Validation of an online version of the rapid estimate of adult literacy in dentistry-30 for use by medical and dental students in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The need for online adaptations of research instruments became more pronounced amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to modify the REALD-30 for online application (eREALD-30) and evaluate its content validity and internal reliability among medical and dental students in Nigeria. METHODS: The eREALD-30 required participants to identify if each of the listed words were related to dentistry by ticking either a 'yes' or 'no' response with the option to mark 'don't know' for words they were unsure about. Scores ranged from 0 to 30. Five oral health experts reviewed the eREALD-30 for cultural appropriateness, while content validity was evaluated by 10 medical and dental students. Internal reliability was assessed with 320 students recruited from 15 medical and dental schools spanning the country's six geopolitical zones. These students also completed an oral health status assessment tool. Data collection utilized an online survey platform. Validity of the eREALD-30 was determined through correlation analysis between eREALD-30 scores and the oral health status assessment tool. Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the assocations between participants' oral health status and their oral health literacy, adjusting for age, sex, and level of medical and dental education. RESULTS: Out of the respondents, 178 (55.6%) exhibited poor oral health literacy, while 205 (64.1%) reported having good oral health status. Those with good oral health literacy demonstrated significantly higher odds of having good oral health status (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.02-2.54; p = 0.04). However, individuals with good oral health literacy had increased odds of good oral health status after adjusting for confounding factors,, though this association did not retain statistical significance (AOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.86-2.24; p = 0.17). The eREALD-30 displayed strong internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.933), indicating its reliability in assessing oral health literacy levels, alongside a high content validity score of 0.90. CONCLUSION: The study finding suggests that the e-version of the REALD-30 was reliable and valid for use among medical and dental students in Nigeria.

Early childhood caries, climate change and the sustainable development goal 13: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Sustainable development goal 13 centres on calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The aim of this scoping review was to map the published literature for existing evidence on the association between the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 and early childhood caries (ECC). METHODS: The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. In August 2023, a search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using search terms related to SDG13 and ECC. Only English language publications were extracted. There was no restriction on the type of publications included in the study. A summary of studies that met the inclusion criteria was conducted highlighting the countries where the studies were conducted, the study designs employed, the journals (dental/non-dental) in which the studies were published, and the findings. In addition, the SDG13 indicators to which the study findings were linked was reported. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 113 potential publications. After removing 57 duplicated papers, 56 publications underwent title and abstract screening, and two studies went through full paper review. Four additional papers were identified from websites and searching the references of the included studies. Two of the six retrieved articles were from India, and one was China, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom respectively. One paper was based on an intervention simulation study, two reported findings from archeologic populations and three papers that were commentaries/opinions. In addition, four studies were linked to SDG 13.1 and they suggested an increased risk for caries with climate change. Two studies were linked to SDG 13.2 and they suggested that the practice of pediatric dentistry contributes negatively to environmental degradation. One study provided evidence on caries prevention management strategies in children that can reduce environmental degradation. CONCLUSION: The evidence on the links between SDG13 and ECC suggests that climate change may increase the risk for caries, and the management of ECC may increase environmental degradation. However, there are caries prevention strategies that can reduce the negative impact of ECC management on the environment. Context specific and inter-disciplinary research is needed to generate evidence for mitigating the negative bidirectional relationships between SDG13 and ECC.

Prevalence and associated risk factors for noma in Nigerian children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence, case-fatality rate, and associated risk-factors of Noma in children in Nigeria. METHODS: Search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases. Data were extraction using a double-blind approach. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistics. Random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis and subgroup analysis was conducted. The study quality was evaluated using standard Critical-Appraisal-Checklist. RESULTS: Of the 1652 articles identified, 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria included 871 cases of Noma. Two studies had high-risk of bias and were excluded in the meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence of Noma was 2.95% (95%CI:2.19-3.71; Z = 7.60; p < 0.00001, I2:100.0). Case fatality was reported in one study. Sex-distribution had a male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1. Malnutrition (88.42%, 95%CI:52.84-124.00; I2:100.0), measles (40.60%; 95% CI:31.56-49.65; I2:100.0) and malaria (30.75%; 95% CI:30.06-31.45; I2:100.0) were the most notable associated risk-factors. Prevalence of Noma was non-significantly lower in southern (1.96%,95%CI:1.49-2.44;6 studies) than in northern (4.43%; 95%CI:-0.98-9.83; 4 studies) Nigeria. One study reported the prevalence of Noma in children younger than 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: About every 3 in 100 children in Nigeria had Noma and the prevalence was non-significantly higher in northern than southern Nigeria. Malnutrition, measles, and malaria were major associated risk-factors. Case-fatality rate and prevalence based on different age-groups were inconclusive.

Can the sustainable development goal 9 support an untreated early childhood caries elimination agenda?

