RESUMO
Human health behavior is presented in many traits. Among them fear is a strong factor that influences not only on health but also procedures and communication with health care provider. The objectives were to explore dental anxiety at various levels in different dental procedures among patients visiting Dental Hospital. A cross sectional survey was conducted on 702 patients visiting general out-patient Departments at Fatima Memorial Hospital College of Dentistry. A structured, standardized and validated questionnaire was used for the purpose of data collection [Modified Dental Anxiety Scale by Corah]. Informed consent was obtained from patients. Extreme anxiety level was found more in younger age and in female patients. Mean score was 13.2 [+ 4.3] which makes participant from slightly to fairly anxious while visiting any dentist for any procedure. According to ranking, extreme anxieties developed from procedures are as follows local anaesthesia is highest, tooth drill, Scaling, waiting area and next day appointment was ranked lowest respectively. It is important for dentist to focus on patient anxiety level particularly in younger and female patients. It also helps to carry out smooth dental treatment
RESUMO
To assess the knowledge and attitude of leprosy patients before and after health education program. Interventional study [intervention being the health education program]. City District Government Leprosy Hospital situated at Gadap Town in the Union Council of Manghopir, Karachi from 1st of April till 30th of September 2007. Fifty leprosy patients including both males and females were questioned in order to assess their knowledge and attitude towards leprosy. A health education program was conducted and the same patients were re-assessed later for the same variables. Awareness Index Patient was used as an indicator to evaluate the preintervention with the post-intervention results. Forty-eight percent [24/50] stated that it was transmitted by touching. Numbness of hands was noticed by 66% [33/50] of the patients as a first symptom. Leprosy is curable as stated by 98% [49/50] of the patients. Seventy-six percent [38/ 50] said that leprosy causes deformity. Social life of 92% [46/50] of the patients was affected after the development of leprosy. Fifty four percent [27/50] of the patients lost their job after the disease. Marital life of 80% [40/50] of the patients was affected after the development of leprosy. Fifty percent [25/50] of the leprosy patients were forced to leave the family. Health education program has improved the knowledge of 86% [43/50] of the leprosy patients. Awareness Index Patient for the pre-testing [i.e., before the health education program was conducted] came out to be 5% while after health education program it was 73%. Health education program has improved the knowledge and attitude of the patients regarding leprosy