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Mehrnoosh Jafari, Neda Pournasir, Mojtaba Hosseini,
Volume 33, Issue 4 (1-2021)
Volume 33, Issue 4 (1-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Providing quality services is one of the important goals of the health system. Dental services and treatments are expensive. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the perceived quality of dental treatment services.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-cross study conducted in 2 qualitative-quantitative phases. Data were collected using interviews and pairwise comparison matrix with 20 dentists working in NAJA dental clinics who were selected by targeted sampling. The validity and reliability of the interviews were determined by long-term engagement of their peers and negative case analysis. The validity of the pairwise comparison matrix was determined through the incompatibility rate (>0.1). Data were analyzed by coding and effect intensity tests (R+J), descriptive statistic test (mean, standard deviation) using SPSS23, Maxqda and matlab R2017b.
Results: Content analysis of the interview showed that tangible factors, assurance, trust, and empathy are the factors affecting the quality of dental treatment services. In the second phase, data analysis showed that trust and empathy (28.204), assurance (24.356), and tangible factors (17.798) are the most to the least important factors in the quality of dental treatment services (P=0.1).
Conclusion: Trust and empathy were the most important factors in the quality of dental treatment services. Managers of dental clinics and dentist need to improve the quality of dental treatment services by emphasizing respect for patients in accordance with the promise to act in the field of providing treatments to patients.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-cross study conducted in 2 qualitative-quantitative phases. Data were collected using interviews and pairwise comparison matrix with 20 dentists working in NAJA dental clinics who were selected by targeted sampling. The validity and reliability of the interviews were determined by long-term engagement of their peers and negative case analysis. The validity of the pairwise comparison matrix was determined through the incompatibility rate (>0.1). Data were analyzed by coding and effect intensity tests (R+J), descriptive statistic test (mean, standard deviation) using SPSS23, Maxqda and matlab R2017b.
Results: Content analysis of the interview showed that tangible factors, assurance, trust, and empathy are the factors affecting the quality of dental treatment services. In the second phase, data analysis showed that trust and empathy (28.204), assurance (24.356), and tangible factors (17.798) are the most to the least important factors in the quality of dental treatment services (P=0.1).
Conclusion: Trust and empathy were the most important factors in the quality of dental treatment services. Managers of dental clinics and dentist need to improve the quality of dental treatment services by emphasizing respect for patients in accordance with the promise to act in the field of providing treatments to patients.
Zahra Pooraskari, , Hossein Hessari, Reza Yazdani,
Volume 33, Issue 4 (1-2021)
Volume 33, Issue 4 (1-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Pregnancy is a period with hormonal and psychological changes affecting women’s oral health. The aim of present review study was to evaluate, elaborate and categorize factors affecting oral health status of pregnant women.
Materials and Methods: A literature search with the following keywords: pregnancy, “pregnant women”, “pregnant mothers” and “expectant mothers” , AND dentistry, “dental health” and “oral health” in PubMed and Scopus was performed from 2009 to 2019. Search results included 1435 articles which 467 duplicate studies were excluded. Finally, 30 articles were included in the study. Oral health outcomes were categorized and significant relationships with determinants and risk factors were reported.
Results: Most studies (70%) were performed cross-sectionally. Among the studied outcomes, dental visit, periodontal disease and dental caries were the most common. The most studied independent variables were socioeconomic factors and demographic factors, followed by behavioral and enabling factors. The lowest frequency was related to the systemic factors. Mothers’ education and age were examined more than other variables and in about 40% of studies had significant association with outcomes. Dental counseling was assessed in only 3 studies and in all three studies, the relationship with outcome was significant.
Conclusion: Socioeconomic, demographic and enabling factors could affect the oral health of pregnant women.
Materials and Methods: A literature search with the following keywords: pregnancy, “pregnant women”, “pregnant mothers” and “expectant mothers” , AND dentistry, “dental health” and “oral health” in PubMed and Scopus was performed from 2009 to 2019. Search results included 1435 articles which 467 duplicate studies were excluded. Finally, 30 articles were included in the study. Oral health outcomes were categorized and significant relationships with determinants and risk factors were reported.
