ABSTRACT
Background: Promoting awareness of tobacco and cancer in the community needs multipronged efforts. We performed a study to evaluate whether we could raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco, oral and esophageal cancer among school students by providing them health education. Moreover, we also compared the awareness level in students of age group 12 to ?14 years with the age group >14 to 18 years. Methods: We conducted an awareness program in the schools of Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra state. Students aged 12–18 years participated in this study. We provided health education to school students using a standard presentation; the presentation was rich in illustrations depicting the harmful effects of tobacco as well as oral and esophageal cancer’s signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures. After the health talk, a questionnaire was circulated. The questions were focused on tobacco, signs, and symptoms of the diseases along with early detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer. Results: A total of 1354 students participated in the program. Totally, 567 (41.9%) students were from 6th to 8th grade (Group A, age group 12 to ?14) and 787 (58.1%) students were from 9th to 12th standards (Group B, age group >14 to 18). Overall scores were high, ranging from 69% to 98%. Group A scored in the range of 69% to 95%, and Group B scored in the range 72%–98% The difference between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (P?value ?0.05). Conclusion: A standardized health education program helped to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and cancer amongst school children. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether educating school children has an impact on community understanding of the disease.
ABSTRACT
Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common lower genital tract conditions, occurring in 35% of women attending sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics, 15% to 20% of pregnant women, and 5% to 15% of women attending gynaecology clinic. It has been associated with serious pregnancy complications, including premature rupture of the membranes, preterm delivery and postpartum endometritis. The diagnosis of BV is usually based on clinical criteria including homogeneous vaginal discharge, an elevated vaginal pH, the presence of clue cells, and an amine odour. Objective of this study was to study the prevalence of asymptomatic and symptomatic BV in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in a tertiary care rural teaching hospital.Methods: Sample size of 301 patients over 6 months study duration in an observational cross sectioned prospective type of study. An unfixed vaginal smear was collected from pregnant women and sent to microbiology for staining and fixing and diagnosis was established.Results: The age range in pregnant women enrolled was 18 to 42 with mean age 26.10 years. As per the Nugent score criteria, 68 (23%) women tested positive for BV (Nugent score 7-10) and 77 (25%) had an intermediate score (Nugent score 4-6). While in 156 (52%) pregnant women’s Nugent score was in between 0-3 indicating no BV but 10% cases amongst these were showing presence of fungal elements mainly budding yeast cells with or without hyphae. In only 53% of cases of BV characteristic clue cells were present. In this study 69% cases of BV were observed in multigravida while 31% were present in primigravida.Conclusions: Screening of asymptomatic pregnant women’s by taking vaginal swab and evaluating gram smear using Nugent score system will play vital role early diagnosis of reproductive tract infections.
ABSTRACT
Background: Konkan area in Maharashtra, India is rich in Biodiversity and known for its Natural Beauty. At the same time geographical difficulties, poor socio-economical status, superstitial and religious beliefs are some important factors contributing to more Psycho-social problems in this area including Physical Health. We focused in this Study to find out Psychological Problems, Health issues and planning future activities for School going adolescent girls. Methods: The Study was carried out on total no. Of 1290 School going adolescent girls of age group 11-20 years, over the period of six months. The following Psychological and Physical parameters were considered. Mental Status Examination, Higher Mental Functions, Personality, Decision Making capacity. Hemoglobin status, Body Mass Index and Health related factors of Adolescent girls. Results: According to Psychological assessment78.46% had abnormal expression, poor hygiene, low decision making. 72.47% were underweight and 47.22% were anemic. Conclusions: More Active measures need to be taken for care of Psychological and Physical health. Awareness Programme needs to implement for Students, Parents, Teachers and Public.
ABSTRACT
Oral malodor is one of the major growing concern of patients today as it is fundamental to their overall personality. Although the majority of malodor is of oral origin, there are multiple other systemic causes that have to be addressed. Correct diagnosis of the cause of the malodor and prompt treatment can render the patient satisfied. There have been newer developments in faster and more efficient detection of the levels of malodor, and an array of treatment options are present in the market today. It is crucial for the dentist to have a sound understanding of this prevalent oral condition and provide effective intervention programs. This article reviews the various causes and the diagnostic modalities which will help us treat this multifaceted condition.
ABSTRACT
Endodontic–periodontal lesions offer a constant challenge to the clinician for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the teeth that are of great concern. Treatment and prognosis of endodontic–periodontal diseases vary depending on the cause and the correct diagnosis of each specific condition. This article presents successful healing of combined endo-perio lesions after non-surgical endodontic management with long term follow up.