Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate psychological distress caused by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among the adult population residing in Pakistan. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional survey-based study comprised 1,000 adults residing in Pakistan. A questionnaire was formulated and circulated among adult population of Pakistan, the depression and anxiety symptoms using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scales were assessed. Statistical Analysis Independent t-test, cross tabulation, and regression analysis were used to identify variables having impact on PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Among 1,000 participants, 573 were males and 427 were females who completed the survey. Majority were restricted to home for more than 40 days. Considerable number of participants reported depressive (540, 54%) and anxiety (480, 48%) symptoms. Gender, age, earnings, and occupation have significant relation with psychological distress, although similar was not found with education levels. Conclusion Psychological distress, a concerning yet addressable issue was found among adults arising amid COVID-19 outbreak. Currently, physical health effects of COVID-19 are being looked, while mental health effects being under-addressed. This issue should be addressed to avoid any psychological impact in future.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of precautionary measures against COVID-19 by the general population of Karachi South, Pakistan. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the general population living in the district South of Karachi, Pakistan from April to May 2020. A structured questionnaire was formed using google forms, containing 31 questions regarding knowledge regarding transmission, signs and symptoms of the coronavirus, attitude, and precautionary measures for novel coronavirus outbreak were noted. Results: Of 400 participants, most of the participants 259 (64.8%) were from 20-30 years of age group with females predominantly higher, i.e. 217 (54.3%). The majority of the participants 315 (78.5%) believed that COVID-19 is a viral infection. The majority of the participants 328 (82.0%) believed that COVID-19 starts with flu-like symptoms whereas few of them 65 (16.3%) thought stomach upset was also part of it. Similarly, majority of the participants, 320 (80.0%) presumed that elderly population was most effected by COVID-19 pandemic. The majority 286 (71.5%) of the participants were consuming home-based food rich in vitamin c and zinc. only 233 (58.3%) participants preferred to wear a surgical mask. Regarding use of supplements to boost immunity, 213 (53.3%) of the participants were not taking supplements, comparatively 186 (46.5%) consumed it. Conclusion: Currently COVID-19 outbreak is on rise worldwide, but the general population is cognizant of knowledge, attitude, and practices of precautionary measures against it. Our findings can be useful for public health authorities, clinicians, and media to intercept the transmission of COVID-19.
Objective: To assess the self-perception of halitosis among general population of Karachi along with the oral hygiene methods used. Secondly, the self-perception of halitosis was compared with predictor variables such as age, gender, level of education, and occupation. Study design and setting: Cross-sectional survey; a total of 401 participants of Karachi were recruited in September 2020, Pakistan. Methodology: Using Google Forms, an online questionnaire was developed and consisted of 27 questions regarding demographics and self-perceived halitosis, which was filled by the participants. For the statistical analysis, a multiple linear regression test was used to analyze any significant relation between predictor variables and self-perceived halitosis. Results: Out of the 401 participants, 168 (41.9%) were males and 233 (58.1%) were females. A total of 184 (45.9%) participants suffered from halitosis, with more prevalence in males. Mostly, 251 (62.6%) participants perceived to have halitosis themselves, with tooth brushing the most common (44.9%) way to reduce it. About 340 (84.8%) respondents brushed daily, with twice a day selected by 250 (62.3%). The coated tongue was seen by 124 (30.9%) of participants themselves. Age was found to be significantly associated with self-perceived halitosis. Conclusion: Halitosis is a frequent problem most prevalent in male gender. It has medical and psychosocial impact. Although in general, people are aware of perceiving bad breath themselves, there is still a need for public awareness campaigns to disseminate more knowledge and management options regarding halitosis. Frequent visits to dental and medical healthcare professionals should be encouraged to mitigate this problem.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study is to determine frequency of bracket bond failure in relation to age, gender, most commonly involved tooth and quadrant. METHODOLOGY: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 100 patients with ages ranging from 10 to 30 years needing corrective orthodontic treatment were selected for the study. This survey was conducted at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi. The survey was initiated on 30th November 2019 and was concluded on 30th May 2020. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the frequency of bonded bracket failure in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The bonded metallic brackets were light cured for 40 seconds, and initial alignment arch wires were inserted. Bonded bracket failure was recorded over a period of six months. RESULTS: The initial debonding results of the present study demonstrated a high number of debonded brackets in mandibular dentition as compared to the maxillary dentition. Whereas, when the teeth were debonded for the second time, a greater number of maxillary teeth were found to be affected by the debonding of the brackets. Both genders demonstrated a greater rate of bracket debonding in the second premolar area and lowest in the molar area. In our study, age and gender had no significant relationship with bracket bond failure and teeth involved in debonding. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of bonded bracket detachment during orthodontic treatment is very common. Our study concluded that females were more affected by the bracket bond failure as compared to the males along with the second premolar being the most commonly associated tooth during an active orthodontic treatment. KEYWORDS: Bonded brackets, Bracket failure, Frequency, Orthodontic treatment, Orthodontics
Background Salivary disturbance is associated with patients who either have an active coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or have recovered from coronavirus infection along with loss of taste sensation. In addition, COVID-19 infection can drastically compromise quality of life of individuals. Objective This study aimed to analyze xerostomia, ageusia and the oral health impact in coronavirus disease-19 patients utilizing the Xerostomia Inventory scale-(XI) and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14. Methods In this cross-sectional survey-based study, data was collected from 301 patients who suffered and recovered from COVID-19. Using Google Forms, a questionnaire was developed and circulated amongst those who were infected and recovered from coronavirus infection. The Xerostomia Inventory (XI) and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 were used to assess the degree and quality of life. A paired T-test and Chi-square test were used to analyze the effect on xerostomia inventory scale-(XI) and OHIP-14 scale scores. A p-value of 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Among 301 participants, 54.8% were females. The prevalence of xerostomia in participants with active COVID-19 disease was 39.53% and after recovery 34.88%. The total OHIP-14 scores for patients in the active phase of infection was 12.09, while 12.68 in recovered patients. A significant difference was found between the mean scores of the xerostomia inventory scale-11 and OHIP-14 in active and recovered COVID patients. Conclusion A higher prevalence of xerostomia was found in COVID-19 infected patients (39.53%) compared to recovered patients (34.88%). In addition, more than 70% reported aguesia. COVID-19 had a significantly higher compromising impact on oral function of active infected patients compared to recovered patients.
We aimed in this literature review to demonstrate the association and potential of detecting novel coronavirus in saliva of patients and how its implication in future can aid in diagnosis as a non-invasive diagnostic modality. The specimen can be easily obtained and tested from suspected individuals. Review of available literature in PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, and Semantic Scholar was carried out using keywords and combination of “Coronavirus”, “saliva” and “diagnosis”. Of 1846 articles found, 110 were screened and included in this literature review. Currently, nasopharyngeal swab is the standard diagnostic tool as it has been reported to be accurate and sensitive towards detection of coronavirus. Testing of saliva specimens is now being considered to aid rapid detection, because saliva collection and its testing are relatively simple, cheap, and safe for both patients as well as healthcare professionals. Further research on this will be beneficial to control and contain the virus.
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