The Effects of Social Media Addiction, Psychological Distress, and Loneliness on Suicide Ideations and Attempts Among Healthcare Professionals in Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, there has been an alarming increase in psychological distress in many populations. One of the reasons can be attributed to the rapid development of technology and social media, which could adversely affect the mental health of individuals, including those working in healthcare. This study aimed to assess the influence of social media addiction, psychological distress, and loneliness on suicidal ideations and suicide attempts among healthcare students and professionals in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study collected data from healthcare students and professionals using a five-part questionnaire: (i) demographics, (ii) the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), (iii) the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), (iv) the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DGLS), and (v) suicide ideation and attempts scale. RESULTS: There were 800 participants from 33 cities who completed the questionnaire. A total of 31.37% reported lifelong thoughts of suicide, regardless of whether they would actually go through with it (S1), 18.38% had suicidal thoughts within the last 12 months (S2), and 11% had attempted suicide (S3). Of those who attempted suicide, 79 (89.77%) reported seeking help. Multiple logistic regression showed that lifetime suicidal thoughts were predicted by psychological distress, emotional loneliness (EL), social loneliness (SL), and age. Having had suicidal thoughts within the prior 12 months was predicted by psychological distress, SL, and age. Suicidal attempts were predicted by psychological distress, EL, age, and social media addiction. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that psychological distress and loneliness are strongly associated with suicidal ideas and suicide attempts. Such results could serve as a warning call that assists healthcare professionals and mental health teams in arranging and planning effective interventions and actions to raise awareness, as well as reduce the levels of psychological distress and loneliness that could lead to grave consequences.

A Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract, Octenidine Dihydrochloride, and Sodium Hypochlorite as Intracanal Irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis: An In Vitro Study.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the microbial efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf extract, octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT), NaOCl, and their combinations as intracanal irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: Sixty single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated followed by root canal preparation. Each root specimen was autoclaved, inoculated with E. faecalis, and incubated at 37°C for 48 hr. Then, the specimens were divided into six groups based on the irrigation solution used: 2.5% NaOCl (Group 1), 0.1% OCT (Group 2), M. oleifera leaves extract (Group 3), a combination of M. oleifera extract and 1.25% NaOCl (Group 4), a combination of M. oleifera extract and OCT (Group 5) and normal saline (Group 6). Microbial samples were taken from each root canal before (S1) and after (S2) irrigation and the bacterial viability was assessed using colony-forming units (CFU) on bile esculin agar plates. Results: Comparing the number of CFU/ml before and after irrigation showed a significant reduction (P < 0.001) in all studied groups. Comparison between the CFU/ml after irrigation by NaOCl and each of the combination groups showed a significant difference. Conclusion: M. oleifera leaves extract and 0.1% OCT solutions have antibacterial effect against E. faecalis comparable to 2.5% NaOCl and might be used as root canal irrigants. The combination groups showed better antimicrobial activities than individual irrigants. However, further studies are required to investigate the biocompatibility and possible toxic effects of the tested irrigants.

Are parents' willing to vaccinate their children against COVID-19? A qualitative study based on the Health Belief Model.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries have started implementing voluntary or involuntary mass vaccination programs. Although vaccine acceptance is high among adults, uncertainty about whether to vaccinate children against COVID-19 remains a controversial theme. To date, few qualitative studies have explored parents' views on this topic. A qualitative descriptive study design was used to collect data and individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 50 parents in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used as a guide in developing the interview guide. Each question was related to a construct of the HBM. The data were then analyzed using thematic content analysis and interpreted using NVivo software. Two major themes emerged: motivation to vaccinate children, which was influenced by perceived benefits, perceived severity, perceived suitability, collective responsibilities, confidence, and cues to action; and barriers to vaccination in children, which included complacency, rapid vaccine development, and uncertainty about the long-term side effects of the vaccine. The findings of this study revealed that the public is not sufficiently informed about the efficacy or side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, increasing the awareness of which will help parents make informed decisions regarding vaccinating their children and potentially increase vaccine acceptance.