Results: Most studies (70%) were performed cross-sectionally. Among the studied outcomes, dental visit, periodontal disease and dental caries were the most common. The most studied independent variables were socioeconomic factors and demographic factors, followed by behavioral and enabling factors. The lowest frequency was related to the systemic factors. Mothers’ education and age were examined more than other variables and in about 40% of studies had significant association with outcomes. Dental counseling was assessed in only 3 studies and in all three studies, the relationship with outcome was significant.
Conclusion: Socioeconomic, demographic and enabling factors could affect the oral health of pregnant women.
Katayoun Sargeran, Simin Zahra Mohebbi, Afsaneh Tajik,
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The increase in life expectancy and decrease in birth rate enhances the elderly population in different societies and consequently, the demand from the health system for providing the treatment needs has been elevated. It has been proposed that dentists must improve their attitude, knowledge, and practice to meet these needs. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of general dentists regarding geriatric oral health.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study, 150 general dentists participating in the annual congress of the Iranian Dental Association in 2018 were selected and completed a valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire including 5 parts about knowledge, attitude and practice regarding old age and oral health of elders. SPSS23 and multiple regression were used for data analysis.
Results: The mean age of dentists was 34.3 (SD: 9.1) and 92 (61.3%) of participants were women. The mean knowledge score about the old age was 16.67 (of maximum: 26, SD: 4.31) and the mean knowledge on the geriatric oral health was 11.01 (of maximum: 18, SD: 2.81). The mean general attitude about elderly was 19.1 (of maximum: 30, SD: 4.26), the mean attitude on geriatric oral health was 13.09 (of maximum: 20, SD: 2.65), and the mean practice about geriatric oral health was 6.5 (of maximum: 10, SD:2.96). Age was significantly associated with knowledge regarding the elderly (P<0.034); i.e. with increase in age lower scores in knowledge were gained.
Conclusion: General dentists participating in the congress of the Iranian Dental Association demonstrated a medium level of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the oral health of elders. Proper educational programs should be planned in dental schools to improve dental student's knowledge, attitude and practice about geriatric oral health.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study, 150 general dentists participating in the annual congress of the Iranian Dental Association in 2018 were selected and completed a valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire including 5 parts about knowledge, attitude and practice regarding old age and oral health of elders. SPSS23 and multiple regression were used for data analysis.
Results: The mean age of dentists was 34.3 (SD: 9.1) and 92 (61.3%) of participants were women. The mean knowledge score about the old age was 16.67 (of maximum: 26, SD: 4.31) and the mean knowledge on the geriatric oral health was 11.01 (of maximum: 18, SD: 2.81). The mean general attitude about elderly was 19.1 (of maximum: 30, SD: 4.26), the mean attitude on geriatric oral health was 13.09 (of maximum: 20, SD: 2.65), and the mean practice about geriatric oral health was 6.5 (of maximum: 10, SD:2.96). Age was significantly associated with knowledge regarding the elderly (P<0.034); i.e. with increase in age lower scores in knowledge were gained.
Conclusion: General dentists participating in the congress of the Iranian Dental Association demonstrated a medium level of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the oral health of elders. Proper educational programs should be planned in dental schools to improve dental student's knowledge, attitude and practice about geriatric oral health.
Afsaneh Pakdaman, Sholeh Ghabraei, Mohammad Javad Kharrazi Fard, Ali Saadatpoor Moghaddam,
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Supporting the preventive approach is important in training future dentists. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of senior dental students regarding non-invasive management of dental caries.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 using total sampling method and a valid and reliable questionnaire. Knowledge, attitude and self-reported practice of senior dental students regarding caries risk assessment (CRA) and management of lesions in two paper patients were assessed. The data analysis was performed using SPSS20 and the descriptive and analytical statistics were reported.
