Design of a Passive Wearable Device Using an Optimized Mechanical Metamaterial for Mirror Therapy.

Mirror Therapy (MT) is an effective therapeutic method used in the rehabilitation of hemiplegics. The effectiveness of this method is improved by employing a bi-modal approach which requires the synchronous movement of the affected and unaffected arm. For this purpose, we describe the design of a wearable device using a Mechanical Metamaterial (MM) that is optimized for the specific user to provide passive assistance of wrist flexion-extension and enable synchronous motion of the affected and unaffected arm during MT.

Periodontal health status among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with age- and gender-matched controls.

Background: Periodontal disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) share a pathogenic mechanism that involves activating and using inflammatory cytokines and neutrophils, which generate pathological changes in various tissues with a chronic degenerative outcome. Aim: the aim of this study was to assess and compare the periodontal health status among COPD patients with age- and gender-matched controls. Materials and Methods: All the patients aged >30 years who were diagnosed with COPD by the physician were included as cases, while people who are apparently healthy and age and gender matched with cases were included as controls. Data on demographic details, socioeconomic status (Kuppuswamy scale), deleterious oral habits, and oral hygiene practices were obtained. The Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and the WHO basic oral health survey proforma (1997) were used to obtain the data on oral hygiene and periodontal status respectively. Results: Most cases had moderate COPD severity (58.25%). The overall mean OHI-S, CPI, and LOA were higher among cases (3.92 ± 0.95, 3.68 ± 0.60, and 2.33 ± 1.10, respectively) in comparison to controls. Further, among cases, the mean oral hygiene and periodontitis increased with increased severity of COPD. Although among both cases and controls, gender, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption influenced their periodontal status, significant odds of higher risk were seen only among cases. Further, subjects with COPD had higher odds of having poor oral hygiene, deeper pocket depths, and LOA. Conclusion: A strong association between COPD and periodontitis was observed. The oral hygiene and periodontal disease worsened with the severity of COPD.

Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Management of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) in Children and Adolescents with Asthma.

BACKGROUND: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) frequently complicates asthma. There is urgent need to develop evidence-based guidelines for the management of ABPA in children. The Evidence Based Guideline Development Group (EBGDG) of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) National Respiratory Chapter (NRC) addressed this need. METHODS: The EBGDG shortlisted clinical questions relevant to the management of ABPA in asthma. For each question, the EBGDG undertook a systematic, step-wise evidence search for existing guidelines, followed by systematic reviews, followed by primary research studies. The evidence was collated, critically appraised, and synthesized. The EBGDG worked through the Evidence to Decision (EtD) framework, to formulate recommendations, using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Seven clinical questions were prioritized, and the following recommendations formulated. (1) Children with poorly controlled asthma should be investigated for ABPA (conditional recommendation, moderate certainty of evidence). (2) Low dose steroid therapy regimen (0.5 mg/kg/d for the first 2 wk, followed by a progressive tapering) is preferable to higher dose regimens (conditional recommendation, very low certainty of evidence). (3) Oral steroid regimens longer than 16 wk (including tapering), should not be used (conditional recommendation, very low certainty of evidence). (4) Antifungals may or may not be added to steroid therapy as the evidence was neither in favour nor against (conditional recommendation, low certainty of evidence). (5) For clinicians using antifungal agents, the EBGDG recommends against using voriconazole instead of itraconazole (conditional recommendation, very low certainty of evidence). (6) No evidence-based recommendation could be framed for using pulse steroid therapy in preference to conventional steroid therapy. (7) Immunotherapy with biologicals including omalizumab or dupilumab is not recommended (conditional recommendation, very low certainty of evidence). CONCLUSIONS: This evidence-based guideline can be used by healthcare providers in diverse clinical settings.

Tooth loss and oral health-related quality of life among adult dental patients: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Oral diseases seriously impair the quality of life (QoL) in a large number of individuals and they may affect various aspects of life. Aim: To determine the relationship between tooth loss and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adult dental patients. Study Setting and Design: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 296 adult dental patients aged 35-44 years attending Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology of Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Hyderabad, India. Materials and Methods: Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was used to assess OHRQoL. Dentition status and periodontal status according to WHO criteria 2013 and position, number of teeth lost by Batista et al. (2014) tooth loss classification were assessed. Statistical Analysis: Mann-Whitney U test and analysis of variance were used to find prevalence and severity of OHIP-14 with tooth loss and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between OHIP-14 prevalence and severity based on variables. Results: Except for the subjects with history of previous dental visit, variables such as gender and reason for dental visit showed significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) with tooth loss. Males subjects, who visited dentist with a history of pain, presence of periodontal disease and tooth loss up to 12 teeth (score 3) emerged as significant predictors for OHIP-14 prevalence (OR = 6.7, OR = 1.13, OR = 3.31). Conclusion: The study strongly evidenced that number and position of tooth loss had negative impacts on OHRQoL.

