Relationship between physical activity, academic achievement, gender, and learning styles in students of a Latin American Dental School: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the inference that physical activity (PA) may have on academic performance and learning styles of Latin American dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, an administrative dataset and a voluntary university characterization provided information about PA and academic performance. Moreover, 218 dental students of the University of Antioquia in Colombia completed a structured questionnaire to identify their learning styles. To analyze the information obtained a Pearson correlation, and logistic and linear regression models were implemented. RESULTS: A total of 131 (60%) students informed being physically active (PA group), and 87 (40%) did not report PA (non-PA group). The results showed a high-grade point average (GPA) in the PA group (P = 0.01). The PA group showed a preference for the theorist and pragmatist learning styles with statistically significant differences between the groups (P = 0.004 and P < 0.0001, respectively). It was also observed a statistically significant Pearson positive correlation between the theorist style and higher GPA (r = 0.15; P = 0.04). The multivariate regression model showed that PA protects against lower means of GPA (odds ratio = 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09-0.7, P = 0.01). Furthermore, the adjusted linear regression models also showed that PA protects against lower means of the theorist (ß= -0.15; 95% CI: -0.02 to - 0.002, P = 0.002) and pragmatist styles (ß= -0.18; 95% CI: -0.03 to - 0.006, P = 0.0006). Interestingly, men were statistically significant in all multivariable models. DISCUSSION: This study suggests that PA is associated with higher academic performance and the theorist and pragmatist styles. Male students were also more physically active; therefore, it is relevant to establish strategies to stimulate physical activities in dental students, especially in women, including extracurricular activities.

Learning styles of ethnic minority students: a matched case-control study in a dental school in Latin America / Estilos de aprendizaje en estudiantes de minorías étnicas: un estudio de casos y controles en una facultad de odontología en América Latina / Estilos de aprendizagem de estudantes de minorias étnicas: um estudo caso-controle em uma escola de odontologia da América Latina

Abstract Introduction and objective: Little is known about the learning styles of ethnic minorities in Latin American universities. The objective of this research was to identify the learning styles of the ethnic minorities attending a dental school. Moreover, their grade point averages were explored. Materials and methods: A total of 30 ethnic minority students were matched with 30 non-minority students. All the students took a systematized questionnaire to categorize their learning styles. Results: A strong association between ethnic minority students and low reflector style was observed in the multivariate model after adjusting for age, sex, and the current semester (OR=11; 95% CI=1.2-99; p=0.03). In addition, a relevant association between minority ethnic group and low theorist style was observed in the multivariate model after controlling for the same variables (OR= 4; 95% CI=1.2-11; p=0.02). Finally, a statistically significant difference was observed in the grade point averages of non-minority and minority groups, with the minority group having the lower averages (p=0.014). Conclusions: Ethnic minority students presented lower means for all learning styles compared to the control group. Similarly, their grade point averages were significantly inferior. These findings represent relevant precedents for creating educational strategies to improve the learning of ethnic minority groups in higher education in Latin America.

Resumen Introducción y objetivo: Poco se sabe sobre los estilos de aprendizaje de las minorías étnicas en las universidades latinoamericanas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar los estilos de aprendizaje en las minorías étnicas de una facultad de odontología. Además, se exploró su promedio de calificaciones. Materiales y métodos: treinta estudiantes de minorías étnicas se parearon con treinta estudiantes de minorías no étnicas. Todos los estudiantes completaron un cuestionario sistematizado para clasificar sus estilos de aprendizaje. Resultados: En el modelo multivariado después de ajustar por las variables edad, sexo y semestre actual, se observó una fuerte asociación entre los estudiantes de minorías étnicas y un nivel bajo en el estilo reflector (OR= 11; 1.2-99, IC 95%; p= 0.03). Igualmente, después de controlar las mismas variables, se encontró una asociación relevante entre el grupo étnico minoritario y un nivel bajo en el estilo teórico (OR= 4; 1.2-11; IC 95%; p = 0.02). Además, se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el promedio de calificaciones entre los grupos, el cual fue menor en el grupo minoritario (p = 0.014). Conclusion: los estudiantes de minorías étnicas presentaron promedios más bajos para todos los estilos de aprendizaje en comparación con el grupo control. Del mismo modo, su promedio de calificaciones fue significativamente inferior. Estos hallazgos representan precedentes relevantes para crear estrategias educativas que favorezcan el aprendizaje de los grupos étnicos minoritarios en la educación superior en América Latina.