Currently, the debate about whether children should be vaccinated for COVID-19 is ongoing worldwide. This research explored the thoughts of Saudi Arabian parents in this regard through in-depth interviews. The viewpoints were grouped into two themes: motivators and barriers toward vaccination. The motivators included factors such as parents' beliefs that the vaccine would help protect their children and the aged against the severity of the disease, especially those with existing conditions such as obesity. They also felt that the vaccination would help develop the society's herd immunity against the virus and felt an obligation to have their children vaccinated. Barriers toward vaccination included factors such as concerns about the long-term side effects of the vaccine on children, and the belief that children's immune systems are strong enough to fight the virus and that the vaccine might negatively affect their immune systems. This study showed that parents need to be educated on the benefits and side effects of COVID-19 vaccination for children. The results of this study will help health authorities and the government to increase the uptake and acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine for children.

The influence of obstructive sleep apnea on self-perceived dental aesthetics and need for orthodontic treatment among the general population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of obstructive sleep apnea on self-perceived dental appearance and need for orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was used in a random sample of a general adult population in Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. A total of 1014 participants completed the questionnaires, which included the STOP-BANG questionnaire, Oral Aesthetics Subjective Impact Score questionnaire, and Aesthetic Component of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to compare differences between the groups. RESULTS: Overall, 6.5% (66/1014) of the participants were classified as being at high risk of OSA of which 71.2% were males and 28.8% were females (P < 0.001), 57.6% were >50 years of age, 90.9% had obesity, and 81.8% had an enlarged neck circumference. But only 10.1% of the participants reported that they snore loudly. A positive self-perception of dental esthetics was found in 42 (6.2%) and 518 (76.6%) participants at high and low risk of OSA, respectively. Furthermore, of the participants in the high- and low-risk groups, 4.2% and 66.7% considered themselves in need of orthodontic treatment, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rate of people at intermediate to high risk of OSA was 26% of the general population and being at high risk of OSA had no influence on self-perceived dental esthetics and need for orthodontic treatment.

Gender Differences in Oral Health Knowledge and Practices Among Adults in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Aim: To determine the knowledge and practices of adults regarding oral health and to determine the associated gender differences. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and a total of 1330 adults participated. Data were collected using self-administered validated questionnaire to gather information about sociodemographic data, oral health knowledge and practices. The scores of the oral health knowledge were calculated. Linear and logistic regressions were used to evaluate and compare the oral health knowledge and practices between males and females. Results: Females had a significantly higher mean oral health knowledge score (8.5 ± 1.5) than males (8.1 ± 1.7). Regarding oral health practices, female participants reported a higher frequency of tooth brushing and mouthwash use than males (p = 0.001). The percentage of females who visited the dentist for check-ups and cleaning was significantly higher compared to males (41.5% and 35.2%, respectively). Participants with a university-level education showed a significantly higher knowledge score (coefficient = 0.27; 95% CI: -0.46 to 0.46). Respondents who were less than 40 years old brushed their teeth more than twice a day compared to older individuals (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.13). Nonsmokers had better knowledge, and brushing their teeth twice daily was more likely among them (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.99). Conclusion: Among the adult population, females were more knowledgeable about their oral health and exhibited better practices than males.

Blackboard in Dental Education: Educators' Perspectives During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.

Introduction: E-learning systems play a vital role in education during the COVID-19 pandemic. These systems allow educators to plan, deliver, and follow up on the education process during the closure of universities and schools. This study aims to report the experiences of dental faculty members using the Blackboard system. Methods: The study used a descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected from staff members at the Dental Faculty of Umm Al Qura University through semi-structured focus group discussions that were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic content analysis. Results: The analysis revealed three barriers: (1) pedagogical, (2) technical, and (3) individual. For the advantages, three themes emerged: (1) ease of use, (2) ongoing support, and (3) usefulness. Most participants were satisfied with using Blackboard and believed it to be a valuable and complementary educational tool in dentistry. Conclusion: The reported experiences and recommendations are helpful for university leaders, policymakers, and program designers in improving the quality of e-learning in the future.

Assessment of Oral Hygiene, Gingival, and Periodontal Health, and Teeth Eruption among Type 1 Diabetic Saudi Children.