Oral manifestations in COVID-19 patients: An observational study.

Background: Viral diseases continue to emerge as a threat to mankind and are a serious concern to public health. The latest lethal SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease, which propagated quickly across the globe. Similar to other influenza-like viral infections, symptoms such as fever, dry cough, myalgia, arthralgia, headache, diarrhea, dyspnea, and fatigue were reported among COVID-19 patients. Evidence suggests that the oral cavity is affected by this virus either directly or indirectly. Aim: The aim of this observational study was to determine the oral manifestations among COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was carried out among COVID-19 recovered patients. A sample of 100 subjects, diagnosed as mild and moderate cases of COVID-19 disease were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The study comprised an almost equal number of male (51%) and female (49%) participants and among them, 48% belong to the health professional group. A total of 54% of subjects were aged above 35 years and 46% below 35 years. Oral manifestations among study subjects during and after the disease illness included xerostomia being the commonest symptom (44%), followed by swallowing difficulty (16%), mouth ulcerations (10%), chewing problem (7%), gum bleeding (6%), and burning sensation (4%). Conclusion: Xerostomia, frequent aphthous ulcers, swallowing difficulty, and burning mouth were the most frequently encountered symptoms in study subjects during the disease and post recovery. Early identification of oral symptoms in COVID-19 recovered or suspected cases can help a dentist or a general physician to diagnose high-risk groups, mitigate transmission, and promote overall health.

Soft, Lightweight Wearable Robots to Support the Upper Limb in Activities of Daily Living: A Feasibility Study on Chronic Stroke Patients.

Stroke can be a devastating condition that impairs the upper limb and reduces mobility. Wearable robots can aid impaired users by supporting performance of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). In the past decade, soft devices have become popular due to their inherent malleable and low-weight properties that makes them generally safer and more ergonomic. In this study, we present an improved version of our previously developed gravity-compensating upper limb exosuit and introduce a novel hand exoskeleton. The latter uses 3D-printed structures that are attached to the back of the fingers which prevent undesired hyperextension of joints. We explored the feasibility of using this integrated system in a sample of 10 chronic stroke patients who performed 10 ADLs. We observed a significant reduction of 30.3 ± 3.5% (mean ± standard error), 31.2 ± 3.2% and 14.0 ± 5.1% in the mean muscular activity of the Biceps Brachii (BB), Anterior Deltoid (AD) and Extensor Digitorum Communis muscles, respectively. Additionally, we observed a reduction of 14.0 ± 11.5%, 14.7 ± 6.9% and 12.8 ± 4.4% in the coactivation of the pairs of muscles BB and Triceps Brachii (TB), BB and AD, and TB and Pectoralis Major (PM), respectively, typically associated to pathological muscular synergies, without significant degradation of healthy muscular coactivation. There was also a significant increase of elbow flexion angle ( 12.1±1.5° ). These results further cement the potential of using lightweight wearable devices to assist impaired users.

Impulse Oscillometry System for the Diagnosis of Wheezing Episode in Children in Office Practice.

Background and Objective: Objectively differentiating between wheezing episodes and other respiratory disorders will be helpful in treatment in office practice. The impulse oscillometry system has been useful in assessing airway resistance in children 3-6 years old. As the reference values are different in geographical regions the use of the impulse oscillometry is still limited. Comparison between the percent change in IOS parameters as compared to reference standards and changes in actual IOS parameters was done to diagnose wheezing episodes. Methodology: Three to six years old children with a history of fever, cough, cold, and/or breathlessness with noisy breathing and who were not on any regular medications, whose parents gave consent were recruited in the study. The children underwent an impulse oscillometry system examination as per the guidelines. The test was repeated after they were given nebulization by salbutamol (2.5 mg) (before COVID 19 pandemic). Final diagnosis was done by following patients for 7 days. Results: About 106 children were recruited in the study. Five children could not perform the IOS test. Eighteen children did not complete the follow-up. Hence, 83 children were analyzed. There were 47 males and 36 female patients. The change in actual values of AX, R5, and X20 showed statistically significant difference in wheezing episode group (p-value<0.001). The percentage change as compared to predicted values of R5 and X20 also showed a statistically significant difference in the wheezing episode group and the others group (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: The change in actual values of AX, R5, X20, and resonant frequency may help to differentiate wheezing episode from other respiratory diseases.

