Search Results (248)

Grounded in health behavior theory, this study examined patterns of preventive health behavior in a culturally diverse, multilingual region of northern Italy using data from a representative population survey (n = 2090). Preventive behaviors were assessed using the 16-item Good Health Practices (GHP-16) scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified five behavioral profiles, ranging from ‘Globally Low Engagers’ to ‘Comprehensive High Engagers’. Binary logistic regression compared ‘Globally Low Engagers’ to ‘Broadly Moderate Preventers’, examining predictors including gender, age, education, language, chronic disease status, health literacy (HLS-EU-Q16), patient activation (PAM-10), mistrust of health information, living situation, and healthcare employment. The results showed that men, younger adults, individuals with low patient activation, those living alone, and respondents with high mistrust of health information had higher odds of belonging to the low engagement group. Health literacy and language group membership were not significantly associated with the profile membership. Item-level comparisons revealed gender differences in information-seeking, oral hygiene, and dietary behaviors, with men reporting lower engagement. These findings support a segmentation-based understanding of preventive health behavior and highlight the need to address personal capacities and contextual barriers in interventions while challenging assumptions of uniformly higher female health vigilance. Full article

Background: Although the prevalence of dental caries in children has been decreasing in recent years, many patients still visit tertiary dental institutions with dental caries as their chief complaint. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic that occurred around the world in 2020 may have affected the lifestyle and oral condition of children. Methods: We investigated the oral condition of new patients whose chief complaint was dental caries, and compared the results for 3 fiscal years: 2013, 2018, and 2023. The caries status was evaluated using the dmft/DMFT index. Results: The number of subjects was 129 in 2013, 163 in 2018, and 127 in 2023. The number of preschoolers in 2023 was lower than in the other years, whereas the number of elementary school students was higher, showing a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). For the 3 years investigated, there was no change in the incidence of dental caries in primary teeth in elementary school children; however, the incidence in permanent teeth increased over time. Additionally, in the age group, the df and DMF scores were higher in 2023 than in the other years. Conclusions: At this tertiary dental institution, the number of elementary school patients, especially females, increased over the 10-year period, and the amount of dental caries in their permanent teeth also increased. It is important for dental professionals to understand this trend and focus on providing oral hygiene education to this age group. Full article

This study aimed to assess skeletal and upper airway modifications induced by the Twin Block appliance in patients with Class II malocclusion due to mandibular retrusion, using two-dimensional imaging techniques. A total of 11 patients (6 males, 5 females) were included and stratified into two groups (Pre-Peak and Peak) based on skeletal maturity evaluated through the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained at the beginning (T0) and end (T1) of treatment and analyzed using DeltaDent software. The appliance was worn full-time, except during meals and oral hygiene procedures, with monthly follow-ups. Significant changes were observed between T0 and T1 across the sample. Comparison between groups revealed statistically significant differences only in the H-C3a1 and vertical height (th) parameters (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the Twin Block appliance proved effective in enhancing mandibular and dental positioning, while also exerting a favorable influence on upper airway development. Full article

This study presents the findings of an academic extension project focused on promoting oral health and diagnosing oral lesions in institutionalized elderly individuals. The project involved visits by students and faculty to two nursing homes in southern Brazil. Data collection included extraoral and intraoral clinical examinations and educational activities such as lectures and the distribution of printed materials on oral and denture hygiene. According to caregiving staff, oral hygiene, including denture cleaning, was generally performed once daily during morning showers. A total of 118 older adults (68 males and 50 females; mean age 76.1 ± 8.6 years) were examined. Forty-nine used dentures, of whom only 24 (49%) reported satisfaction with their prostheses. In total, 42 oral lesions were identified, mainly angular cheilitis (8), inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (7), irritation fibroma (7), frictional hyperkeratosis (7), prosthetic stomatitis (5), actinic cheilitis (3), traumatic ulcers (3), and leukoplakia (2). Educational sessions also targeted caregivers, offering practical guidance for improving hygiene practices. The results underscore the need for better oral care and improved access to dental services for institutionalized elderly populations. Academic extension activities play a valuable role in health promotion and in training future professionals in elderly care. Full article

