries. Method A total of 2 651 preschool children were examined for this cross-sectional study in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; 1 338 of them attended public schools and 1 313 private schools. The clinical data and anthropometric measurements were obtained in line with WHO criteria. Pearson chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used, with a 5 percent margin of error. Results The prevalence of child obesity was 9 percent (n=240). The highest prevalence was observed amongst children in private elementary schools (p<0.0001). The prevalence of dental caries was 19 percent (n=504). The DMFT index was smaller in non-obese individuals (p=0.0267). The average value of dental caries, lost teeth and DMFT were significantly higher among children in public elementary schools than amongst those in private pre-schools (p<0.0001). Conclusion No relationship was found between dental caries and obesity. Suitable health policies should be adopted so as to minimise the high prevalence of dental caries among this population.

Objetivo Verificar la relación entre obesidad infantil y caries dental. Métodos Estudio de corte transversal en Pernambuco, Brasil, con 2 651 niños preescolares, de los cuales 1 338 se encontraban en escuelas públicas y 1 313 en escuelas privadas. La información clínica y antropométrica se obtuvo de acuerdo con los criterios de la OMS. Se utilizaron las pruebas de Chi cuadrado de Pearson y Mann-Whitney con un error del 5 por ciento. Resultados La prevalencia de obesidad infantil fue de 9 por ciento (n=240). La prevalencia más alta se encontró en los niños de las escuelas primarias privadas (p <0.0001). La prevalencia de caries dental fue de 19 por ciento (n=504). El dmf-t índice fue más pequeño en los individuos no obesos (p=0.0267). El valor promedio de caries dental, pérdida dental y dmf-t fueron significativamente más altas en los niños de las escuelas primarias públicas que en las privadas del mismo tipo (p <0.0001). Conclusiones No se encontró relación entre caries dental y obesidad. Políticas de salud adecuadas deben ser adoptadas para reducir la alta prevalencia de caries dental en esta población.

Obesidade e Cárie Dentária em Pré-Escolares Brasileiros Objetivo Este estudo objetivou verificar a relação entre obesidade infantil e cárie dentária. Material e Métodos Neste estudo transversal um total de 2 651 pré-escolares, sendo 1 338 pertencentes a escolas públicas e 1 313 de escolas privadas foram examinadas em Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. Os exames clínicos e antropométricos foram realizados de acordo com os critérios estabelecidos pela OMS. Os testes do Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Mann-Whitney foram empregados com margem de erros de 5 por cento. Resultados A prevalência de obesidade entre as crianças foi de 9 por cento (n=240). A maior prevalência foi observada entre as crianças de escolas públicas (p <0,0001). A prevalência de cárie dentária foi de 19 por cento (n=504). O índice ceo-d foi menor em crianças não obesas (p=0,0267). Os valores médios de cárie dentária, dentes perdidos e ceo-d foram significativamente mais elevados entre as crianças de escolas públicas do que entre as pertencentes às escolas particulares (p <0,0001). Conclusão Não foi observada relação entre cárie dentária e obesidade. Políticas adequadas de saúde devem ser adotadas objetivando minimizar a alta prevalência de cárie dentária nesta população.

Obesity and dental caries among preschool children in Brazil.

AIM: This study was aimed at verifying the relationship between childhood obesity and dental caries. METHOD: A total of 2,651 preschool children were examined for this cross-sectional study in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; 1,338 of them attended public schools and 1,313 private schools. The clinical data and anthropometric measurements were obtained in line with WHO criteria. Pearson chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used, with a 5 % margin of error. RESULTS: The prevalence of child obesity was 9 % (n=240). The highest prevalence was observed amongst children in private elementary schools (p<0.0001). The prevalence of dental caries was 19 % (n=504). The DMFT index was smaller in non-obese individuals (p=0.0267). The average value of dental caries, lost teeth and DMFT were significantly higher among children in public elementary schools than amongst those in private pre-schools (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: No relationship was found between dental caries and obesity. Suitable health policies should be adopted so as to minimise the high prevalence of dental caries among this population.