Correlation of dental pain and pain catastrophizing with oral health status among physically disabled.

Background: Physical disability results in impaired mobility, leading to increased dependency on others and may also have a negative impact on ones general and oral health. Moreover, such individuals could be at a greater risk of being prone to chronic pain conditions. A person's ability to cope with pain is a consistent and one of the most important predictors of clinical outcome. Catastrophization is known to be a maladaptive coping behaviour that could negatively influence such outcomes. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 229 physically disabled individuals at Home for Disabled, Bansilalpet, Secunderabad. Extent of Physical disability was measured using Barthel index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL), type and severity of dental pain was assessed using the short form McGill Pain Questionnaire and catastrophizing using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Dentition status and periodontal status were assessed using the World Health Organization assessment form. Results: Caries prevalence of the population was 39.7% with a mean DMFT score of 2.8±4.09. Pain catastrophizing showed positive significant (p<0.05) correlation with sensory pain(r=0.182), visual analog scale(r=0.168), pain severity(r=0.161) and DMFT (r=0.4). It had significant negative correlation with ADL and bleeding gums. Conclusions: In this study it was apparent that irrespective of the dependency levels, dentition status had a significant effect on pain catastrophizing level of the individuals. Key words:Disability, Oral Health, Catastrophizing.

Periodontal health status among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with age- and gender-matched controls.

Background: Periodontal disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) share a pathogenic mechanism that involves activating and using inflammatory cytokines and neutrophils, which generate pathological changes in various tissues with a chronic degenerative outcome. Aim: the aim of this study was to assess and compare the periodontal health status among COPD patients with age- and gender-matched controls. Materials and Methods: All the patients aged >30 years who were diagnosed with COPD by the physician were included as cases, while people who are apparently healthy and age and gender matched with cases were included as controls. Data on demographic details, socioeconomic status (Kuppuswamy scale), deleterious oral habits, and oral hygiene practices were obtained. The Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and the WHO basic oral health survey proforma (1997) were used to obtain the data on oral hygiene and periodontal status respectively. Results: Most cases had moderate COPD severity (58.25%). The overall mean OHI-S, CPI, and LOA were higher among cases (3.92 ± 0.95, 3.68 ± 0.60, and 2.33 ± 1.10, respectively) in comparison to controls. Further, among cases, the mean oral hygiene and periodontitis increased with increased severity of COPD. Although among both cases and controls, gender, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption influenced their periodontal status, significant odds of higher risk were seen only among cases. Further, subjects with COPD had higher odds of having poor oral hygiene, deeper pocket depths, and LOA. Conclusion: A strong association between COPD and periodontitis was observed. The oral hygiene and periodontal disease worsened with the severity of COPD.

Dental teaching faculty involvement in research activities.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine personal and professional factors in determining the research activity and research culture among dental teaching faculty members in Hyderabad City, Telangana. Materials and Method: Two dental schools with ongoing dental undergraduate and postgraduate programmes were included in the study. The Research and Development (R&D) Culture Index Questionnaire comprising 16 items was employed for this study. Also, self-reported research activity undertaken in the past twelve months was recorded. The association of demographic variables and professionally related variables with the perception of R&D culture and participation in research activities was assessed using the Chi-square test. A P value was set at 0.05. Results: Of the one-hundred and fifteen faculty members who participated in the study, seventy-four (64.4%) worked in the government sector and forty-one (35.6%) in privately funded dental college. The mean age of the study population was 34.11 + 7.13 years. The majority of them presented a paper or poster at the conference (66.1%; 76) followed by publishing paper in peer-review journal (42.6%; 49) and grant application for research (6.1%; 7), and authoring of a textbook was undertaken by only 2.6% of the study population. Males (61.1%; P = 0.04) and those employed in private dental college (65.8%; P = 0.02) had significantly high levels of overall perception than their respective counterparts. Conclusion: Our study concludes that this study population has a positive perception (50.32 + 6.95) towards research with the majority of them having done a paper or poster publication (66.1%) in the last one year.

