ABSTRACT
Aim This study aimed to examine the prescription of antibiotics for endodontic infections among undergraduate dental students. Methods Two government Iraqi dental schools [(the University of Baghdad (UOB) (n=99) and University of Babylon (UB) (n=70)], and one private dental school [Osouldeen University College (OUC) (n=103)] were included in this survey study. A paper-based questionnaire composed of seven questions was distributed to students, and collected. A chi-square test was used for data analysis, and the level of significance was set at 0.05 (P=0.05). Results A statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was identified between students' answers in the three dental schools regarding antibiotic selection for endodontic infections in which patients had no known allergies (P=0.001). In comparison to other dental schools, a statistically significantly higher proportion of respondents from UOB (32%) favored Azithromycin 500mg for treating patients with penicillin hypersensitivity (P=0.003). A high percentage of participants (62.1%) selected antibiotic prescription in cases with necrotic pulp and symptomatic apical periodontitis (with swelling and moderate/severe preoperative symptoms). However, there were no significant differences between the 3 dental schools (P>0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, a significantly greater percentage of UB chose amoxicillin for the treatment of endodontic infection in patients with no medical allergies. Azithromycin 500mg was selected by UOB as the preferred option in patients who were sensitive to penicillin. Our findings support the need for the implementation of strategies to raise awareness of good antibiotic prescribing practices among dentists in Iraq.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Young Adult , Students, Dental , Endodontics , Prescriptions , Infections , Anti-Bacterial AgentsABSTRACT
Single nucleotide polymorphism of brain derived neurotropic factor gene, also known as Val66Met or rs6562, wasfound to be linked to obesity. However, reports on the link between this gene variant and obesity in Caucasian andAsian populations are inconsistent. A meta-analysis was, therefore, performed to determine the association betweenVal66Met polymorphism and the risk of obesity. Electronic databases, including Embase, CINAHL, and PubMed,were searched for relevant studies published before November 2018. Random effects model was used to calculatethe pooled estimate based on the heterogeneity test results. Data were obtained from 11 studies involving 13,153individuals with obesity and 18,689 non-obese individuals. The overall estimated odds ratio did not support theproposed association (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.793–1.136). Stratified analysis, however, showed that Val/Val genotype isassociated with increased risk of obesity among adults (OR 1.135, 95% CI 1.001–1.286) but associated with a reducedrisk among adolescents (OR 0.61, 95% CI = 0.376, 0.984). The results highlight the role of confounding factors thatneed to be addressed when making inference
ABSTRACT
Background: Health promotion (HP) is getting recognition in most medical school curricula. The aim of this study is to assess students‟ perception of learning outcomes and the main factors affecting these outcomes. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional which involved all year four medical students who completed the population health posting for two successive academic sessions 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. Self-administered questionnaire was used to assess course characteristics, teaching environment and acquired knowledge, skills and attitude. Response to each survey question was described. Structural Equation Modelling was used to test the relation between course characteristics, teaching environment and knowledge, skills and attitude. Path coefficients with corresponding significance test were presented. Results: Three hundred and thirty students with mean age of 22.6 years returned the completed questionnaire. There were about 69.1 % female students and 30.9 % males. Most respondents gave positive feedback regarding course characteristics. However, around 47% were not sure about clarity of the objectives. Students provided favourable responses to the statement evaluating lecturer performance and the class environment including opportunities for learning. Majority of respondents showed favourable response to statement assessing the defined attitude, skills and attitude. Lower higher ratings were observed for statements reflecting respondent autonomy, ability to work in difficult situation and managerial abilities. Path model showed that teaching environment impacted knowledge, skills and attitude, while course characteristic impacted the gained attitude only. Conclusions: Health promotion program is perceived to be sufficient to prepare students for professional life. Teaching environment had more impact on learning outcomes.