Oral health status and self- assessment of oral health risk factors among South Indian diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: The disease profile of the world is changing at an astonishingly fast rate. It is essential that the impending nature of chronic disease is recognized and acted on urgently. India leads the world with the largest number of diabetics earning the dubious distinction of being termed the "diabetic capital" of the world. AIM: To assess and compare the oral health status and related oral health risk factors among diabetic patients in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. SETTINGS: A cross sectional study was carried out in various diagnostic centers among 801 patients aged 30 years and above. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Oral health status and self-assessed data on related oral risk factors were measured using modified World Health Organization (WHO) assessment form and oral health questionnaire for adults 2013. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Comparison of mean scores of the variables based on gender was assessed using ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Females had higher proportion of untreated caries (362; 85%) and DMFT (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth; 375; 88%) compared to males. On the basis of loss of attachment, the mean number of sextants with no loss of attachment was mostly noted among female subjects. CONCLUSION: In the present study, though gingivitis was seen in higher percentage (82%), the presence of periodontal disease was relatively low (68.3%). It can be concluded that diabetic subjects may have poor oral health.

Periodontal disease among non-diabetic Coronary Heart Disease patients. A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: There is well documented scientific evidence supporting the association between Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and periodontitis. It is however, uncertain if this association is causal or is mediated by the common inflammatory pathways. Hence, the study assessed and compared the Periodontal Health Status among CHD patients with age and gender matched controls. METHODS: A total of 808 medically confirmed CHD patients were compared with 808 age and gender matched controls. Oral examination was conducted using Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and modified World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment form, 1997. Mean scores were compared using Mann- Whitney-U test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Logistic regression analysed the association between the risk factors and CHD. RESULTS: Cases had significantly higher mean sextants with pockets and attachment loss ≥4mm compared to controls (p≤0.05). The cases also had significantly poor oral hygiene mean scores compared to controls (p=0.0001*). There was a lower and insignificant association between age (p=0.99), gender (p=0.84) and CHD. Risk factors education (p=0.001), lesser frequency of dental visit (p=0.001) also showed a lower, yet significant association. Risk of CHD was higher among tobacco (Odds ratio (OR) - 2.26) and alcohol (OR-1.83) users. Presence of poor oral hygiene (OR-5.20), pocket of ≥6 mm (6.70) and attachment loss of ≥9 mm (OR-11.31) also showed higher risk of CHD. CONCLUSION: The study results support the association between periodontal disease and CHD. To halt the epidemic of CHD, emphasis on screening of wide age range, reinforcement of public health systems and early detection is recommended. (www.actabiomedica.it).

Association between dental neglect and alexithymia among adult dental patients.

Aims: To show the association between dental neglect and alexithymia among adult dental patients. Settings and Design: At times, certain individuals with dental neglect may experience trouble in communicating and/or understanding information, ability to identify, and describe their feelings termed as alexithymia. Hence, recognition of alexithymia in a dental setting is important, because it worsens the dentist-patient relationship, especially among patients who neglect their dental health. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult patients (≥20 years). Patients received a questionnaire assessing dental neglect [six-item Dental Neglect Scale (DNS)], alexithymia [20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20)], and demographic profile. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed with standard statistical software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 22). P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total sample of 1067 individuals comprising 553 (51.8%) females and 514 (48.2%) males with a mean age 35.33 ± 11.49 years participated in the study. Our findings showed that females had higher mean scores for both DNS and total TAS-20 and its factors. With increase in age and education, the mean scores of the DNS had significantly increased and mean scores of total TAS-20 and its factors had decreased with increase in age and education. Conclusion: The above study findings have supported the hypothesis that there is no association between dental neglect and alexithymia among adult dental patients.