Comparing the effect of animal and plant-based yogurt extracts on enamel demineralization: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Yogurt, due to its rich casein phosphopeptide (CPP) content could promote remineralization of enamel. Contrary to the age-old usage of animal milk based yogurt, vegan dairy products are gaining momentum due to multiple reasons. Considering this change, the aim of the present study was to assess the in vitro effect of animal and plant-based yogurt extracts on demineralization of enamel. METHODS: Enamel windows were prepared on the crowns of sixty premolar teeth using nail paint. Teeth were divided into four groups of fifteen each and were treated with distilled water, demineralizing agent, solution with a mixture of demineralizing agent and yogurt supernatants, respectively for 96 hrs. Quantitative analysis was done using EDXRF (baseline and postexperimental calcium and phosphorus content). Additionally, confocal microscopic analysis was performed to assess the extent of demineralization. RESULTS: The animal-based yogurt (Group III) had the highest post experimental calcium value (mean±SD=81.15±5.02) and positive percentage of change in calcium level (15%; P=0.007) among the groups. This was followed by plant-based yogurt (Group IV) (mean calcium= 76.18±5.12; positive percentage change =8.11%; P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Animal based yogurt could provide higher protection against enamel demineralization when compared to plant-based yogurt.

Tooth loss and oral health-related quality of life among adult dental patients: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Oral diseases seriously impair the quality of life (QoL) in a large number of individuals and they may affect various aspects of life. Aim: To determine the relationship between tooth loss and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adult dental patients. Study Setting and Design: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 296 adult dental patients aged 35-44 years attending Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology of Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Hyderabad, India. Materials and Methods: Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was used to assess OHRQoL. Dentition status and periodontal status according to WHO criteria 2013 and position, number of teeth lost by Batista et al. (2014) tooth loss classification were assessed. Statistical Analysis: Mann-Whitney U test and analysis of variance were used to find prevalence and severity of OHIP-14 with tooth loss and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between OHIP-14 prevalence and severity based on variables. Results: Except for the subjects with history of previous dental visit, variables such as gender and reason for dental visit showed significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) with tooth loss. Males subjects, who visited dentist with a history of pain, presence of periodontal disease and tooth loss up to 12 teeth (score 3) emerged as significant predictors for OHIP-14 prevalence (OR = 6.7, OR = 1.13, OR = 3.31). Conclusion: The study strongly evidenced that number and position of tooth loss had negative impacts on OHRQoL.

Association between intelligent quotient and oral health conditions among 13-15 year old intellectually disabled children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the relationship between intelligence quotient and oral health conditions among intellectually disabled children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 13-15 year old intellectually disabled children at National Institute of Mental Health, Hyderabad. The survey comprised of classification of intellectually disabled children based on their intelligent quotient (IQ) levels along with clinical oral examination using World health organization (WHO) oral health assessment form (2013). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21.0. p<0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age of study participants was 13.73 ± 3.04 years. Based on IQ levels, majority of the participants had moderate retardation (41.8%) and when oral health problems were compared, greater than 50% had gingivitis with mean DMFT scores of 2.48 ± 2.1. A significant higher mean DMFT scores were observed with profound retardation (4.74 ± 2.17) (p=0.000) whereas greater preponderance for oral health problems was observed among moderately retarded subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Overall majority of the study participants were moderately retarded children and had gingivitis. The higher mean DMFT score was observed with profound retardation with statistical significance. However, Greater percentage of oral health problems were among moderately retarded children. Hence intellectually disabled children should be encouraged to take care about oral health themselves under the guidance of their care takers.

Assessing Fear and Anxiety of Corona Virus Among Dental Practitioners.

OBJECTIVE: Originating in China in December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly spread to more than 216 countries in the world by May 2020. Because dentists are at a higher risk of contracting the disease, the present study assessed the fear and anxiety among dental practitioners of becoming infected with COVID-19. METHODS: An online cross-sectional questionnaire survey comprising of 9 questions was conducted among dental practitioners of Telangana. Age, gender, qualification, type of practice, years of practice, and place of residence were the demographic variables recorded. The response to each question was recorded in a YES or NO format, and mean fear score was calculated to categorize answers into low and high levels of fear. Comparison of mean fear score was done using t-test for 2 variables and analysis of variance for 3 or more than 3 variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis of the levels of fear with demographic variables was done. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean fear and anxiety score of this study population reported was high 6.57 ± 2.07, with 58.31% of the population presenting with a low level of fear and anxiety. Only qualification (P = 0.045) and gender (P = 0.035) revealed a significant difference in fear to Q7and Q8, respectively. Irrespective of the age, gender, qualification, type of practice, and years in practice, the levels of fear reported in the present study were very similar. Respondents between 41 and 60 y of age (6.70 ± 2.01 y) and those with individual practices (6.70 ± 2.06 y) exhibited high fear scores. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates cross-sectional data of fear and anxiety among dental practitioners during the COVID-19 outbreak. Heightened levels of fear observed in this study call for a nationwide analysis of fear among dentists and deliberate management strategies for the same.

