ABSTRACT
This study designed a framework for assessing the stewardship function of the oral health system in Islamic Republic of Iran. The modified RAND Corporation/University of California Los Angeles [RAND-UCLA] Appropriateness Method was used in a 2-step process that combined literature evidence and the collective judgement of experts. After a comprehensive literature review, policy instruments related to stewardship components were extracted as candidate standards and categorized according to the 6 sub-functions of stewardship [accountability; defining strategic direction; alignment of policy objectives and organizational structure; regulation; intersectoral leadership; and generation of intelligence]. Five key informants then rated the appropriateness of the 85 standards on a 5-point Likert scale. The 38 highest ranked standards, including at least 2 standards in each of the 6 sub-functions, formed a set of proposed standards for evaluating the current stewardship of oral health system. Piloting of the instrument will be reported separately
Subject(s)
Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration , Health PolicyABSTRACT
Dental professionals are in a unique position to promote smoking cessation among their patients. We evaluated the effects of a brief counselling intervention by a dentist on patients' attitude towards the role of dentists in tobacco cessation programmes. In a semi-experimental study in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, 70 eligible smokers were selected and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The initial attitudes of the patients regarding tobacco cessation counselling services provided by the dentist were determined using a validated questionnaire. The intervention group received a brief chair-side counselling by a dentist based on the 5 A's approach, while no intervention was provided for the control group. At 8-weeks follow-up, smokers receiving the intervention showed significantly more positive attitudes towards the role of the dentist in advising patients to quit smoking compared with those in the control group. More responsibility could be transferred to dentists for tobacco prevention
Subject(s)
Humans , Counseling , Dentists , Smoking Cessation , Smoking/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Dentists can play an important role in the cessation of tobacco use which is known as the leading preventable cause of death in the world. The aim of this study was to assess the barriers that limit the active involvement of Iranian senior dental students in tobacco cessation program. In this cross sectional descriptive study, we used stratified cluster random sampling to obtain a representative sample of 335 subjects from 11 dental schools in Iran. They filled out a two page questionnaire which contained questions regarding demographics including age, sex, smoking status and average of their practice activity per week, knowledge and attitude towards tobacco cassation counseling in dental settings and the barriers limiting the application of tobacco cessation counseling methods. Having good knowledge about tobacco cessation programs, positively influences the attitudes of students toward application of these programs in the dental setting [P<0.004]. Patients' resistance to advice, lack of supportive organizations in developing tobacco cessation services and training facilities for tobacco cessation in dental settings and the preference of providing dental treatments rather than tobacco cessation were the most important barriers from the point of view of the participants in this study. Regarding two of the barriers, the point of view of male and female study subjects had statistically significant difference [P<0.05]. Considering the positive attitude of Iranian senior dental students toward participation in tobacco counseling cessation programs and shortage of their knowledge regarding tobacco cessation protocols; a good instruction program and removing the perceived barriers in implementing these programs might enhance dentists' role in helping tobacco users quit smoking
ABSTRACT
Given the current need for studies evaluating oral health related quality of life among the Iranian children, this study was designed to test the validity and reliability of a Persian version of Child-OIDP index and also evaluate the prevalence and impact of oral disorders on the quality of life of 11-14-year-old Iranian children. In this cross-sectional study, after translation of Child-OIDP instrument into Persian language, the psychometric properties of this index were evaluated in terms of face, content and construct validity. In addition, the internal and test-retest reliability were evaluated. A sample of 384 Iranian children aged 11-14-years old completed the instrument via a face-to-face interview. Each interview was followed by a clinical examination as well as completion of a self-administered questionnaire providing the information on demographic and oral health behaviors. The Persian version of Child-OIDP demonstrated excellent validity and reliability. The index showed significant associations between perceived oral treatment needs and perceived satisfaction regarding their oral cavity [P<0.001]. ICC was 0.784, and Cronbacrf s alpha was 0.59. About 54% of children reported dental disorders over the past 3 months that impacted on daily performances, according to Child-OIDP index. The most prevalent affected activities were eating and oral hygiene performance. The most prevalent oral disorder leading to impact were sensitivity tooth and gingival bleeding. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the Persian version of Child-OIDP index is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluation of oral health-related quality of life as applied to Iranian children. The prevalence of oral impacts was moderate. The pattern of impacts differed according to the type of self-perceived oral problem