Association of state and trait anxiety with oral health status among adult dental patients.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries and periodontal diseases are the most prevalent oral health problems worldwide. Behavioral and psychosocial factors along with social, economic and cultural conditions may alter the health balance, favoring the onset of dental diseases. Hence the study was conducted to assess the association of state and trait anxiety with oral health status among adult dental patients. METHODS: The study was carried out among 456 adult dental patients visiting Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Hyderabad. Anxiety levels were measured by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-short version (STAI-S) consisting subscales State Anxiety (SA) and Trait Anxiety (TA). Clinical examination was done using WHO Basic Oral Health survey assessment form, 2013. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software 21.0. p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A significant gender difference (p=0.001) was noted for total anxiety with higher mean score observed among males (46.13±5.98) than females (45.32±6.00).Similarly, significant higher mean score was observed among males (23.31±4.08) than females (p=0.03) for State anxiety. Females had higher mean DMFT (3.61±3.21), DT (2.04±2.05), FT (0.49±1.34) and MT (1.08±2.09) components but significant difference was noted only for overall DMFT (p=0.03) and DT (p=0.001) component than males. CONCLUSION: Gender, education and previous dental visits didn't show any significant association with total anxiety, state and trait anxiety. Likewise, none of the oral parameters showed any significant association except for the Decayed Teeth (DT) component of DMFT with total anxiety levels among study subjects.

Correlation of oral health related quality of life with dentition status and treatment need among 12 year old school children of Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad.

AIM: To determine the relationship between Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) with Dentition Status and Treatment need among 12 year old school children of Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out among 990 private school children aged 12 years old in Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad city. OHRQoL was assessed by 16-item Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14), and Oral hygiene was evaluated using Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), and Dentition status and Treatment need. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Study population proportions and mean scores were compared using Chi-square test, Student t- test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Spearman's analysis was done to determine correlation between CPQ11-14and its domain scores with OHI-S and Dentition status and Treatment Need based on gender. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the present study, all domains of CPQ11-14i.e., Oral Symptoms (OS) (3.27 ± 2.5; P = 0.0001), Functional Limitation (FL) (1.48 ± 2.1; P = 0.02), Emotional Wellbeing (EW) (1.83 ± 2.5; P = 0.02) and Social Wellbeing (SW) (1.25 ± 2.02; P = 0.0002) showed significant gender difference, with males having higher mean score compared to females. The majority of the study population was caries free 789 (79.7%). In addition, the dental caries experience among males and females was around 20% (p = 0.92). When total mean DMFT and DT scores were compared based on gender, no statistically significant difference was noted though females showed higher mean score. CONCLUSION: The study results indicate that, there is a correlation between oral hygiene status and dentition status with quality of life.

Assessment of Periodontal Status Based on Carotid Artery Intima Media Thickness.

PURPOSE: Atherosclerosis is a devastating disease worldwide since it is the most frequent cause of myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, peripheral vascular disease and perhaps dementia. There is a well-documented evidence supporting the association between clinical/subclinical atherosclerosis and periodontitis. Carotid intima media wall thickness (CIMT) is a histopathologically validated marker of atherosclerosis. This study's purpose was to assess periodontal status based on carotid artery intima media thickness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among subjects who visited the Care Hospital, Nampally Hyderabad for CIMT test. Oral hygiene status was evaluated using Simplified Oral Hygiene Index and periodontal health status was measured using modified World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment form, 1997. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The proportions and mean scores were compared using chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Logistic regression analysis determined the relationship between periodontitis, as an independent variable and other variables with CIMT. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 600 individuals were classified based on CIMT thickness ≤ 1 mm (292; 48.6%) and CIMT > 1 mm (308; 51.3%) according to variables. Significantly higher mean scores were observed for all oral parameters among subjects with CIMT > 1 mm aged > 45 years and among males (p ≤ 0.05*). Logistic regression analysis showed that increasing age group, ie,> 45 years (OR 3.5), males (OR 2.02), university education (OR 2.99), no history of previous dental visit (OR 3.71); and visit ≥ 1 year (OR 0.76) and previous history of tobacco (OR 1.13) and alcohol use (OR 1.65), poor OHI-S (OR 8.00), Community Periodontal Index (CPI) with Code 3, 4 (OR 4.41) and loss of attachment (LOA) with Code 2 (OR 3.05) and Code 3 (OR 5.80) had significantly higher odds among individuals with subjects with CIMT > 1 mm compared to their counterparts (p ≤ 0.05*). CONCLUSION: The results of the study concluded that periodontal disease and poor oral hygiene were more severe among the subjects with CIMT > 1 mm. To halt the progression of increasing CIMT, preventive oral health programmes need to be integrated in the cardiac setting with established dental referral which can bring out positive health behaviours.

