RESUMO
Background The aim of study is to assess the prevalence of dental myths and misconceptions among the students of medicine and dentistry in Peshawar, Pakistan, and to gauge the quality of dental education, knowledge, and awareness. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on the current students of medicine and dentistry at Rehman Medical College, Rehman College of Dentistry, Gandhara University, Khyber Medical College, and Khyber College of Dentistry. They were questioned regarding their beliefs in dental misconceptions and myths prevalent in Peshawar, Pakistan. Results The sample comprised 400 undergraduate students, of whom 47.5% (190) were males and 52.5% (210) were females. The most held beliefs were that eating sugar does not affect teeth as long as one brushes twice a day (46%), brushing right after a meal is better for teeth (70%), and the extraction of baby teeth does not matter as they are going to be replaced by the permanent teeth in any case (38%). Most of these misconceptions had a significant association with the field of study. Conclusion The issue of myths and misconceptions regarding dental health and care is widespread, even in the academic community. This should be of significant concern to the relevant authorities, and adequate measures must be taken to dispel such false information.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) arise from perineal trauma during vaginal delivery and are associated with poor maternal health outcomes. Most OASIS occur in unattended deliveries in resource-limited settings. However, even in facilities where deliveries are attended by skilled personnel, a number of women still get OASIS. OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence and risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injuries among women delivering at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). METHODS: We conducted an unmatched hospital-based case control study, with the ratio of cases to controls of 1 : 2 (80 cases and 160 controls). We defined a case as a mother who got a third- or fourth-degree perineal tear after vaginal delivery while the controls recruited were the next two mothers who delivered vaginally without a third- or fourth-degree perineal tear. A questionnaire and participants' medical records review were used to obtain sociodemographic and clinical data. We estimated the incidence of OASIS and performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify the associated risk factors. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence for OASIS during the study period was 6.6%. The risk factors for OASIS were 2nd stage of labour ≥1 hour (aOR 6.07, 95%CI 1.86-19.82, p=0.003), having episiotomy performed during labour (aOR 2.57, 95%CI 1.07-6.17, p=0.035), perineum support during delivery (aOR 0.03, 95%CI 0.01-0.12, p < 0.001), and monthly income of >50,000 shillings (aOR 0.09, 95%CI 0.03-0.28, p < 0.001). Conclusions and Recommendations. The risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury were prolonged second stage of labour and performing episiotomies during deliveries while higher monthly income and perineum support during delivery were protective. We recommend routine support to the perineum during delivery. Care should be taken in mothers with episiotomies, as they can extend and cause OASIS.