Results: In overall, 86 students (response rate=91%) were responded. In the knowledge section, caries history in the previous year, having frequent fermentable carbohydrate, xerostomia, and low socio-economic status were considered by more than half of students as factor for caries risk assessment. More than 90% of students had a positive attitude towards CRA in children. Nearly 50% of students tend to restore enamel lesions in proximal and occlusal surfaces in high-risk scenarios. There was significant association between the OHI instruction and debris index improvement (P=0.04) in the integrated comprehensive care clinic (TUMS). The linear regression analysis showed that there was no significant association between the demographic characteristics, place of education, previous course on the level of knowledge and attitude.
Conclusion: Senior dental students despite their general knowledge and positive attitude toward caries risk assessment, tended to aggressively manage the incipient lesions in the enamel and DEJ. Delivering prevention as integrated in the comprehensive care unit in order to improve oral hygiene status of patients is recommended.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 using total sampling method and a valid and reliable questionnaire. Knowledge, attitude and self-reported practice of senior dental students regarding caries risk assessment (CRA) and management of lesions in two paper patients were assessed. The data analysis was performed using SPSS20 and the descriptive and analytical statistics were reported.
Results: In overall, 86 students (response rate=91%) were responded. In the knowledge section, caries history in the previous year, having frequent fermentable carbohydrate, xerostomia, and low socio-economic status were considered by more than half of students as factor for caries risk assessment. More than 90% of students had a positive attitude towards CRA in children. Nearly 50% of students tend to restore enamel lesions in proximal and occlusal surfaces in high-risk scenarios. There was significant association between the OHI instruction and debris index improvement (P=0.04) in the integrated comprehensive care clinic (TUMS). The linear regression analysis showed that there was no significant association between the demographic characteristics, place of education, previous course on the level of knowledge and attitude.
Conclusion: Senior dental students despite their general knowledge and positive attitude toward caries risk assessment, tended to aggressively manage the incipient lesions in the enamel and DEJ. Delivering prevention as integrated in the comprehensive care unit in order to improve oral hygiene status of patients is recommended.
Bita Heydarzadeh, Bahareh Tahani, Imaneh Asgari,
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aims: School teachers have key role in providing the basic health information for their students, and their knowledge, attitude, and practice affect children's oral health through developing of the healthy behaviors. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral health education program for primary school teachers on their knowledge, attitude, and practice fields in the framework of oral health promoting schools.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted among five oral health promoting schools in Isfahan city in 2019. A validated and reliable questionnaire including four sections of demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice was applied for data collection. The questionnaire contained 24 knowledge, 9 attitudes, and 5 practice questions. It was distributed among 63 enrolled teachers at base line and two months later after two educational-emotional workshops. Before and after data were analyzed by SPSS21 (α=0.05) by related samples Wilcoxon signed rank test and background variables by Kruskall-wallis test.
Results: After the educational intervention, their knowledge score increased significantly from 14.1±3.8 to 18.5±3.7 (P<0.001). About 34% of teachers had a high level of knowledge proficiency at the beginning of the study which eventually rose to 76%. Teachers’ attitude decreased significantly from 34.6±5 to 31.4±4.6 (P<0.001). At the beginning of the study, 89% of them had a positive attitude towards oral health programs which decreased to 84% at the end of the study. In the performance part, 63.5% of the teachers paid attention to the fluoride in their toothpaste which reached 87.3% after the workshop and the teachers' performance score increased from 3.07 to 3.39 after the intervention (P<0.012).
Conclusion: The package of educational intervention for teachers in oral health-promoting schools improved the level of knowledge and practice, but slightly reduced the level of attitude. However, due to the importance of changing attitudes in teachers and the existence of structural and programmatic barriers to integrate the health issues into school education, other models need to be evaluated and compared.
Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted among five oral health promoting schools in Isfahan city in 2019. A validated and reliable questionnaire including four sections of demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice was applied for data collection. The questionnaire contained 24 knowledge, 9 attitudes, and 5 practice questions. It was distributed among 63 enrolled teachers at base line and two months later after two educational-emotional workshops. Before and after data were analyzed by SPSS21 (α=0.05) by related samples Wilcoxon signed rank test and background variables by Kruskall-wallis test.
Results: After the educational intervention, their knowledge score increased significantly from 14.1±3.8 to 18.5±3.7 (P<0.001). About 34% of teachers had a high level of knowledge proficiency at the beginning of the study which eventually rose to 76%. Teachers’ attitude decreased significantly from 34.6±5 to 31.4±4.6 (P<0.001). At the beginning of the study, 89% of them had a positive attitude towards oral health programs which decreased to 84% at the end of the study. In the performance part, 63.5% of the teachers paid attention to the fluoride in their toothpaste which reached 87.3% after the workshop and the teachers' performance score increased from 3.07 to 3.39 after the intervention (P<0.012).
Conclusion: The package of educational intervention for teachers in oral health-promoting schools improved the level of knowledge and practice, but slightly reduced the level of attitude. However, due to the importance of changing attitudes in teachers and the existence of structural and programmatic barriers to integrate the health issues into school education, other models need to be evaluated and compared.
Ashkan Samkhanian, Asie Eftekhari,
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The stress, job satisfaction and depression can affect the performance of dental professionals in various fields. The aim of present study was to examin the level of stress, depression and job satisfaction among different specialized fields of dentistry in Zanjan provinc, Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the depression, anxiety and stress scale questionnaire (DASS-21) and the Herzberg questionnaire were used to assess job satisfaction. The questionnaires were completed on the web, and the relevant link was sent to all specialists in different fields of dentistry in Zanjan province. Finally, 33 people participated in the study. Data were analyzed after appropriate code allocation using independent T-test and U-Mann Whitney tests and SPSS16.
Results: The results showed the mean of stress (24.4), depression (17.48) and anxiety (13.28) among specialists. The mean of stress and anxiety among female dentists was higher than male specialists, but there was no significant difference between these two variables between the two sexes (P>0.05). In terms of job satisfaction, 21.2% were dissatisfied with their job. By gender, 26.6% of female specialists and 16.7% of male specialists were dissatisfied with their jobs.
Conclusion: Despite the general perception that work conditions are suitable for dental specialists, these people suffer from the stresses, anxiety and depression and may not be satisfied with their job. As these conditions can affect the performance of these people in the workplace, it would be necessary to take measures, to identify, and to increase mental health and job satisfaction.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the depression, anxiety and stress scale questionnaire (DASS-21) and the Herzberg questionnaire were used to assess job satisfaction. The questionnaires were completed on the web, and the relevant link was sent to all specialists in different fields of dentistry in Zanjan province. Finally, 33 people participated in the study. Data were analyzed after appropriate code allocation using independent T-test and U-Mann Whitney tests and SPSS16.
Results: The results showed the mean of stress (24.4), depression (17.48) and anxiety (13.28) among specialists. The mean of stress and anxiety among female dentists was higher than male specialists, but there was no significant difference between these two variables between the two sexes (P>0.05). In terms of job satisfaction, 21.2% were dissatisfied with their job. By gender, 26.6% of female specialists and 16.7% of male specialists were dissatisfied with their jobs.
Conclusion: Despite the general perception that work conditions are suitable for dental specialists, these people suffer from the stresses, anxiety and depression and may not be satisfied with their job. As these conditions can affect the performance of these people in the workplace, it would be necessary to take measures, to identify, and to increase mental health and job satisfaction.