Self perceived oro-facial behaviour and malocclusion among young adults in Hyderabad city.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic alterations in the face can be self-perceived and can affect quality of life in young adults. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of malocclusion on self- perceived oro-facial behaviour among young adults. METHODS: A Cross sectional study was conducted among 638 young adults (aged 18-21 years) of Hyderabad city. One college from each of the five zones of the Hyderabad city (five colleges) were selected by simple random sampling procedure. A 21-item Oro-facial investment scale (OFIS) questionnaire assessing self-perceived oral health knowledge, attitude, practice and Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) assessing the severity of malocclusion was used. Data were analysed with standard statistical software (SPSS, Statistical package for the social sciences, version 20.0). p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Males had higher mean scores for knowledge (2.90 ± 0.49) than females (2.73 ± 0.82) and was statistically significant (p = 0.002*). No statistically significant gender differences were found in relation to attitude and practice. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there was a significant difference in all the three scores (knowledge, attitude, practice) with respect to age, with significantly high score for knowledge and practice among 18 year old subjects (p = 0.0001*; p = 0.0003* respectively) and attitude among 21 year old subjects (p = 0.0049*). No statistically significant age, gender differences were found in relation to DAI scores. Upon correlation, DAI significantly and positively correlated with knowledge (p = 0.03*) and attitude (p = 0.0001*). CONCLUSION: This study has shown significant impact of malocclusion on the self-perceived oro-facial behaviour.

Assessment of dental satisfaction among school teachers in a metropolitan city.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dental satisfaction is a multi-dimensional concept, reflecting the total experience of health care and a major driving force of treatment seeking behaviour. At community level, school teachers, being the role model, also play a major role in public health. The aim of this study is to assess the dental satisfaction among school teachers in Hyderabad. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 515 private school teachers in Hyderabad. The survey tool used was Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ) developed by Davies and Ware (1982). Data was analysed with SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 22. RESULTS: The study comprised of 123 (23.9%) males and 392 (76.1%) females. Based on age, significant relation was found only for subscales 'access', 'quality' and 'general satisfaction' (P = 0.01, P = 0.04, P = 0.03 respectively). Though female subjects had higher mean scores for all subscales, significant difference was found only for subscales 'cost', 'quality', 'access total', 'general satisfaction', and 'overall Dental Satisfaction Index' (DSI) (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.008, P < 0.001, P = 0.001 respectively). Subjects who had visited a dentist had higher mean scores and significant relation was found for subscales 'access' and 'general satisfaction' (P = 0.04, P = 0.04 respectively). Furthermore, subjects who visited a private practitioner had higher mean scores for most of the subscales. CONCLUSION: Female subjects, subjects who had dental visit and those who had visited a private practitioner had higher dental satisfaction. Moreover, age and recent dental visit did not show any effect on dental satisfaction.

Perceived stress and coping strategies among undergraduate dental students - an institutional-based study.

BACKGROUND: Coping strategies are highly mediated by the environment, in particular when the person deals with the obstacles and impediments to fulfill their goals. This study aimed to investigate the Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies among Undergraduate Dental Students of Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences Hyderabad, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 267 undergraduate dental students. The survey tool comprised of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Brief COPE Scale along with demographic variables. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20.0. RESULTS: Based on gender, females had high PSS mean scores (23.8±7.3) than males and to overwhelm these stress levels most of the students followed adaptive coping strategies (40.4±7.8) with no significant difference. But, significant difference noted for maladaptive coping dimension "denial" (p=0.004). On comparison between year of study, higher perceived stress was noted among second year students (26.7± 5.8), and least among first years (21.6±7). In order to defeat the stressors most of the second year undergraduate students used adaptive coping strategies. However, highest mean adaptive coping scores were noted among first years (41.6±7.5) and least scores observed among fourth years (38.6±9.2). However, total PSS score showed significant positive correlation (p<0.001) with maladaptive coping strategies. CONCLUSION: Females and second year students perceived more stress levels, to overtake those stressors most of them followed adaptive coping strategies. Hence, institutional authorities should take measures to decrease the stress levels and encourage the students to adopt healthy life style such as meditation and exercise to beat their stressors.

