Comparison of the temperament and character of patients referred to cosmetic nasal surgeon in Shiraz hospitals, 2015

Background: Rhinoplasty is the most common cosmetic surgery which has been dramatically increasing in Iran. Currently, Iran is ranked the first in the world in rhinoplasty. In the present study, we aimed to assess the character and temperament traits of the applicants referred to rhinoplasty surgeons in Shiraz, southwest Iran in 2015

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 500 participants among rhinoplasty applicants for case and among students and clerks residing in Shiraz by convenience sampling method in 2015. The two groups were matched regarding the gender, age and educational level. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and temperament and character inventory to assess the four dimensions of temperament [including novelty seeking; harm avoidance; reward dependence; persistence] and the three dimensions of character [including self-directedness; cooperativeness; self-transcendence]. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20. Chi- square and t-test were used as appropriated

Results: The mean +/- SD age of the participants was 27.43 +/- 6.6. The results showed a significant difference between the case and control groups with respect to the temperaments of novelty [9.47 +/- 2.80], harm avoidance [9.12 +/- 3.3], persistence [2.69 +/- 1.04], the characters of cooperativeness [15.38 +/- 4.02], and self-transcendence [9.48 +/- 3.41]

Conclusion: Evaluating character and temperament traits in rhinoplasty applicants will be so helpful in identifying and predicting good candidates for such cosmetic surgery. Selecting the ideal patients can not only reduce the costs resulting from rhinoplasty imposed on families and society but also enhance the satisfaction of the patients and the surgeons

[Problem based learning: an experience of a new educational method in dentistry]

Introduction: Considering the necessity of dentistry students' involvement in learning treatment topics and, in order to achieve deeper learning, this study was performed to evaluate problem based learning method and compare it to traditional method of teaching orthodontics to dentistry students

Methods: This interventional study was performed on 64, fifth year dentistry students in 2007-2008 academic years. After selection and orientation of tutors, a trainer helped them to adjust to the new method. After orientation of students about PBL method, the groups were identified and the PBL method was performed in four steps. A pretest was taken from students to assess their attitude and satisfaction about traditional method of lecture. Then, A post-test evaluated their attitude toward and satisfaction with the new method. The domains of this method were assessed by 5 point Likert scale. Results were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistics

Results: The average of achieved scores out of the total score of five was as so in areas of material organization [main subjects] [3.41 +/- 0.75], internal motivation [3.41 +/- 0.7], assignments appropriateness [3.38 +/- 0.53], and suitability of evaluation method [3.67 +/- 1.17]. The mean of satisfaction score was 14 out of the total score of 20 which demonstrates agreement higher than average

Conclusion: By promoting learner's internal motivation, enhancing the quality of education, and, increasing continuous learning, PBL method could prove useful in teaching dentistry students