Vaginitis is a major health concern among women, with inadequate treatment potentially leading to reproductive complications. This study aimed to assess vaginitis prevalence, identify predominant pathogens, and evaluate associated risk factors among female patients at Da Nang Dermato-Venereology Hospital. A prospective study of 796 female patients undergoing physical examinations was conducted, with demographic, clinical, and microbiological data collected. Vaginitis was diagnosed in 180 (22.6%) of 796 female patients, predominantly caused by Candida spp. (66.1%) and bacterial pathogens (31.7%), with no Trichomonas vaginalis detected, and was most prevalent in women aged 20–30 years. Poor hygiene practices, including infrequent sanitary pad changes (OR = 5.01, p < 0.001) and routine vaginal douching (OR = 6.77, p < 0.001), were significantly associated with vaginitis. The Amsel criteria showed high specificity (99.1%) for bacterial vaginosis diagnosis. The absence of T. vaginalis suggests a potential shift in the epidemiology of vaginal infections. The Amsel criteria are a practical diagnostic tool in resource-limited settings. Our findings highlight the need for targeted hygiene education to reduce vaginitis prevalence in Vietnam. Full article

Malaria, typhoid fever, respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections significantly impact women, especially in remote, resource-constrained settings, due to limited access to quality healthcare and certain risk factors. Most studies have focused on vector control measures, such as insecticide-treated nets and time series analysis, often neglecting emerging yet critical risk factors vital for effectively preventing febrile diseases. We address this gap by investigating the use of machine learning (ML) models, specifically extreme gradient boost and random forest, in predicting adult females’ susceptibility to these diseases based on biological, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. An explainable AI (XAI) technique, local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME), was applied to enhance the transparency and interpretability of the predictive models. This approach provided insights into the models’ decision-making process and identified key risk factors, enabling healthcare professionals to personalize treatment services. Factors such as high cholesterol levels, poor personal hygiene, and exposure to air pollution emerged as significant contributors to disease susceptibility, revealing critical areas for public health intervention in remote and resource-constrained settings. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating XAI with ML in directing health interventions, providing a clearer understanding of risk factors, and efficiently allocating resources for disease prevention and treatment. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of community preventive behaviors in controlling the virus’ spread. Studies show that people’s risk perceptions and awareness significantly contribute to the containment and prevention of infections by motivating adoption of desired actions and behaviors. This study aimed at assessing the role of risk communication and factors that influenced responses during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural communities in Western Kenya. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a quantitative research approach, collecting data from 806 individuals across Kisumu, Vihiga, and Kakamega counties. Descriptive statistics were used to detail the demographic characteristics of the study population, while logistic regression analysis estimated the associations between risk communication and demographic characteristics on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, compliance with mitigation behaviors, perceived severity, and perceived susceptibility. Results: The results showed that 55% of participants were male and 45% were female, with an average moderate compliance with safety measures (mean = 5.15). A significant portion of participants wore face masks (85.3%), practiced hand hygiene (78.9%), and avoided close contact behaviors (66.6%). Most respondents received information through mass media (86.1%) and health workers (72.9%). Compliance with COVID-19 mitigation measures was highest among those who trusted information from official institutions, health professionals, and mass media, compared to social media, with increased odds of 2.7 times and 2.5 times, respectively. Higher risk perception was significantly associated with older age groups (above 50 years), being male, and working in the private sector. Effective risk communication significantly influenced risk perception, compliance with COVID-19 measures, and vaccination acceptance. Conclusions: The findings suggest that effective risk communication strategies are critical during public health emergencies and hence implications for future public health crises. The results underscore the importance of targeted communication and tailored interventions to improve compliance and vaccine acceptance among different demographic groups, ensuring a more robust public health response during outbreaks and pandemics. Full article

