Home Care for the Elderly: An Integrated Approach to Perception, Quality of Life, and Cognition.

This study investigated the impact of home care, health status, and cognition. A qualitative and quantitative approach was employed through a cross-sectional study with a sample of 60 elderly individuals in need of home care in the municipality of Itatiba, São Paulo, Brazil. The analysis utilized the Discourse of the Collective Subject (DCS), EQ-5D, EQ VAS, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The sample consisted of 40.0% male and 60.0% female individuals. The majority (61.6%) received weekly visits, mainly from community health agents, who were responsible for the majority of the care (45%). Positive considerations were highlighted, with 36.6% emphasizing the contribution to treatment continuity. The EQ VAS assessment indicated a moderately good perception of health. The EQ-5D analysis revealed significant differences between genders in personal care (p = 0.04). There were significant differences between clinical characteristics and EQ-5D dimensions, such as neoplasia and reduced mobility (p = 0.04), and arthritis/osteoarthritis/rheumatism and a limitation in common activities (p = 0.01). The presence of anxiety/depression was significant in cases of neoplasia (p = 0.006), arthritis/osteoarthritis/rheumatism (p = 0.01), and stroke (p = 0.04). The logistic regression analysis showed associations between usual activities and arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism (p = 0.034), pain/malaise and arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism (p = 0.038), and anxiety/depression and stroke (p= 0.028). The average MMSE scores (17.52) suggested a mild cognitive impairment, with no statistical differences between genders. Based on these results, it can be concluded that home care can provide a comprehensive approach and continuous assistance, emphasizing the importance of personalized care based on perceived and clinical differences.

Virtual reality in oral hygiene instruction: an immersive approach / Realidad virtual en la enseñanza de la higiene bucal: un enfoque inmersivo

Abstract Currently, oral health issues are increasingly been addressed and virtual reality (VR) is being used as an aid in health areas. However, there is little evidence of VR being used in preventing oral health problems. To evaluate the effectiveness of VR in oral hygiene education. Three hundred pupils, aged between 9 and 12 years, received instructions in oral hygiene by immersion VR and they gave their opinions about the performed activities. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were applied, with a significance level of 5%. Part perception of oral hygiene showed no statistically significant difference (P>0.550). There was an increase in the use of dental floss (P<0.001), tongue brushing (P<0.001), and tooth brushing (P<0.001). Both drawings and comments made by participants related to oral hygiene were positive regarding the project. Conclusions: The use of VR in oral hygiene instruction was effective. Most participants increased brushing and flossing frequency and produced drawings related to oral hygiene. VR is effective and should be used in dentistry for teaching and prevention , especially with children, as it presents an interactive instructional space that can be approached in a playful way. This study presents dentists with a promising alternative for changing oral hygiene habits.

Resumen Actualmente, los problemas de salud bucal se abordan cada vez más y la realidad virtual (RV) se utiliza como ayuda en las áreas de salud. Sin embargo, hay poca evidencia de que la RV se utilice para prevenir problemas de salud bucal. Evaluar la efectividad de la RV en la educación en higiene bucal. Trescientos alumnos, con edades comprendidas entre los 9 y los 12 años, recibieron instrucciones en higiene bucal por inmersión VR y opinaron sobre las actividades realizadas. Se aplicaron las pruebas de Chi-cuadrado y exacta de Fisher, con un nivel de significancia del 5%. La percepción parcial de la higiene bucal no mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas (P>0,550). Hubo un aumento en el uso de hilo dental (P<0,001), cepillado de la lengua (P<0,001) y cepillado de dientes (P<0,001). Tanto los dibujos como los comentarios de los participantes relacionados con la higiene bucal fueron positivos con respecto al proyecto. Conclusiones: El uso de la RV en la instrucción de higiene bucal fue eficaz. La mayoría de los participantes aumentaron la frecuencia de cepillado y uso del hilo dental y produjeron dibujos relacionados con la higiene bucal. La realidad virtual es eficaz y debe utilizarse en odontología para la enseñanza y la prevención, especialmente con los niños, ya que presenta un espacio educativo interactivo que se puede abordar de manera lúdica. Este estudio presenta a los odontólogos una alternativa prometedora para cambiar los hábitos de higiene bucal.