Oral health status and self- assessment of oral health risk factors among South Indian diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: The disease profile of the world is changing at an astonishingly fast rate. It is essential that the impending nature of chronic disease is recognized and acted on urgently. India leads the world with the largest number of diabetics earning the dubious distinction of being termed the "diabetic capital" of the world. AIM: To assess and compare the oral health status and related oral health risk factors among diabetic patients in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. SETTINGS: A cross sectional study was carried out in various diagnostic centers among 801 patients aged 30 years and above. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Oral health status and self-assessed data on related oral risk factors were measured using modified World Health Organization (WHO) assessment form and oral health questionnaire for adults 2013. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Comparison of mean scores of the variables based on gender was assessed using ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Females had higher proportion of untreated caries (362; 85%) and DMFT (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth; 375; 88%) compared to males. On the basis of loss of attachment, the mean number of sextants with no loss of attachment was mostly noted among female subjects. CONCLUSION: In the present study, though gingivitis was seen in higher percentage (82%), the presence of periodontal disease was relatively low (68.3%). It can be concluded that diabetic subjects may have poor oral health.

Periodontal disease among non-diabetic Coronary Heart Disease patients. A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: There is well documented scientific evidence supporting the association between Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and periodontitis. It is however, uncertain if this association is causal or is mediated by the common inflammatory pathways. Hence, the study assessed and compared the Periodontal Health Status among CHD patients with age and gender matched controls. METHODS: A total of 808 medically confirmed CHD patients were compared with 808 age and gender matched controls. Oral examination was conducted using Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and modified World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment form, 1997. Mean scores were compared using Mann- Whitney-U test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Logistic regression analysed the association between the risk factors and CHD. RESULTS: Cases had significantly higher mean sextants with pockets and attachment loss ≥4mm compared to controls (p≤0.05). The cases also had significantly poor oral hygiene mean scores compared to controls (p=0.0001*). There was a lower and insignificant association between age (p=0.99), gender (p=0.84) and CHD. Risk factors education (p=0.001), lesser frequency of dental visit (p=0.001) also showed a lower, yet significant association. Risk of CHD was higher among tobacco (Odds ratio (OR) - 2.26) and alcohol (OR-1.83) users. Presence of poor oral hygiene (OR-5.20), pocket of ≥6 mm (6.70) and attachment loss of ≥9 mm (OR-11.31) also showed higher risk of CHD. CONCLUSION: The study results support the association between periodontal disease and CHD. To halt the epidemic of CHD, emphasis on screening of wide age range, reinforcement of public health systems and early detection is recommended. (www.actabiomedica.it).

Association between dental neglect and alexithymia among adult dental patients.

Aims: To show the association between dental neglect and alexithymia among adult dental patients. Settings and Design: At times, certain individuals with dental neglect may experience trouble in communicating and/or understanding information, ability to identify, and describe their feelings termed as alexithymia. Hence, recognition of alexithymia in a dental setting is important, because it worsens the dentist-patient relationship, especially among patients who neglect their dental health. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult patients (≥20 years). Patients received a questionnaire assessing dental neglect [six-item Dental Neglect Scale (DNS)], alexithymia [20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20)], and demographic profile. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed with standard statistical software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 22). P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total sample of 1067 individuals comprising 553 (51.8%) females and 514 (48.2%) males with a mean age 35.33 ± 11.49 years participated in the study. Our findings showed that females had higher mean scores for both DNS and total TAS-20 and its factors. With increase in age and education, the mean scores of the DNS had significantly increased and mean scores of total TAS-20 and its factors had decreased with increase in age and education. Conclusion: The above study findings have supported the hypothesis that there is no association between dental neglect and alexithymia among adult dental patients.

Assessing Coronavirus Fear in Indian Population Using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale.

The current study aimed to determine the level of fear of COVID-19 among Indian residents using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and compare it with demographic variables. This cross-sectional online survey conducted among the Indian population employed a convenient snowball sampling technique. Age, gender, marital status, educational qualifications, health care worker status and state of residence were the demographic details (six items) collected. The seven-item FCV-19S was used to assess fear regarding COVID-19 on a five-point Likert scale. The mean score for the responses was calculated and compared based on demographic variables. A comparison of low and high levels of fear and a multiple logistic regression analysis of levels of fear with demographic variables were conducted. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study population comprised 45.6% (683) males and 54.4% (816) females, with approximately 68% belonging to the age group of 20-40 years. The overall mean score for the questionnaire was 18.00 + 5.68. A significantly higher number of the study population reported low fear (54.8%). Only gender (p = 0.08) and health care worker status (p = 0.02) revealed a significant difference based on the level of fear. Females, married status, lower educational status and being a health care worker displayed significantly higher odds for high level of fear compared to their respective counterparts in this study population. The findings of this study may help to identify the groups most at risk and formulate tailor-made intervention strategies to ensure their optimal health in this time of global crisis.