Artisanal fisheries in southern Chile rely heavily on the Patagonian red octopus (Enteroctopus megalocyathus) as a valuable resource, contributing significantly to local economies. This octopus species accounts for 25–40% of Chilean octopus landings. It is a merobenthic species, characterized by a semelparous life cycle and a long brooding period, and it is distributed along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the southern tip of South America, inhabiting holes and crevices in rocky substrates. However, this fishery faces critical challenges to both its ecological sustainability and the food safety of octopus products. The primary fishing method, using hooks, poses a risk to reproductive capacity as it can capture brooding females. Food safety concerns arise from microbial contamination during pre- and post-harvest handling, bioaccumulation of toxins from algal blooms, and the presence of heavy metals in the marine environment. While evisceration effectively reduces the risk of consuming toxins and heavy metals, inadequate hygiene practices and insufficient ice usage throughout the production chain represent significant food safety risks. Chilean fishing Law No. 18892/1989 defines artisanal fishing and establishes territorial use rights in fisheries (TURFs) to promote sustainable extraction of benthic resources. Integrating training programs on post-harvest handling, hygiene practices, and food safety measures into the TURFs framework, along with targeted investments in infrastructure and technical assistance, is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability of the E. megalocyathus fishery, protect consumer health, and maintain the economic viability and environmental sustainability of this vital resource for local communities. Full article

Despite the growing emphasis on cognitive health, evidence regarding individual and environmental factors influencing cognitive functioning remains limited. We aimed to examine the association of personal and environmental factors, specifically perceived acoustic environment exposure and nonrestorative sleep, with cognitive functioning among Chinese adults. Between July and August 2022, we recruited 970 Chinese adults from all districts in Hong Kong for our cross-sectional study. Univariable and structured multiphase linear regression analyses were conducted to identify the contributory factors. Among 970 Chinese adults, the structured multiphase linear regression model revealed that being in their 30s (β = 0.160; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.315) and 40s (β = 0.186; 95% CI: 0.029, 0.343), being female (β = 0.095; 95% CI: 0.018, 0.173), being former smokers, and having medical consultations, medical histories (eczema, hearing problems, and insomnia), perceived acoustic environment exposure (traffic and mechanical sounds (β = 0.011; 95% CI: 0.008, 0.013), nature and music sounds (β = 0.004; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.007), and human sounds (β = 0.002; 95% CI: 0.0004, 0.005)), and psychological symptoms (perceived stress, depressive, and anxiety symptoms) were associated with worse cognitive functioning. Moreover, more nonrestorative sleep (β = −0.015; 95% CI: −0.022, −0.007) was also associated with worse cognitive functioning. This study revealed that increased perceived acoustic environment exposure and a higher degree of nonrestorative sleep were associated with poorer cognitive functioning among Chinese adults. This underscores the need for public health strategies and policies aimed at fostering a healthy acoustic environment and promoting sleep hygiene education in the community. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral health has a significant impact on our overall well-being. The DMFT index assesses dental caries prevalence, whilst the body mass index (BMI) estimates body fat, with obesity defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m². Obesity adversely affects women’s health, including increased risks of chronic diseases. In Saudi Arabia, with a rising obesity rate, especially amongst women, highlights the need to investigate the relationship between BMI and oral health. Our aim is to evaluate the association of high BMI (body mass index), dental history, diet, physical activity, and oral hygiene practices with DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) of female students at Taif University, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included female students at a sports facility in Taif University, Saudi Arabia, with a high BMI. A convenience sampling technique was used. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their BMI. Data was then collected through structured interviews and oral examinations. The prevalence and types of chief complaints, sociodemographic status, and DMFT index in female students with a high BMI, as well as the possible mechanisms linking BMI, were analyzed. Results: The study included 138 female students, 86 of whom were obese female students, aged 18–27. Compared to the control group, participants with higher BMI were more likely to visit the dentist due to pain and had a higher number of missing teeth. Systemic diseases, such as asthma and type 2 diabetes, were significantly more prevalent among obese participants. No significant correlation was found between BMI and dental hygiene practices or dietary habits. Higher BMI was significantly associated with an increase in missing teeth (β = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.18, p = 0.045). However, it was not found with the overall DMFT index. Conclusions: higher BMI among female university students was associated with an increased prevalence of missing teeth and systemic diseases Full article