Correlation of dental anxiety with oral health status and treatment needs among 12-year old indian school going children.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dental anxiety is primarily associated with learning negative behaviour which may be attributed to the aggressive condition process during childhood and adolescence and is considered to be the main reason for avoiding dental care. Hence the present study aimed to assess the correlation of Dental Anxiety with Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs. METHODS: Cross sectional study was carried out among 12-year old school going children of Hyderabad City, India. Dental anxiety was assessed using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS). Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs were assessed using Gingival Index and Dentition status and treatment needs based on Basic Oral Health Survey. Multi-group analysis was done using Analysis of Variance. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the present study, females had higher significant total mean MCDAS score as compared to males (22.8±5.4 vs.19.66±6.0) (p=0.00001*). Study participants with no history of previous dental visits (21.55±5.6) showed a statistically higher significant total MCDAS score compared to their counterpart (p=0.006*). On the other hand, Decayed component (r=0.1335*) and overall DMFT (r=0.1384*) had a significant positive correlation with MCDAS score. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that there is a correlation between dental anxiety and dentition status and treatment needs among 12 year old children.

Effect of reflective thinking on academic performance among undergraduate dental students.

INTRODUCTION: Self-directed learning is a vital principle promoted in health profession's education, particularly with the increasing use of online learning methods. Likewise, reflection has been recognized as an indispensable and formidable concept for learning which plays a positive role in fostering students' self-reflection, critical thinking, and development of professional values and skill. Hence, the present study was undertaken to identify the effect of reflective thinking on academic performance among undergraduate dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reflective thinking was assessed among 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th-year undergraduate dental students and interns of a dental college and hospital in Hyderabad. Reflection questionnaire assessed habitual action, understanding, reflection, and critical reflection on a 5-point Likert scale. The percentage of marks obtained in the last university examinations was considered for academic performance. The completed questionnaires were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS version 20). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total sample of 263 individuals comprising 188 (71.5%) females and 75 (28.5%) males participated in the study. Our findings showed that the four scales of reflective thinking, such as habitual action (P = 0.0001*), understanding (P = 0.02*), reflection (P = 0.02*), and critical reflection (P = 0.01*), showed statistically significant difference based on the year of study. However, no difference based on gender was noted. Reflection (17.2 ± 2.41) and critical reflection (16.3 ± 2.77) mean scores were highest among 4th years. Higher understanding (17.83 ± 1.78) and reflection (17.33 ± 2.01) mean scores were observed among students who attained more than 75% in their academic performance. CONCLUSION: Thus, the present study emphasizes the role of reflective thinking and its significance in academic learning process.

Does smartphone addiction affect social interaction: a study among dental students in Hyderabad.

OBJECTIVE: Technology has revolutionized the way people communicate and changed communication in many ways. The evolution of the smartphone may shed some light on this. Though smartphones are user friendly, they can be detrimental to a user's health if they are used in an addictive manner. With easy accessibility to smartphones, dental students may fall prey to smartphone addiction (SA) which in turn may affect their social interaction. Therefore, this paper aimed to examine whether SA affects social interaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate dental students from five dental institutions in Hyderabad. Participants received a questionnaire assessing SA [15 item-Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale (SAPS-15)], social interaction [20 item-Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) ). The chi-square (χ2)-test was used to determine the association between SA and social interaction anxiety. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study comprised 470 (30.7%) males and 1060 (69.3%) females. Multiple logistic regression revealed females [1.65; confidence interval (CI) = 0.88-1.88] and third year students (2.12; CI: 1.45-2.23) had significantly higher odds for social interaction anxiety (p ≤ 0.05*). CONCLUSION: Therefore, the present study supported the hypothesis that SA affects social interaction anxiety among undergraduate dental students.

Effect of motivation on oral hygiene and caries status among young adults in Hyderabad City.

BACKGROUND: Motivation is a theoretical construct used to explain behavior, it gives the reasons for people's action, desires, and needs, and it drives an individual to a certain action and determines human behavior. AIM: To determine the effect of motivation on oral hygiene and caries status among young adults in Hyderabad city. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 18-20-year-old engineering college students of Nagole Institute of Technology and Sciences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intrinsic motivation was evaluated using a self-reported 12-item dental intrinsic motivation scale (DIM-S). The oral examination included simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) and decayed, missing, filled teeth index (DMFT index). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: : Mann-Whitney U-test and ANOVA test were used for comparison among the variables included in the study. Spearman's correlation was used to correlate DIM-S with oral parameters. RESULTS: A total of 393 students participated in the study with majority of them being male (61.8%). It was observed that 69% of the students were extrinsically motivated and only 31% of them were intrinsically motivated. However, intrinsically motivated females had a higher significant score for calculus index-simplified and OHI-S scores. All oral parameters showed a negative correlation, except decayed component and the overall DMFT. However, no statistical significance was noticed among the variables. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that to motivate people successfully, one not only has to give them information but also has to pay attention to the individual reasons which restrict their behavior.