Association of state and trait anxiety with oral health status among adult dental patients.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries and periodontal diseases are the most prevalent oral health problems worldwide. Behavioral and psychosocial factors along with social, economic and cultural conditions may alter the health balance, favoring the onset of dental diseases. Hence the study was conducted to assess the association of state and trait anxiety with oral health status among adult dental patients. METHODS: The study was carried out among 456 adult dental patients visiting Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Hyderabad. Anxiety levels were measured by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-short version (STAI-S) consisting subscales State Anxiety (SA) and Trait Anxiety (TA). Clinical examination was done using WHO Basic Oral Health survey assessment form, 2013. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software 21.0. p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A significant gender difference (p=0.001) was noted for total anxiety with higher mean score observed among males (46.13±5.98) than females (45.32±6.00).Similarly, significant higher mean score was observed among males (23.31±4.08) than females (p=0.03) for State anxiety. Females had higher mean DMFT (3.61±3.21), DT (2.04±2.05), FT (0.49±1.34) and MT (1.08±2.09) components but significant difference was noted only for overall DMFT (p=0.03) and DT (p=0.001) component than males. CONCLUSION: Gender, education and previous dental visits didn't show any significant association with total anxiety, state and trait anxiety. Likewise, none of the oral parameters showed any significant association except for the Decayed Teeth (DT) component of DMFT with total anxiety levels among study subjects.

Correlation of oral health related quality of life with dentition status and treatment need among 12 year old school children of Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad.

AIM: To determine the relationship between Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) with Dentition Status and Treatment need among 12 year old school children of Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out among 990 private school children aged 12 years old in Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad city. OHRQoL was assessed by 16-item Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14), and Oral hygiene was evaluated using Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), and Dentition status and Treatment need. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Study population proportions and mean scores were compared using Chi-square test, Student t- test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Spearman's analysis was done to determine correlation between CPQ11-14and its domain scores with OHI-S and Dentition status and Treatment Need based on gender. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the present study, all domains of CPQ11-14i.e., Oral Symptoms (OS) (3.27 ± 2.5; P = 0.0001), Functional Limitation (FL) (1.48 ± 2.1; P = 0.02), Emotional Wellbeing (EW) (1.83 ± 2.5; P = 0.02) and Social Wellbeing (SW) (1.25 ± 2.02; P = 0.0002) showed significant gender difference, with males having higher mean score compared to females. The majority of the study population was caries free 789 (79.7%). In addition, the dental caries experience among males and females was around 20% (p = 0.92). When total mean DMFT and DT scores were compared based on gender, no statistically significant difference was noted though females showed higher mean score. CONCLUSION: The study results indicate that, there is a correlation between oral hygiene status and dentition status with quality of life.

Assessment of Periodontal Status Based on Carotid Artery Intima Media Thickness.

PURPOSE: Atherosclerosis is a devastating disease worldwide since it is the most frequent cause of myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, peripheral vascular disease and perhaps dementia. There is a well-documented evidence supporting the association between clinical/subclinical atherosclerosis and periodontitis. Carotid intima media wall thickness (CIMT) is a histopathologically validated marker of atherosclerosis. This study's purpose was to assess periodontal status based on carotid artery intima media thickness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among subjects who visited the Care Hospital, Nampally Hyderabad for CIMT test. Oral hygiene status was evaluated using Simplified Oral Hygiene Index and periodontal health status was measured using modified World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment form, 1997. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The proportions and mean scores were compared using chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Logistic regression analysis determined the relationship between periodontitis, as an independent variable and other variables with CIMT. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 600 individuals were classified based on CIMT thickness ≤ 1 mm (292; 48.6%) and CIMT > 1 mm (308; 51.3%) according to variables. Significantly higher mean scores were observed for all oral parameters among subjects with CIMT > 1 mm aged > 45 years and among males (p ≤ 0.05*). Logistic regression analysis showed that increasing age group, ie,> 45 years (OR 3.5), males (OR 2.02), university education (OR 2.99), no history of previous dental visit (OR 3.71); and visit ≥ 1 year (OR 0.76) and previous history of tobacco (OR 1.13) and alcohol use (OR 1.65), poor OHI-S (OR 8.00), Community Periodontal Index (CPI) with Code 3, 4 (OR 4.41) and loss of attachment (LOA) with Code 2 (OR 3.05) and Code 3 (OR 5.80) had significantly higher odds among individuals with subjects with CIMT > 1 mm compared to their counterparts (p ≤ 0.05*). CONCLUSION: The results of the study concluded that periodontal disease and poor oral hygiene were more severe among the subjects with CIMT > 1 mm. To halt the progression of increasing CIMT, preventive oral health programmes need to be integrated in the cardiac setting with established dental referral which can bring out positive health behaviours.