Resumo Introdução e objetivo: Pouco se sabe sobre os estilos de aprendizagem das minorias étnicas nas universidades latino-americanas. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar os estilos de aprendizagem em minorias étnicas de uma faculdade de odontologia. Além disso, sua média de notas foi explorada. Materiais e métodos: Um total de trinta estudantes de minorias étnicas corresponde a trinta estudantes de minorias não étnicas. Todos os alunos preencheram um questionário sistematizado para classificar seus estilos de aprendizagem. Resultados: Observou-se forte associação entre os estudantes de minorias étnicas e o baixo estilo reflexivo no modelo multivariado após o ajuste para as variáveis idade, sexo e semestre atuais (OR = 11; 1,2-99, IC95%; p = 0,03) De maneira comparável, foi observada associação relevante entre o grupo étnico minoritário e o baixo estilo teórico no modelo multivariado, após o controle das mesmas variáveis (OR = 4; 1,2-11; IC95%; p = 0,02). Além disso, foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes nas pontuações médias entre os grupos, sendo menor no grupo minoritário (p = 0,014). Conclusões: os estudantes das minorias étnicas apresentaram médias mais baixas para todos os estilos de aprendizagem em comparação ao grupo controle. Da mesma forma, a média de notas foi significativamente menor. Esses achados representam precedentes relevantes para a criação de estratégias educacionais que favoreçam a aprendizagem de grupos étnicos minoritários no ensino superior na América Latina.

Frequency of physical inactivity and insufficient sleep, and their mixed effects on academic achievement in ethnic minority students: A matched case-control study in a dental school.

BACKGROUND: Ethnic minorities are underrepresented in health sciences programs in various nations. Furthermore, there is no known research studying the occurrence of physical inactivity (PI) and insufficient sleep (IS), and their effects on academic achievement (AA) in ethnic minority students (EMS) in higher education. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to explore the occurrence of PI and IS, and their independent and mixed effects on AA in EMS of a dental school. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty EMS and sixty non-EMSs were matched (1:2) in this case-control study. It was utilized as an administrative dataset that stores register related to the students. Moreover, the grade point average was considered an indicator of AA. Logistic regressions models were run, expressed in odds ratios, complemented by confidence intervals (CIs) of 95%. RESULTS: A total of 73% and 60% EMS were PI and slept insufficiently, respectively. The groups presented statistically significant differences (P < 0.0001) in physical activity, sleep, and AA, with inferior values for EMS. All unadjusted models showed that PS, IS, and low AA were strongly associated with EMS, demonstrating their independent effect. After controlling for PI and IS, the multivariate model for AA and EMS increased odds by 6.5 times (95%CI: 1.8-23;), indicating that EMS is strongly associated with low AA. Besides, PI and IS were also statistically significant higher (< 0.0001) in the model, demonstrating their mixed effect. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a higher occurrence of PI and IS in EMS. Besides, independent and mixed effects of these variables on low AA in EMS were very significant.

Lifestyle habits and academy performance amongst forcibly displaced students: A cross-sectional survey in a school of dentistry.

INTRODUCTION: There is no recognised investigation examining the influence of some lifestyle comportments on academic performance (AP) in forcibly displaced students in higher education. Thus, the frequency of physical inactivity (PI), insufficient sleep (IS), alcohol consumption (AC), drug consumption (DC) and cigarette smoking (CS) and the independent and combined consequences of these habits on AP in forcibly displaced dental students were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 185 students was studied (thirty-seven forcibly displaced and 148 non-displaced students). This cross-sectional study used an institutional administrative database that included students' demographic features and lifestyle behaviours. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the independent and combined effects of lifestyle behaviours on AP. RESULTS: PI, IS, AC, DC and CS were observed in 51%, 43%, 83%, 27% and 16% of forcibly displaced students, respectively. Compared with non-displaced students, forcibly displaced students presented higher frequencies for all of these behaviours (P < .05), lower AP (P < .0001) and lower socio-economic status (P = .003). Unadjusted regression models showed independent and significant associations between forcibly displaced students and PI (P = .01), IS (P = .01), AC (P = .01), DC (P < .0001), CS (P = .02) and low AP (P = .006). The multivariate model for AP and forcibly displaced students increased odds by 4.6 times (1.5-11; 95% CI). Moreover, the lifestyle comportments studied were also statistically significant, showing combined effects. The variables of gender and age were not statistically significant in the adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS: This research observed high frequencies of the behaviours analysed in forcibly displaced students. Furthermore, independent and combined effects of them on AP were detected.