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes that profoundly influence health behaviors. Public health plays a crucial role in promoting adolescent well-being, developing health education programs, community campaigns, and evidence-based prevention policies to mitigate risk factors associated with adolescent health, behavior, and lifestyle patterns. The aim of this study is to examine self-perceived health, mood, sleep patterns, substance use, dietary habits, and leisure activities among 120 adolescents aged 14 to 17 in a municipal school near Barcelona. The findings reveal that in the mood state distribution, boys are 2.34-times more likely to report a positive mood than girls. In the prevalence of addictive substance and alcohol use between male and female adolescents, 82.6% of girls reported an alcohol consumption that was significantly higher than the 56.9% of boys (p = 0.003). Similarly, 42.15% of girls had smoked at least once, compared to 19.83% of boys (p < 0.001). Physical inactivity was more prevalent among girls (17.4%) than boys (11.8%), indicating potential barriers to participation. The distribution of sleep hours between boys and girls shows notable differences in the 8.5 h sleep category (p = 0.0090). Skipping breakfast was more common among girls (33.3%) than boys (21.6%). Night-out frequency and return times have an identical proportion between boys and girls. This study underscores the necessity of implementing gender-sensitive public health strategies to address disparities in substance use, physical activity, and dietary habits, while promoting sleep hygiene and overall adolescent well-being through municipal and community-based initiatives. Full article

Background: Informal markets are essential to ensuring food accessibility and supporting economic livelihoods throughout sub-Saharan Africa; however, food safety in these settings remains poorly regulated and under-resourced. As such, foodborne illnesses originating from such settings pose serious public health threats. Despite the growing reliance on ready-to-eat street foods in Namibia, little is known about the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of food handlers in informal settings. This study investigated food handlers’ KAP regarding food safety at the Oshakati Mini Market, northern Namibia, to inform environmental health practitioners and guide policymakers in improving food safety measures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 103 food handlers using a self-administered questionnaire which assessed sociodemographic characteristics, food safety knowledge (15 items), attitudes (10 items), and practices (12 items). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression to identify associations between KAP scores and respondent characteristics. Results: The majority of respondents were female (60.2%), aged 30–49 years (69.0%), and had only primary-level education. Only 15.5% had received formal food safety training. The mean knowledge score was 64.7% (SD = 14.2), and the mean practice score was 58.2% (SD = 13.8). Attitudes were predominantly negative (60.2%), despite 95.1% acknowledging the importance of handwashing. Poor practices included low use of protective clothing (28.2%), smoking in food areas (21.4%), and inadequate utensil hygiene. Knowledge was positively correlated with good practices (r = 0.745, p < 0.01), while attitudes were negatively correlated with good practices (r = −0.745, p < 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that age negatively influenced knowledge (β = −0.265, p < 0.01), while work experience positively predicted both knowledge (β = 0.393, p < 0.01) and practices (β = 0.393, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Food handlers in Oshakati’s informal market exhibited moderate knowledge but sub-optimal food safety practices and largely negative attitudes. Limited training and education were key contributing factors. These findings highlight an urgent need for structured, context-specific food safety training and regulatory enforcement to reduce foodborne disease risk and strengthen public health interventions in Namibia’s informal food economy. Full article

Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among children with special needs (CSN) and children without special care needs (CWSCN) in Saudi Arabia and to explore the association between various factors, including dental caries status, sociodemographic characteristics, and behavioral factors, with OHRQoL. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. A total of 773 children were examined (257 with CSN and 516 with CWSCN). OHRQoL was assessed using the Modified Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the OHIP (mean score) and independent variables. Results: The mean physical impact was 2.5 ± 1.1 and 3.1 ± 1.7 among 6–11 yrs-old and 12–16-yr-old children (p = 0.021), respectively. The mean personal satisfaction score was 3.2 ± 1.7 and 2.4 ± 1.1 among CSN and CWSCN (p = 0.001), respectively. Children with special needs had a 3.11 (95% CI: 1.23–5.21, p = 0.0001) times higher mean OHIP than CWSCN. Male children had a 1.87 (95% CI: 0.12–2.89, p = 0.024) times higher mean OHIP than female children. Children whose parents had primary school or less education had a 1.92 (95% CI: 0.17–3.11, p = 0.029) times higher mean OHIP than those whose parents had intermediate or higher education. Conclusions: The present study showed that children with special needs had a poor OHRQoL with high mean physical impact, pain, and psychological impact scores compared to CWSCN. A strong association was observed between poor OHRQoL and parental education status, poor oral hygiene practices, and use of non-fluoridated toothpaste. Full article

Objectives: This study used fractal dimension (FD) analysis to evaluate alveolar trabecular changes associated with gingival recessions in the mandibular incisor-canine and premolar regions in the post-orthodontic retention period, compare them to non-recession regions, and assess their correlation with plaque (PI) and gingival indices (GIs). Methods: This cross-sectional case–control study included 60 patients with mandibular gingival recession (35 females, 25 males; mean age: 21.91 ± 2.59 years), with apical trabecular bone regions of interest (ROIs) identified in the incisor-canine and premolar regions. Patients were divided into four groups based on the regions of recession, with non-recessional regions in the contralateral quadrant considered as control regions. FD analysis was performed on the specified ROIs using panoramic radiographs taken before treatment (T0), after treatment (T1), and in the retention period (T2). Patients’ PI and GI scores and incisor-mandibular plane angles (IMPAs) were recorded. Results: The FD values significantly decreased in Groups 1 and 2 (left and right incisor-canine regions) (p < 0.05), but no significant changes were found in Groups 3 and 4 (left and right premolar regions) and the control group. The FD values showed a significant correlation with the PI and GI scores (p < 0.05), but no correlation was found with IMPAs (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Alterations in alveolar trabeculation in gingival recession can be assessed by FD analysis. Decreased FD values correlate with worsening oral hygiene and higher PI and GI scores. Changes in the IMPA do not correlate with changes in FD, highlighting the importance of regular periodontal check-ups after orthodontic treatment. Full article

Objective: The objective of this study is to highlight the critical role of pediatric dentists in promoting oral health prevention among leukemia patients. In fact, oral manifestations frequently serve as the initial clinical indicators of leukemia, occurring in up to 10% of cases. In acute myelomonocytic leukemia, oral lesions are observed in 65–90% of patients. Methods: A cohort of 63 patients (30 males and 33 females) with a mean age of 10 years participated in this study. All participants adhered to a standardized preventive dental care protocol, referred to as the “Preventive Iter”. This protocol focuses on individualized oral hygiene education, regular monitoring, and professional dental interventions aimed at preventing and managing oral health complications associated with systemic conditions such as leukemia. Results: The results demonstrated a statistically significant and progressive improvement across all evaluated oral health parameters as patients advanced through the Preventive Iter protocol. Conclusions: The Preventive Iter protocol has proven to be highly effective in improving oral health outcomes, as evidenced by notable reductions in plaque accumulation, microbial imbalance, and gingival inflammation. The structured, individualized approach—incorporating professional hygiene interventions and tailored educational strategies—appears to be a key factor in achieving and maintaining these improvements. These findings underscore the critical importance of early and ongoing preventive care, particularly for medically vulnerable populations. Full article