Risk factors associated with diabetes in periurban community, Lahore Pakistan

Objectives: To identify factors [sociodemographic characteristic, behavioural factors, health care advice and physical measurements like weight, height, waist and hip circumferences] associated with diabetes

Methods: This study was conducted in the Nain Sukh which is a peri-urban area near Lahore between January till August 2016. A sum of 1080 households of both gender with age between 15-69 years were interviewed through a structured questionnaire and necessary measurements were taken. The data analysis was done by using SPSS version 17. All the recommended ethical clearance both institutional as well as individual levels were duly taken

Result: The mean age of the participants was 34 years +/- 14SD with female predominance. Total prevalence of diabetes was found to be 9.8% out of which 83% were females between age of 45-69 years [p<0.00]. Diabetes was significantly associated with obesity with 33% participants were overweight while 42% were obese [p<0.00]. Diabetes was also significantly associated with central obesity, positive family history [p<0.000]. Almost 45% of the households were advised to reduce weight and take special diet [p<0.000]

Conclusion: The diabetes is significantly associated with positive family history and deranged BMI both overweight and obesity along with central obesity .This can only be prevented by health education and life style modifications

Methods of sterilization and monitoring of sterilization across selected dental practices in Karachi, Pakistan

Objective: To assess methods of sterilization in dental practices in Karachi and secondly to investigate methods of monitoring sterilization in dental practices in Karachi, Pakistan

Study Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: Dental colleges, hospitals and private clinics of Karachi, Pakistan, from January to March 2013

Methodology: A total of 251 questionnaires were obtained. Descriptive statistics were computed and differences between groups were assessed through chi-square test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences [SPSS] version 16.0. P-value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant

Results: Autoclave, used by 155 [61.8%] dentists was the most common method of sterilization followed by more than one method, 65 [25.9%]; dry heat, 24 [9.6%]; and cold sterilization, 7 [2.8%]. Majority of dentists, 126 [50.1%], never monitored sterilization and those who did monitored mostly monthly. Statistically significant difference was found amongst the three groups of dentists monitoring sterilization [p=0.09] and methods of sterilization [p < 0.01]

Conclusion: Statistically significant difference was found in infection control practices of specialists, postgraduate trainees and general dentists regarding method of monitoring sterilization with majority of dentists never monitoring sterilization

Reasons for the failure of class i and II amalgam restorations

The purpose of the study was to investigate the reasons for the failure of Class I and II amalgam restorations in patients presenting at the Operative Department of Fatima Jinnah Dental College and Hospital. Sample of 100 patients was clinically evaluated to assess the reasons for the failure of amalgam restorations. Information regarding the patients' age, gender, presenting complaints, and reasons for the failure was collected for conducting this study. Results revealed that the most common reason for the failure and replacement of amalgam restorations was secondary caries, followed by inadequate resistance form. It was concluded that the prevailing reason for the failure of restoration is secondary caries which may be as a result of incomplete caries removal and non-retentive cavity preparations

comparative assessment of root canal preparation, employing manual and rotary instrumentation technique an in vitro study

To determine changes in root canal curvature after preparation with manual or rotary instrumentation technique and to determine maintenance of working length by either manual or rotary instrumentation technique. Experimental study This study was carried out at Aga Khan University Hospital over a period of six months. Mandibular molars, extracted due to caries or periodontal reasons and mesiobuccal canals, with curvature between 20- 40° were included. In Group A preparation was carried out with ProTaper instruments and in group B with manual NiTi files, An ISO #15 NiTi file was placed in the canal and radiograph taken to determine working length, radiograph was scanned, print made and canal curvature determined. Upon completion of preparation, radiograph with #30 NiTi file was taken and working length assessed. Same radiograph was scanned, and changes in curvature were assessed by comparing preoperative and postoperative prints. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 14.0 and Paired and Independent sample I tests. Difference in Pre and Post operative root canal curvature was lower in ProTaper group, but not satisfactorily significant. Working length was better maintained in ProTaper group as compared to group prepared with Manual Ni-Ti instruments. ProTaper instrumentation technique maintained working length better than manual instrumentation technique. No difference in operative curvature was observed, although difference was smaller in ProTaper group

Infection control practices across Karachi: do dentists follow the recommendations?