Fluorosis dental en escolares de instituciones educativas privadas. Medellín, Colombia, 2007 / Dental fluorosis in children of private schools. Medellín, Colombia, 2007

Introducción: el propósito de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de fluorosis dental en escolares entre los6 y 13 años de edad, asistentes en 2007 a instituciones educativas privadas de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Métodos:se examinaron 752 niños de 20 colegios, seleccionados al azar. Dos odontólogas entrenadas y calibradas en el diagnóstico de fluorosis dental, realizaron la evaluación clínica de los escolares previo cepillado dental. Se examinaron las superficies vestibulares de los dientes superiores, mediante inspección visual y con luz natural. Se utilizó el índice de Thylstrup y Fejerskov(TFI) para el diagnóstico y registro de la fluorosis dental. Resultados: la prevalencia de fluorosis dental en los escolares fue 79,1% (TFI ≥ 1); de los cuales el 50,8% tenía únicamente grados leves (TFI1 ó 2 ), mientras que el 5,1% presentó grados severos,TFI ≥ 5. Se encontró que el 17% de los niños, tenía TFI ≥ 1 en el 50% o menos de los dientes. Conclusiones: en los escolares de los colegios privados de Medellín la prevalencia de fluorosis dental fue alta. Se requiere la formulación de estrategias deintervención por parte de las autoridades de salud, que contribuyan al control de los procesos de riesgo para la fluorosis.

Introduction: the objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of dental fluorosis among 6-13-year-oldchildren who attended private schools in 2007 in Medellin, Colombia. Methods: seven hundred and fifty two children of 20 private schools selected at random were examined. Two dentists who were trained and calibrated in dental fluorosis diagnosis carried out the clinical evaluation of the children after dental brushing. The labial surfaces of maxillary teeth were examinedby visual inspection and with natural light. Thylstrup and Fejerskov index (TFI) for dental fluorosis was used to diagnose and register the alteration. Results: the prevalence of dental fluorosis among school children was 79.1% (TFI ≥ 1); of which 50.8%had only mild degree (TFI1 or 2 ), while 5.1% of the children had severe fluorosis (TFI ≥ 5). Besides, it was found that 17% had TFI ≥ 1 in 50% or less of the teeth. Conclusions: the prevalence of dental fluorosis in children of private schools of Medellin was high, although a mild degree was more prevalent. Formulation of intervention strategies by health authorities are needed in order to contribute to the risk control processes of dental fluorosis.

Valoración clínica y cefalométrica del aparato de distracción de García® para el tratamiento de la mordida abierta anterior en pacientes atendidos en la Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín / Radiographic and clinical assessment of García’s distractor appliance® for the treatment of anterior open bite in patients treated at the College of Dentistry, University ofAntioquia, Medellín

Introducción: esta investigación pretende determinar los cambios radiográficos y clínicos obtenidos con el distractor de García® en cuanto a sus efectos craneofaciales, dentales y de cosmética facial en pacientes con mordida abierta anterior. Métodos: se hizo un estudio clínico prospectivo cuasi experimental en nueve sujetos dos hombres siete mujeres, siete de ellosen crecimiento con un promedio de edad de 11,7 años y 2 adultos con un promedio de edad de 30 años; en quienes cuales se obtuvieron radiografías cefálicas laterales al inicio, tercero y sexto mes de tratamiento. El efecto clínico se valoró mensualmentemidiendo con un calibrador digital Discover® la sobremordida vertical y horizontal. En el análisis estadístico se obtuvieron medidas descriptivas y se utilizó la prueba ANOVA de medidas repetidas para determinar los cambios en el tiempo, con nivel de significancia de 0,05. Resultados: los hallazgos muestran en los pacientes en crecimiento, a nivel craneofacial incremento en el ángulo goniaco, a nivel dentoalveolar incremento en la sobremordida vertical acompañada con disminución en la sobremordidahorizontal explicada por intrusión del molar superior y retroinclinación de incisivos superiores e inferiores, y a nivel facial disminución en el ángulo de la convexidad de tejidos blandos. Conclusiones: el aparato distractor de García utilizado durante seis meses en los pacientes en crecimiento de esta muestra mejoró la mordida abierta, tanto por intrusión de molares superiores como por retroinclinación de incisivos superiores e inferiores.

Introduction: this study aims to determine radiographic and clinical changes obtained with the Garcia’s distractor appliance® and its craniofacial, dental and facial cosmetic effects in patients with anterior open bite. Methods: a prospectiveclinical quasi-experimental study in 9 subjects, 2 men and 7 women, 7 of them in a phase of active growth with an average age of 11.7 years and 2 adults with an average age of 30 years, in which cephalic radiographs were obtained at the beginning, thirdand sixth month of treatment. The clinical effect was assessed by measuring monthly the overbite and overjet with a digital gauge Discover®. In the statistical analysis, descriptive measures were obtained using ANOVA test for repeated measurements to determine changes over time, with a level of significance of 0.05. Results: the radiographic findings showed an increase in the goniac angle in the growing patients; also, an increase in the overbite and a decrease in the overjet were observed, these changes are explained by the intrusion of the upper molars and retro inclination of the upper and lower incisors; facially, there was a decrease in the angle of convexity in the soft tissues. Conclusions: the Garcia’s distractor appliance® used for a period of six month in growingpatients improved the open bite by intrusion of upper molars and retro inclination of upper and lower incisors.