BACKGROUND: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a global public health challenge that requires innovation, infrastructure, and health system influences to bolster initiatives for its management and control. The aim of this scoping review was to investigate the published evidence on the association between ECC and the targets of the Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG9) concerned with industry, innovation, and infrastructure development. METHODS: The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus between July and August 2023 using a search strategy related to the promotion of resilient infrastructure, sustainable industries, scientific research and innovation, access to the internet and ECC. Only English language publications were included. Studies that solely examined ECC without reference to the SDG9 targets were excluded. RESULTS: The search yielded 933 studies for review. After screening for the eligibility and removing duplicates, 916 unique articles remained for further screening. However, none of the identified studies provided data on the association between resilient infrastructure, sustainable industries, scientific research and innovation, access to the internet and ECC. CONCLUSION: There were no primary studies that assessed the association between ECC and SDG9, even though the plausibility of a potential relationship exists. Future studies are needed to generate evidence on the link between ECC and SDG9 as this link may contribute to the reduction in the proportion of children with untreated ECC.

A scoping review on the associations between early childhood caries and sustainable cities and communities using the sustainable development goal 11 framework.

BACKGROUND: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a multifactorial disease in which environmental factors could play a role. The purpose of this scoping review was to map the published literature that assessed the association between the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which tried to make cities and human settlements safe, inclusive, resilient and sustainable, and ECC. METHODS: This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. In July 2023, a search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using tailored search terms related to housing, urbanization, waste management practices, and ECC. Studies that solely examined ECC prevalence without reference to SDG11 goals were excluded. Of those that met the inclusion criteria, a summary highlighting the countries and regions where the studies were conducted, the study designs employed, and the findings were done. In addition, the studies were also linked to relevant SDG11 targets. RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria with none from the African Region. Six studies assessed the association between housing and ECC, with findings suggesting that children whose parents owned a house had lower ECC prevalence and severity. Other house related parameters explored were size, number of rooms, cost and building materials used. The only study on the relationship between the prevalence of ECC and waste management modalities at the household showed no statistically significant association. Five studies identified a relationship between urbanization and ECC (urbanization, size, and remoteness of the residential) with results suggesting that there was no significant link between ECC and urbanization in high-income countries contrary to observations in low and middle-income countries. No study assessed the relationship between living in slums, natural disasters and ECC. We identified links between ECC and SDG11.1 and SDG 11.3. The analysis of the findings suggests a plausible link between ECC and SDG11C (Supporting least developed countries to build resilient buildings). CONCLUSION: There are few studies identifying links between ECC and SDG11, with the findings suggesting the possible differences in the impact of urbanization on ECC by country income-level and home ownership as a protective factor from ECC. Further research is needed to explore measures of sustainable cities and their links with ECC within the context of the SDG11.

A scoping review of the links between early childhood caries and clean water and sanitation: the Sustainable Development Goal 6.

INTRODUCTION: The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 calls for universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), which are crucial elements of health and well-being and fundamental for a life in dignity. Early childhood caries (ECC) is a preventable disease affecting health and quality of life of millions of young children worldwide. This scoping review aims to explore the connection between ECC and access to clean water and sanitation. METHODS: This scoping review, registered on the Open Science Framework and following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, conducted a thorough search in databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, SciELO) and websites (via Google) in November 2023. The search, without date limitations, targeted studies in English and Spanish linking ECC to SDG6. Exclusions were made for studies solely focusing on ECC without a direct connection to clean water and sanitation. Descriptive statistics summarized the retrieved papers. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 303 articles. After removing duplicates, 264 articles remained for title and abstract screening after which 244 were excluded and one report was added through citation searching. The 21 remaining articles underwent full text review. There were no studies on a direct association between access to clean water and sanitation and the prevalence of ECC. There were nine studies that showed indirect associations between ECC and access to clean water and sanitation through the links of: water and sanitation access as a marker for poverty (n = 1), water consumption as a feeding practice (n = 4), and the effectiveness of water fluoridation (n = 4). These were used to develop a conceptual model. CONCLUSIONS: While it is conceivable that a direct link exists between ECC and access to clean water and sanitation, the available body of research only offers evidence of indirect associations. The exploration of potential pathways connecting water access to ECC warrants further investigation in future research.

Factors associated with dental clinic use by clients in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Nigeria, like many other countries, faced challenges in dental care provision during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating limited care to emergencies only. However, the impact of restricted access to dental services on oral health remains a concern, particularly with preventive maintenance care. This study aims to identify the factors associated with dental service utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic among patients attending dental clinics in Nigeria, and their sources of information about COVID-19. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 500 participants who had visited dental clinics before and during the pandemic. Data were collected through telephone interviews and online questionnaires between September and December 2021. Inferential analyses were conducted using ordered logistic regression models to assess the association between the independent (awareness of emergency dental treatments, knowledge of COVID-19 transmission routes in dentistry, awareness of required preparations in dental practice settings, fear of COVID-19 infection in dental settings), and dependent (utilization of dental services during the pandemic) variables after adjusting for confounding variables (age, sex, educational status, COVID-19 vaccinations status and COVID-19 status of live-in residents). The sources of COVID-19 information by dental patients was also identified. Statistical significance was established at 95% confidence level with a p value < 0.05. RESULTS: Many participants were males (51.2%) and had tertiary education (61.6%). Fear of COVID-19 infection in dental settings was significantly associated with lower odds of utilizing dental care services during the pandemic (Adjusted Odds Ratio: -0.06, 95% Confidence Interval: -0.08, -0.01). The main sources of COVID-19 information were mass media and social networks, with only 42% receiving information from dental professionals. CONCLUSION: Fear of COVID-19 infection in dental settings significantly influenced dental service utilization during the pandemic. Strategies to address fear and improve communication channels between dental professionals and patients are essential for promoting oral health during similar crises.