To assess infection control practices in Karachi, Pakistan. To investigate personal protective equipment such as gloves, mask and protective eye wear used in dental practice in Karachi, Pakistan. Cross sectional descriptive study. This study was carried out in Dental colleges, hospitals and private clinics of Karachi, Pakistan from January to March 2013. A pre coded questionnaire was used to collect data from dentists working in different work places. The study included dentists working in Dental colleges, Hospitals and private clinics. Undergraduate dental students and dentists not having PMDC registration were excluded from the study. Total 251 completed questionnaires were obtained. The dentists filled the questionnaire and were categorized into three groups Specialist group, Post graduate trainees group and General dentists group, according to their qualifications. Descriptive statistics were computed and differences between groups were assessed through Chi square test using SPSS version 16.0. Statistically significant differences were observed in infection control practices of various groups of dentists regarding use of personal protective equipment, surface disinfection between Patients, disinfecting outgoing lab cases, use of sterilization wrappings and use of Sharps disposal system. Infection control practices of the three groups of dentists were different. More over the infection control practices of dentists working in different work places was also different

Frequency and distribution of endodontically treated teeth

To determine the distribution and pattern of carious teeth involvement in permanent teeth requiring endodontic treatment. Cross-sectional study. Dental Section of The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from September 2004 to March 2005. Data was collected from the dental records of patients. Tooth was the unit of evaluation. Variables studied were demographics, tooth type, etiology of endodontic treatment and pattern of caries involvement. Data was analyzed using chi-square test and Fischer's exact test. The total number of patients was 190; total number of teeth involved were 235. Females had more endodontically treated teeth than males. There was no significant difference in the distribution of etiology of endodontic treatment in both genders [p=0.564]. An increasing trend of endodontic procedure was observed with the increasing age of patients. Caries was the most common etiological factor leading to endodontic treatment [p = 0.011]. Class-II cavity i.e. proximal surface of teeth was the most commonly involved surface in endodontically involved teeth [p < 0.001]. More molars had been endodontically treated followed by premolars and anterior teeth. Caries was the most common etiologic factor; lower molars were the most commonly involved and lower anteriors the least commonly involved teeth in endodontic procedure. Significant association was observed between etiology and tooth type. Significant association was found between cavity classification and etiology of endodontic treatment with class-II caries being most common

Factors associated with non-carious cervical lesions [NCCLs] in teeth

To determine factors associated with Non-Carious Cervical Lesions [NCCLs] and the teeth most commonly involved in such lesions. Cross- sectional study. Department of Operative Dentistry, Section of Dentistry at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from December 2005 to January 2006. A total number of 95 patients with 671 teeth were evaluated using a pre-coded questionnaire. Subject of evaluation was teeth. Patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic NCCLs and permanent dentition were included. Patients exhibiting active, untreatable periodontal disease, rampant uncontrolled caries, xerostomia, primary dentition, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment or bleaching procedure were excluded from the study. Data analysis was done using Spearman's correlation, Mann Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Mean age of patients was 50.3 years [r=0.22, p=0.028]; males [73%] had more NCCLs than females [23%]. Majority [45.3%] of them brushed their teeth twice a day, with medium type of brush [48.4%] and horizontal [73.7%] brushing technique. Most of the patients were non-bruxists [90.5%], with Angles Class 1 occlusion [48.4%] and canine guidance [50.5%]. Majority [74.7%] of the patients did not have sensitivity. First premolars in all the quadrants were the most frequently involved teeth in NCCLs. More males had NCCLs. Middle aged patients were more involved. A weak positive correlation was found between age and NCCLs. No association was observed between hand used and site of NCCLs, between wear facets and NCCL, Excursive guidance and NCCL, Angles classification and NCCL

Impact of prenatal ultrasound consultation on maternal anxiety

To determine whether ultrasound consultation reduces maternal anxiety and increases feto maternal attachment [the desire to care for the fetus and care for self]. Analytical study. Patients coming for routine obstetric ultrasound at the Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi were recruited in the study. The study was carried out over the period of two months from January-February 2007 in which sixty patients were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to a standard care group or an ultrasound consultation group [30 patients in each arm]. Both groups were required to fill a questionnaire before and after their ultrasound examination. The ultrasound consultation group in addition received counseling before they went in for the ultrasound regarding fetal development and maternal-fetal interaction. The two groups were then compared for difference of change in feto maternal attachment scores and change in anxiety levels regarding their pregnancies before and after the ultrasound. SPSS software [version 14] was used for compilation of the data and the statistical computations Categorical data was compared using Chi-square test and continuous variables were analyzed with paired t-test. P value <0.05 was considered significant. A positive difference in feto-maternal attachment and reduction in anxiety levels was seen in both the groups but this difference was statistically significant in the ultrasound consultation group only. This study suggests that ultrasound examinations with prior consultation has a positive impact on patients as it strengthens bonding toward the fetus, reduces maternal anxiety and increases maternal investment in health during the pregnancy