Aims and objectives: To determine the differences between type 1 diabetic children and healthy children regarding oral hygiene, gingival and periodontal health, and permanent teeth eruption.Materials and methods: A case-control study was conducted on 80 children (40 type 1 diabetic children and 40 healthy children) aged 6-12-year-old. The groups were further divided into subgroups (early and late mixed dentition). All study aspects were examined clinically using the simplified oral hygiene index, Löe and Silness gingival index, clinical attachment loss (CAL), and Logan and Kronfeld stages for tooth eruption. The data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, chi-squared test, and logistic regression models. A p-value of ≤0.05 was the threshold for statistical significance. Results: No significant difference was found between diabetic and healthy children regarding oral hygiene and gingival health. Most children had poor oral hygiene (52.5% in the case group and 60% in the control group), with fair gingival health (70% in the case group and 55% in the control group). Diabetic children had significantly (p = 0.05) more periodontitis than healthy children. Teeth in the advanced stage of the eruption were significantly higher in diabetic than control subjects (p = 0.048 in stage V and p = 0.003 in stage VI). Older diabetic children in late mixed dentition exhibited accelerated eruption. Conclusion: Periodontitis was significantly more common in diabetic than in healthy children. The advanced stage of the eruption was significantly higher in diabetic than in control subjects. Clinical significance: Type 1 diabetic children had more periodontal disease and advanced stage of permanent teeth eruption compared to healthy children. Therefore, periodic dental evaluation and a strong preventive plan for diabetic children is crucial. How to cite this article: Mandura RA, El Meligy OA, Attar MH, et al. Assessment of Oral Hygiene, Gingival, and Periodontal Health, and Teeth Eruption among Type 1 Diabetic Saudi Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):711-716.

Students' satisfaction and continued intention toward e-learning: a theory-based study.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has forced the urgent lockdown of schools and colleges worldwide. To ensure the continuity of education a shift from traditional teaching to e-learning was required. This study aims to identify factors that affect students' satisfaction and continued intention towards e-learning. A questionnaire was distributed to medical and dental students (second to sixth year) from different universities in Saudi Arabia. The study synthesizes the expectation-confirmation theory (ECT) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict students' satisfaction and intention to continue using e-learning using a validated self-administered questionnaire. We used the structural equation model to analyze the results and assess the study's hypotheses. A total of 870 completed questionnaires were received (67% response rate). The results showed that students were at a moderate level of satisfaction (median = 3.5). According to the ECT, both perceived usefulness and confirmation significantly influenced students' satisfaction (ß = -.69 and ß = .82, respectively). Satisfaction was the strongest predictor of students' continued intention (ß = 1.95). Among the TPB constructs, perceived behavioral control (ß = .51), attitudes (ß = .39), and subjective norms (ß = .36) had a significant positive influence on their intention to use e-learning. The results suggest efforts to increase students' satisfaction and intention with e-learning should be directed to adopting easy and useful e-learning platforms. In addition, training and motivating students to continue e-learning and increasing their confidence to ensure the effective and efficient use of such teaching modalities.

Social media as a learning tool: Dental students' perspectives.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the perceptions of dental students in Saudi Arabia for implementing social media as an educational tool. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students in 3 governmental dental schools in the western region of Saudi Arabia. A validated questionnaire was used to explore social media use and student perceptions on the advantages and disadvantages of implementing social media in dental education. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's' χ2 , Kruskal-Wallis, and Fishers' exact tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The survey included 1034 students from third to sixth year and dental interns. WhatsApp was the most used social media platform (97.5%), followed by Snapchat (90.5%), Twitter (85.2%), and Instagram (83.4%). Social media was used for entertainment (81.4%), dental learning (70.8%), searching for general information (63.3%), exchanging general ideas (63.1%), and community general discussion (55.8%). The predominant advantages of using social media in learning were assistance in gaining more information on different subjects, making education more engaging, affording a better chance to access new resources, improving the ability for creativity and innovation, and improving research skills. In contrast, the predominant disadvantages were distraction from studying, increasing addictive potential, increased time spent, and concerns over no direct contact with the instructors. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that students report social media can be a valuable learning tool in dental education if appropriately used. A proper understanding of social media and its usefulness in supporting learning can benefit both students and faculty members.