ABSTRACT
AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of types of head and neck cancer in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence of types of head and neck cancer in Madurai, Tamil Nadu using a questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out for two months among 300 head and neck cancer patients at a tertiary cancer center in Madurai. A convenience sampling technique was used. The data were collected using a pretested, self-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software. RESULTS: Of 300 head and neck cancer patients, the mean age of the patients was about 51.04 ± 16.49 years. The majority of the patients were male (80%), employed (85%), and literate (65%). Among the head and neck cancer patients, 65% were tobacco users and 42.4% were alcohol consumers. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common type of head and neck cancer, and 79.7% were diagnosed at an advanced stage of said cancer, such as stages III and IV. CONCLUSION: Lack of knowledge and awareness is a major cause of increasing prevalence of head and neck cancer in our country. It is most important to increase the knowledge and awareness of early symptom recognition and its seriousness among the general population.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Cancer is a major life-threatening disease and has an impact on both patients and their family members. Caring for cancer patients may lead to several levels of stress which may affect their own health as well as their quality of life. AIM: To assess the perceived stress and burden of family caregivers of head and neck cancer patients (HNC) attending cancer care centre at a tertiary care centre, Tamil Nadu. OBJECTIVES: To assess the perceived stress and the burden among caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) respectively. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A Cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of three months among the caregivers of head and neck cancer patients at a cancer care centre, Madurai. A total of 200 caregivers were selected by Convenience sampling method. Data was collected using a pretested, self-structured, closed-ended questionnaire by face to face interview method. RESULTS: The study population consisted of Caregivers aged 21-60 years, mostly females (80%), spouses (54%), employed (57%) and uneducated (66%). Most of the caregivers were from lower socioeconomic status (66%) and those who are providing care for 1 to 6 months were more in number. In this study, 82% of caregivers reported high caregiver burden (CSI ≥7) and 67% of caregivers reported high stress (PSS ≥ 26 - 40). CONCLUSION: Caregivers are experiencing significant burden, particularly with respect to their physical and psychological well-being, economic circumstances, social and personal relationships.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Caregivers/psychology , Family/psychology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/psychology , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/psychology , Stress, Psychological/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/therapy , Humans , India/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/therapy , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Tertiary Care Centers , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of traumatic dental injury (TDI) among 5- to 16-year-old schoolchildren in Bangalore City, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a probabilistic sample of 2,140 schoolchildren was administered a questionnaire and examined intraorally to record TDI using the Ellis classification. Descriptive statistics and regression models were used for analysis of the data. RESULTS: The prevalence of TDI among 5- to 16-year-old schoolchildren in Bangalore City was 9.7%. Boys (12.2%) were affected more than girls (7.1%). About 85% of the injuries occurred in maxillary anterior teeth and 89% in the permanent dentition with fractures in enamel as the most common type of TDI. Unknown causes accounted for 53.6% and falls (36.7%) were the most common reported cause. Only 3.9% of children with TDI had sought treatment. Children from public schools aged less than 10 years and boys had significantly higher TDIs as compared to private schoolchildren, those over 10 years of age and girls. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed a moderate prevalence of dental trauma. An emergent problem such as TDI should be met by public health policies that emphasise the prevention of TDI based on the knowledge of the risk factors. Children, parents and schoolteachers should be educated about the prevention and timely management of dental trauma in children.