Self perceived oro-facial behaviour and malocclusion among young adults in Hyderabad city.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic alterations in the face can be self-perceived and can affect quality of life in young adults. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of malocclusion on self- perceived oro-facial behaviour among young adults. METHODS: A Cross sectional study was conducted among 638 young adults (aged 18-21 years) of Hyderabad city. One college from each of the five zones of the Hyderabad city (five colleges) were selected by simple random sampling procedure. A 21-item Oro-facial investment scale (OFIS) questionnaire assessing self-perceived oral health knowledge, attitude, practice and Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) assessing the severity of malocclusion was used. Data were analysed with standard statistical software (SPSS, Statistical package for the social sciences, version 20.0). p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Males had higher mean scores for knowledge (2.90 ± 0.49) than females (2.73 ± 0.82) and was statistically significant (p = 0.002*). No statistically significant gender differences were found in relation to attitude and practice. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there was a significant difference in all the three scores (knowledge, attitude, practice) with respect to age, with significantly high score for knowledge and practice among 18 year old subjects (p = 0.0001*; p = 0.0003* respectively) and attitude among 21 year old subjects (p = 0.0049*). No statistically significant age, gender differences were found in relation to DAI scores. Upon correlation, DAI significantly and positively correlated with knowledge (p = 0.03*) and attitude (p = 0.0001*). CONCLUSION: This study has shown significant impact of malocclusion on the self-perceived oro-facial behaviour.

Assessment of dental satisfaction among school teachers in a metropolitan city.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dental satisfaction is a multi-dimensional concept, reflecting the total experience of health care and a major driving force of treatment seeking behaviour. At community level, school teachers, being the role model, also play a major role in public health. The aim of this study is to assess the dental satisfaction among school teachers in Hyderabad. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 515 private school teachers in Hyderabad. The survey tool used was Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ) developed by Davies and Ware (1982). Data was analysed with SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 22. RESULTS: The study comprised of 123 (23.9%) males and 392 (76.1%) females. Based on age, significant relation was found only for subscales 'access', 'quality' and 'general satisfaction' (P = 0.01, P = 0.04, P = 0.03 respectively). Though female subjects had higher mean scores for all subscales, significant difference was found only for subscales 'cost', 'quality', 'access total', 'general satisfaction', and 'overall Dental Satisfaction Index' (DSI) (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.008, P < 0.001, P = 0.001 respectively). Subjects who had visited a dentist had higher mean scores and significant relation was found for subscales 'access' and 'general satisfaction' (P = 0.04, P = 0.04 respectively). Furthermore, subjects who visited a private practitioner had higher mean scores for most of the subscales. CONCLUSION: Female subjects, subjects who had dental visit and those who had visited a private practitioner had higher dental satisfaction. Moreover, age and recent dental visit did not show any effect on dental satisfaction.

Perceived stress and coping strategies among undergraduate dental students - an institutional-based study.

BACKGROUND: Coping strategies are highly mediated by the environment, in particular when the person deals with the obstacles and impediments to fulfill their goals. This study aimed to investigate the Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies among Undergraduate Dental Students of Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences Hyderabad, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 267 undergraduate dental students. The survey tool comprised of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Brief COPE Scale along with demographic variables. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20.0. RESULTS: Based on gender, females had high PSS mean scores (23.8±7.3) than males and to overwhelm these stress levels most of the students followed adaptive coping strategies (40.4±7.8) with no significant difference. But, significant difference noted for maladaptive coping dimension "denial" (p=0.004). On comparison between year of study, higher perceived stress was noted among second year students (26.7± 5.8), and least among first years (21.6±7). In order to defeat the stressors most of the second year undergraduate students used adaptive coping strategies. However, highest mean adaptive coping scores were noted among first years (41.6±7.5) and least scores observed among fourth years (38.6±9.2). However, total PSS score showed significant positive correlation (p<0.001) with maladaptive coping strategies. CONCLUSION: Females and second year students perceived more stress levels, to overtake those stressors most of them followed adaptive coping strategies. Hence, institutional authorities should take measures to decrease the stress levels and encourage the students to adopt healthy life style such as meditation and exercise to beat their stressors.

