Influence of small-group experiential learning of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine on the oral health knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors of elderly patients with diabetes

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at the oral health problems of elderly patients with diabetes. A training course of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine was constructed, helping patients improve their oral health quality of life. METHODS: A randomized controlled prospective experimental study was conducted. A total of 190 elderly patients were divided randomly into an observation group and a control group with 95 cases in each. The control group received regular health education, while the observation group was based on the control group to implement the integrated experiential learning of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in small groups. The oral health knowledge, attitude, behavior, and blood glucose control status along with the oral health quality of life of the two groups were compared before the intervention and at 3-month postintervention. RESULTS: Three months after the intervention, the fasting blood glucose control and the 2-h postprandial blood glucose/glycosylated hemoglobin levels in the observation group were significantly better than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The oral health quality of life in the observation group was significantly better than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The small-group experiential learning model of integrated Chinese and Western medicine can promote the transformation of knowledge-beliefs-behaviors in elderly patients with diabetes, which is conducive to controlling blood sugar levels and improving the quality of oral health.

Development and Validation of Perceived Oral Health Benefits on Yoga Scale (POBYS) / Desenvolvimento e validação da Escala de Benefícios da Saúde Oral Percebidos no Yoga (POHBYS)

Objective: Sustained practice of Yoga leads to self-awareness, physical strength and high sense of energy. Yoga stimulates antioxidant levels in the body and reduces likelihood of dental disorders. No research has been undertaken connecting perception on yoga and oral health behaviors. The present study is an attempt to develop a psychometric scale entitled Perceived Benefits on Yoga Scale (PBYS) to measure individuals' perception on Yoga in relation to oral health behaviors. Material and methods: The psychometric tool was developed based on the concepts of Health Benefit Model (HBM). Among the four components of the model, the present study considered "perceived benefits" component. A total of 206 individuals participated in the study. To analyze the scale theoretically, face and content validity were assessed. Reliability of the scale was tested using Cronbach's alpha and Spearman-Brown coefficient. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, construct validity was tested. Cronbach alpha and Spearman- Brown coefficient were applied to test the reliability of scale. Results: There were six items in the final scale, with a Spearman- Brown coefficient of 0.92 and Cronbach's alpha of 0.91. Statistically significant (p < 0.001) positive correlation was found between POBYS scores and Yoga Self-Efficacy Scale (YSES). Validity of scale is within accepted range as indicated by Goodness of Fit indices. Conclusion: POBYS is a reliable and valid measure of perception on yoga outcomes with specific reference to oral health behavior. (AU)

Objetivo: A prática continua de Yoga leva ao autoconhecimento, força física e a sensação de energia elevada. O yoga estimula os níveis de antioxidantes no corpo e reduz a probabilidade de desordens dentais. Nenhuma pesquisa foi realizada conectando a percepção sobre o yoga e os comportamentos da saúde bucal. O presente estudo é uma tentativa de desenvolver uma escala psicométrica intitulada Escala de Benefícios Percebidos no Yoga (PBYS) para medir a percepção dos indivíduos sobre o Yoga em relação aos comportamentos da saúde bucal. Material e Métodos: A ferramenta psicométrica foi desenvolvida com base nos conceitos do Modelo de Benefícios à Saúde (HBM). Dentre os quatro componentes do modelo, o presente estudo considerou o componente "benefícios percebidos". Participaram do estudo 206 indivíduos. Para analisar teoricamente a escala, foram avaliadas a validade de face e de conteúdo. A confiabilidade da escala foi testada usando o alfa de Cronbach e o coeficiente de Spearman-Brown. Usando análise fatorial exploratória e confirmatória, a validade do construto foi testada. O alfa de Cronbach e o coeficiente de Spearman-Brown foram aplicados para testar a confiabilidade da escala. Resultados: Havia seis itens na escala final, com coeficiente de Spearman-Brown de 0,92 e alfa de Cronbach de 0,91. Estatisticamente significativo (p <0,001) foi encontrada correlação positiva entre os escores do PBYS e a Escala de Autoeficácia do Yoga (YSES). A validade da escala está dentro da faixa de aceitabilidade conforme indicado pelos índices de Goodness of Fit. Conclusão: PBYS é uma medida confiável e válida de percepção sobre os resultados do yoga com referência específica ao comportamento de saúde bucal. (AU)

Oral Health Behavior Change in Mexican-American Caregivers: A Community-Based Intervention Study.

An oral health prevention intervention was conducted with Mexican-American (MA) caregivers, focused on improving their oral health knowledge, behavior, and self-efficacy. Five in-person intervention sessions were conducted with caregivers, followed by a 15 min skill-building exercise. A goal-setting sheet was provided, and two goals were chosen for fulfilment during the three month intervention period. The data on parental oral health knowledge, behavior, and self-efficacy were collected pre- and post-intervention using a portion of Basic Factors Research Questionnaire (BRFQ). Paired t-tests were conducted to test significant differences in the means of pre- and post-intervention oral health behavior, knowledge, and self-efficacy scores, and pre- and post-intervention individual item scores. Forty six primary caregivers were enrolled. There were significant differences in the means of pre- and post-intervention oral health knowledge (p = 0.003), oral health behavior (p = 0.0005), and self-efficacy scores (p = 0.001). The individual item mean scores showed that there was a significant increase in the number of times caregivers checked for spots (p = 0.016) and a significant decrease in the consumption of sweet or sugary drinks (p = 0.032) post-intervention. Most of the caregivers believed that cavities were caused by germs in the mouth (p = 0.001), sharing utensils with children was bad for their teeth (p < 0.001), and fluoride toothpaste was best for a child's teeth (p < 0.001). The intervention resulted in improved caregiver oral health knowledge, behavior, and self-efficacy.