ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The psychological impact of anxiety, stress, and depression among health care and nonhealth-care professionals in India contribute significantly to the global burden of mental illness in the world. Impaired mental health and stress influence the efficiency and productivity of work. Long-term professional stress among individuals can lead to chronic illness, increased blood pressure, and many systemic disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety, stress, and depression among the health care and nonhealth-care professionals in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective survey-based study included 200 study participants (80 nonhealth care and 120 health-care workers) who were asked to submit their feedback and opinion on a questionnaire survey. Depression, stress, and anxiety were scored as per patient health questionnaire-4 and UCLA scale. The reliability of questionnaires was assessed using the Cronbach's alpha (r = 0.90). The statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Higher prevalence ratio of anxiety, depression, and stress was observed among nonhealth care compared to health-care professionals. CONCLUSION: Psychological disturbances were found to be higher among nonmedical when compared to health-care workers or professionals. Thus, psychological counseling is required to manage the stress levels in both health care and nonhealth-care professionals.
ABSTRACT
AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the association of root canal microorganisms red complex and E. facealis with endodontic clinical signs and symptoms using polymerase chain reaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bacterial samples were obtained using sterile paper points from the teeth of 100 subjects divided into two groups; Group I: 50 individuals with primary tooth infections and Group II: 50 individuals with failed endodontic treatment having the secondary infection. DNA extracted from samples was analyzed for endodontic pathogens by using species-specific primers. RESULTS: The pain was noticed in 66%, (33 of 50 subjects) in primary infection and 60% (30 of 50) in a secondary infection. A statistically significant association between pain and E. faecalis bacteria observed both in primary infection and secondary infection (P < 0.05). Tenderness on percussion was associated with 40% cases in Group I and 70% cases in Group II. The red complex accounted for 94% of cases associated with tenderness on percussion in primary infection while 86% of cases associated with secondary infection with a statistically significant association (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of red complex bacteria and E. faecalis suggested the association of studied bacteria with symptomatic infected pulp and periradicular diseases.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Dental caries is a microbiological disease affecting teeth which has both genetic as well as environmental factors. Dermatoglyphics is the study of fingerprint patterns and is also genetically determined. This study is aimed to determine a correlation between dermatoglyphic patterns and caries susceptibility among children. METHODS: A total of 250 children (125 each of case and control groups) were selected. Dental caries status was evaluated using the DMFT index while dermatoglyphic study was performed by recording impressions using stamp pad-ink method. RESULTS: Higher frequency of all dermatoglyphic patterns was observed among female subjects with caries as compared to caries-free subjects as well as compared to male subjects. CONCLUSION: Dermatoglyphics can be employed as a positive indicator of caries susceptibility among children and holds importance in the area as future caries predictor.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2020 declared outbreak of novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, an international public health emergency. It was stated that there was high COVID-19 spread risk to various other countries across world. According to WHO in March 2020, COVID-19 was characterized as pandemic. However, this sudden crisis is generating great deal of stress, anxiety, and depression throughout the world. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the psychological impact and various associated factors during the developing COVID-19 situation among both the healthcare and non-healthcare working professionals in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observation-based cross-sectional study conducted during the lockdown period and following the lifting of the lockdown for a total of 3 months duration. A structured questionnaire was send via the (email) electronic mail system to a target population of 350 people. Out of which 300 responded. The questionnaire was comprised of study variables: (a) Gender; (b) age-group range which was categorized into- (i) Between 30 snf 50 years and (ii) More than 50 years; (c) Presence of any comorbid medical condition; psychological symptoms of- (d) insomnia; (e) anxiety; and (f) depression. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test for determining significance. RESULTS: Mean ± SD values for age were found to be 35.54 ± 6.09; 33.84 ± 7.87; 32.16 ± 5.89 and 55.76 ± 8.98 for physicians, nurses, technical staff, and non-healthcare professionals while the percentages of male study participants was found to be 37.2%, 15%, 57%, and 65% and female study participants was 62.8%, 85%, 43%, and 35% for the physicians, nursing staff, technicians, and non-healthcare professionals. Depression, insomnia, and anxiety between healthcare and non-healthcare professional workers, demonstrated significant P values of 0.05, 0.03, and 0.02, respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study has shown a significant psychological impact arising from this crisis.
