Objective. To assess the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders and to determine the potential risk factors for its development in Indian population. Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 1241 individuals in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. A questionnaire was designed to record information about sociodemographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and risk factors for oral potentially malignant disorders. Oral mucosal lesions were examined by a skilled person. Results. The overall prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders was found to be 13.7% with oral submucous fibrosis (8.06%) found to be more common and erythroplakia (0.24%) found to be least prevalent. Results of Logistic Regression analysis showed that males (OR = 2.09, P value < 0.0001) who were ever consumers of tobacco (OR = 2.06, P value = 0.030) and areca nut chewing (OR = 2.64, P value = 0.004) were more likely to develop oral potentially malignant disorders compared to never consumers. Diabetic (OR = 2.21, P value = 0.014) and underweight individuals (OR = 2.23, P value = 0.007) were more likely to suffer from oral potentially malignant disorders. Conclusion. The study reinforces the association of tobacco and areca nut consumption with oral potentially malignant disorders. An association of oral potentially malignant disorders with diabetes and BMI was confirmed by this study.

Background and aimsInternet addiction (IA) has negative consequences on the mental health and affects daily activities. This study was conducted with the aim to assess the prevalence of Internet addiction among dental university students and to determine if there is any relationship of excessive Internet use with depression and academic performance among students.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study which included 384 dental students from different academic years. A questionnaire was prepared that collected information on demographic characteristics, pattern of Internet use, duration of use, and most common mode of Internet access. Internet addiction was assessed using Youngs Internet Addiction test. Depression was assessed using Becks depression inventory [BDI-1].ResultsThe prevalence of Internet addiction and depression was found to be 6% and 21.5% respectively. The first year students showed the highest mean Internet addiction (17.42±12.40) score. Chatting was the main purpose for Internet use. Logistic regression analysis showed that individuals who were depressed (Odds Ratio=6.00, p value<0.0001*) and scored less than 60% marks (Odds Ratio=6.71, p value<0.0001*) were more likely to be addicted to Internet.ConclusionThe addiction to internet has negative impact on mental health and academic performance. These high risk group students should be identified and psychological counseling should be provided.

Oral health had a significant effect on the quality of life of schoolchildren. The prevalence of dental caries was found to be high. Effective policies need to be drafted for oral health promotion in this age group.

No abstract

Ch ildhood overweight and obesity have become a global public health problem. This study aims to determine the prevalence of these health conditions in children studying in government schools in the two cities of Buraidah and Unaizah of the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. The key question that we examined was whether the children enter the school as overweight or become overweight after entering the school. Using a cross-sectional, observational study design, a random sample of 874 school children between 6-to 10 years was enrolled in 2010/ 2011. A structured questionnaire was used for collecting data. Weight and height were measured, and the body mass index (BMI) was categorized. Based on the World Health Organizat ion (WHO) definit ion, the overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 12.8% and 10.1%, respectively. Girls had a higher prevalence of overweight (18.4%) and obesity (15.6%) than boys. Overweight tendency increased dramat ically fro m 7.6% in Grade 1 to 19% in Grade 4. Similarly, obesity also increased progressively after entering the school. Our study suggests that overweight and obesity are mostly acquired after entering the school. Public health program are, therefore, required to promote a healthy lifestyle fro m the early years of schooling.