Stress level of dentists during COVID-19 pandemic in hot spots of Tamil Nadu: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The novel 2019 COVID-19 spreads by respiratory and aerosols, and this elevates the risk of dentistry during this pandemic. Widespread disease, in a short time, creates stress and has a psychological impact. The aim of this study was planned to assess the stress level of the dentists living or practicing or studying in hot spots which could help to understand mental status among the general dentists during COVID-19 lockdown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the period of August 10 to August 25, 2020, on an Internet platform after getting consent from the dentists and practitioners using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Chi-square association was used. Parametric tests such as independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA were also used. In all instances, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: This study had a total response from 1044 dental students and dentists residing in hot spot zones in Tamil Nadu. Out of them, 68.4% were female and 31.6% were male. 37.9% of the participants were dental practitioners and 32.5% were undergraduate students. There is a significant association between age groups and PSS, work style, and PSS. There is no significant association between gender and PSS and degree and PSS. CONCLUSION: This study shows that levels of distress were higher than expected during the COVID-19 pandemic among the dentists and majority of the respondents have moderate-to-high-stress levels. As the unlock has been started throughout the country, it is the right time to work with the authorities and focus on formulating protocols for disinfection and sterilization and work on treating the patients with exact safety measures for the welfare of the patients.

Assessment of anxiety, depression and nicotine dependence among construction workers in Chennai - A cross sectional study.

Background: Tobacco dependence has been identified as one of the important public health problems faced by both developing and also the developed countries. Anxiety and depression might also influence the quality of life of the tobacco users which increases the dependence on nicotine. Materials and methods: The study was conducted among male construction workers with the habit of tobacco (production workers and labourers) in Chennai who were all working under different organizations from June 15, 2021 to August 15, 2021(n = 416). GAD-7 anxiety severity questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence was used to collect the data. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 23. Results: Since the data is normally distributed, Parametric tests have been carried out. A highly statistically significant difference (p = 0.00) was found on finding the association of fagerstrom nicotine dependence with the groups (smokers, smokeless and both users) from One-way ANOVA test. A positive correlation was found between nicotine dependence, GAD-7(r = 0.82) and PHQ-9(r = 0.79). Conclusion: Nicotine dependence plays a vital role in an individual's anxiety and depression level. Higher the nicotine dependence higher their anxiety and depression level. Long working hours also plays an evident role which influences workers mental health directly.

Determining Association Between Cognitive Function and Oral Health Status among Rural Community Dwelling Geriatrics.

OBJECTIVE: Numerous prospective studies worldwide investigated the association between oral health status and dementia or cognitive decline. No clear agreement has emerged on the association. This study aimed to determine the association of cognitive function and oral health status among community dwelling geriatrics in rural South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among community dwelling geriatrics in rural South India by recruiting 211 individuals aged above 60 years. Their cognitive function was assessed using pre-validated community screening instrument for dementia (CSI-D) which has informant and cognitive scale. The data on cognitive function was collected by community health workers in electronic version (Web app). Their oral health status was assessed by World Health Organization (WHO) oral health assessment form in electronic version (Web app). RESULTS: From the logistic regression analysis, it was observed that cognitive impairment showed an association with 1.6- and 1.9-times risk for root caries and a greater number of missing teeth (P ≤ 0.05). No association of other oral health parameters such as gingivitis, periodontitis, dental erosion, and dental trauma with cognitive impairment exhibited. CONCLUSION: From the results, it can be concluded that cognitive impairment has an association with root caries and number of missing teeth which increases the risk for the same and vice versa.