Association of oral health literacy with oral health behavior and oral health outcomes among adult dental patients.

AIMS: To evaluate the association of oral health literacy (OHL) with oral health behavior and oral health outcomes among dental patients in Hyderabad City. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional study among dental patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenience sample of 605 adults >18 years of age visiting the out-patient Department of Public Health Dentistry of Government Dental College and Hospital, Hyderabad, were recruited. The five-item scale developed by Ishikawa was used to measure communication and critical OHL. Socioeconomic status was assessed using Modified Kuppuswamy's scale and questions for oral health behavior included frequency of toothbrushing, frequency of dental visit, and reason for visit. Dentition status, periodontal status, and loss of attachment were recorded according to World Health Organisation Survey methods. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Frequency distribution was done and association between the variables and predictors (oral health behavior and oral health status) of OHL was calculated using odds ratio. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 31.5 + 11.2 years. None of the individuals' questions of OHL questionnaire had 50% response of strongly agree or agree. The oral health parameters of decayed and filled teeth emerged as a significant predictor for model 1 (adjusted by sex and age) and model 2 (adjusted by sex, age, and social class). Likewise, toothbrushing frequency was significantly associated with low OHL. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a high prevalence of low OHL in the study population, with decayed teeth and filled teeth and oral health behavior like toothbrushing only once as a significant predictor for low OHL.

Effect of reflective thinking on academic performance among undergraduate dental students.

INTRODUCTION: Self-directed learning is a vital principle promoted in health profession's education, particularly with the increasing use of online learning methods. Likewise, reflection has been recognized as an indispensable and formidable concept for learning which plays a positive role in fostering students' self-reflection, critical thinking, and development of professional values and skill. Hence, the present study was undertaken to identify the effect of reflective thinking on academic performance among undergraduate dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reflective thinking was assessed among 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th-year undergraduate dental students and interns of a dental college and hospital in Hyderabad. Reflection questionnaire assessed habitual action, understanding, reflection, and critical reflection on a 5-point Likert scale. The percentage of marks obtained in the last university examinations was considered for academic performance. The completed questionnaires were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS version 20). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total sample of 263 individuals comprising 188 (71.5%) females and 75 (28.5%) males participated in the study. Our findings showed that the four scales of reflective thinking, such as habitual action (P = 0.0001*), understanding (P = 0.02*), reflection (P = 0.02*), and critical reflection (P = 0.01*), showed statistically significant difference based on the year of study. However, no difference based on gender was noted. Reflection (17.2 ± 2.41) and critical reflection (16.3 ± 2.77) mean scores were highest among 4th years. Higher understanding (17.83 ± 1.78) and reflection (17.33 ± 2.01) mean scores were observed among students who attained more than 75% in their academic performance. CONCLUSION: Thus, the present study emphasizes the role of reflective thinking and its significance in academic learning process.

Does smartphone addiction affect social interaction: a study among dental students in Hyderabad.

OBJECTIVE: Technology has revolutionized the way people communicate and changed communication in many ways. The evolution of the smartphone may shed some light on this. Though smartphones are user friendly, they can be detrimental to a user's health if they are used in an addictive manner. With easy accessibility to smartphones, dental students may fall prey to smartphone addiction (SA) which in turn may affect their social interaction. Therefore, this paper aimed to examine whether SA affects social interaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate dental students from five dental institutions in Hyderabad. Participants received a questionnaire assessing SA [15 item-Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale (SAPS-15)], social interaction [20 item-Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) ). The chi-square (χ2)-test was used to determine the association between SA and social interaction anxiety. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study comprised 470 (30.7%) males and 1060 (69.3%) females. Multiple logistic regression revealed females [1.65; confidence interval (CI) = 0.88-1.88] and third year students (2.12; CI: 1.45-2.23) had significantly higher odds for social interaction anxiety (p ≤ 0.05*). CONCLUSION: Therefore, the present study supported the hypothesis that SA affects social interaction anxiety among undergraduate dental students.