A scoping review of the use of traditional medicine for the management of ailments in West Africa.

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of traditional healing practices deeply rooted in cultural and historical contexts and the evolving landscape of modern healthcare approaches in West African societies creates a dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in healthcare. This study aims to comprehensively map the landscape of traditional medicine use for health in West Africa. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Research questions focused on the links between traditional medicine practices and health in West Africa. The systematic literature search covered PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL from database inception to September 2023. A descriptive analysis was conducted highlighting the years of publication, countries of publication, study designs of plant families and plant parts used for making traditional medicines, and the diseases the traditional remedies are for. RESULTS: The search identified 3484 records, with 46 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Publications spanned from 1979 to 2023, with no observed trend in the number of publications over successive decades. Nigeria had the highest number of publications (54.3%), followed by Ghana (19.6%). The studies employed various designs, including clinical trials, ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological, and experimental designs. Plant families frequently studied included Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Rubiaceae. Traditional remedies address various health issues, highlighting their versatility, from general symptoms to specific diseases. CONCLUSION: This scoping review offers an extensive overview of traditional healing practices in West Africa. The studies highlighted in this review stress the necessity for culturally sensitive healthcare interventions. The widespread use of traditional medicine and the variety of practices underscore the importance of encouraging collaboration between traditional healers and modern healthcare professionals. This review also identifies knowledge gaps and areas needing further research, setting the stage for future exploration into West Africa's intricate healthcare landscape.

A scoping review on the association between early childhood caries and life on land: The Sustainable Development Goal 15.

BACKGROUND: The Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG15) deals with protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, halting and reversing land degradation, combating desertification and halting biodiversity loss. The purpose of this scoping review was to map the current evidence on the association between SDG 15 and Early Childhood Caries (ECC). METHODS: This scoping review was reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Formal literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus in March 2023 using key search terms. Studies with the criteria (in English, with full text available, addressing component of life on land, focusing on dental caries in humans, with results that can be extrapolated to control ECC in children less than 6 years of age) were included. Retrieved papers were summarised and a conceptual framework developed regarding the postulated link between SDG15 and ECC. RESULTS: Two publications met the inclusion criteria. Both publications were ecological studies relating environmental findings to aggregated health data at the area level. One study concluded that the eco-hydrogeological environment was associated with human health, including caries. The other reported that excessive calcium was associated with the presence of compounds increasing groundwater acidity that had an impact on human health, including caries. The two ecological studies were linked to SDG 15.1. It is also plausible that SDG 15.2 and SDG 15.3 may reduce the risk for food insecurity, unemployment, gender inequality, zoonotic infections, conflict and migration; while SDG 15.4 may improve access to medicinal plants such as anticariogenic chewing sticks and reduction in the consumption of cariogenic diets. CONCLUSIONS: There are currently no studies to support an association between ECC and SDG15 although there are multiple plausible pathways for such an association that can be explored. There is also the possibility of synergistic actions between the elements of soil, water and air in ways that differentially affect the risk of ECC. Studies on the direct link between the SDG15 and ECC are needed. These studies will require the use of innovative research approaches.

The health inequity and socioeconomic inequality faced by adolescent girls and women on the move living with or at high risk of HIV infection, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: We assessed if women and girls on the move living with or at high risk of HIV faced increased health inequity and socioeconomic inequalities during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with other vulnerable women and girls. METHODS: We used data collected through a survey conducted in Nigeria between June and October 2021. Women and girls living with or at risk of HIV were recruited voluntarily, using a combination of venue-based and snowball sampling. We performed multivariable logistic regression models per mobility and HIV status to determine associations between health inequity, socioeconomic inequalities and macrosocial characteristics. FINDINGS: There were 3442 participants, of which 700 were on the move. We found no statistical difference between HIV-negative women and girls on the move and those not on the move. On the opposite, we found substantial differences in health inequity and socioeconomic inequalities between women and girls on the move living with HIV and those not on the move living with HIV. There are very strong associations between being a woman or girl on the move living with HIV and facing economic precarity (aOR 6.08, 95% CI 1.94 to 19.03), food insecurity (aOR 5.96, 95% CI 2.16 to 16.50) and experiencing more gender-based violence since COVID-19 started (aOR 5.61, 95% CI 3.01 to 10.47). INTERPRETATION: Being a woman or girl on the move and living with HIV compound increased health and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. The COVID-19 crisis seems to have exacerbated inequalities and gender-based violence. These findings call for more feminist interventions to protect women on the move living with HIV during health crises.