Sara Valizadeh, Samaneh I Rezaei Dehnamak, Hamid Reza Khodayar, Ahmad Reza Shamshiri, Zohreh Moradi,
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Due to the review of general dental courses, it was necessary to assess the students' satisfaction with this curriculum. The aim of this study was the assessment level of students’satisfaction with the new educational curriculum of the Ministry of Health at the department of restorative dentistry of Tehran university of medical sciences in 2019-2020.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional trial,72 sixth year dental students of Tehran University who passed the restorative dentistry courses based on the new curriculum were studied. A questionnaire was developed and for validity content assessment, it was presented to 5 professors and then revised. For reliability approval of the questionnaire, test-retest approach was used. The questionnaire was given to the 30 students of the main pilot group in one session and two-week later and agreement percentage and Kappa index were calculated. After conducting the "test" process and re-testing, the "questions" were statistically analyzed using STATA software.
Results: The most level of satisfaction regarding to practicality of subjects was found for fundamental of restorative dentistry including principles of amalgam class I cavity preparations and restorations on the dentic (81.94% and 76.39% acceptable respectively) and the principles of amalgam classII cavity restorations on the dentic (72.22%). The least satisfaction levels were obsereved in the first and second theoretical restorative courses including tooth-colored restorations (47.22%), onlays and inlays (47.22%) and tooth-colored classII cavity preparations and restorations (48.61%). The amount (P-value or error of the first type) was reported in all questions>0.001.
Conclusion: Despite the limitation of this study, final-year dental students’ satisfaction of theoretical restorative dentistry courses was medium, while it was high for the fundamental and practical restorative courses of 2017 educational curriculum.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional trial,72 sixth year dental students of Tehran University who passed the restorative dentistry courses based on the new curriculum were studied. A questionnaire was developed and for validity content assessment, it was presented to 5 professors and then revised. For reliability approval of the questionnaire, test-retest approach was used. The questionnaire was given to the 30 students of the main pilot group in one session and two-week later and agreement percentage and Kappa index were calculated. After conducting the "test" process and re-testing, the "questions" were statistically analyzed using STATA software.
Results: The most level of satisfaction regarding to practicality of subjects was found for fundamental of restorative dentistry including principles of amalgam class I cavity preparations and restorations on the dentic (81.94% and 76.39% acceptable respectively) and the principles of amalgam classII cavity restorations on the dentic (72.22%). The least satisfaction levels were obsereved in the first and second theoretical restorative courses including tooth-colored restorations (47.22%), onlays and inlays (47.22%) and tooth-colored classII cavity preparations and restorations (48.61%). The amount (P-value or error of the first type) was reported in all questions>0.001.
Conclusion: Despite the limitation of this study, final-year dental students’ satisfaction of theoretical restorative dentistry courses was medium, while it was high for the fundamental and practical restorative courses of 2017 educational curriculum.
Farzad Imamverdy, Reza Yazdani,
Volume 35, Issue 0 (5-2022)
Volume 35, Issue 0 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The most effective way to maintain and improve oral health is tooth brushing to physically remove dental plaque. In this regard, this study was conducted to compare the efficiency of the usual method of each person in comparison with different methods of brushing to remove dental plaque.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 2020, as a randomized and open clinical trial with 72 non-dental male and female students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. In this study, the usual method of tooth brushing with Modified Bass and Scrub Horizontal methods after training was evaluated in two random groups with plaque and gingival indices. Plaque index as a percentage and gingival index as a number (numbers between 0-1 mild inflammation, 1.1-2 moderate inflammation, 2-3 severe inflammation) were reported. The results were analyzed using SPSS25 software and paired t-test and variance equality test.
Results: The efficiency of the usual tooth brushing method in comparison with the two Modified Bass and Scrub Horizontal methods using two indicators of dental plaque and gingival indices was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Each method alone after tooth brushing significantly removed dental plaque (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the efficiency of the usual method of tooth brushing compared to trained methods in removing dental plaque and reducing gingivitis in short-term evaluation was not statistically significant.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 2020, as a randomized and open clinical trial with 72 non-dental male and female students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. In this study, the usual method of tooth brushing with Modified Bass and Scrub Horizontal methods after training was evaluated in two random groups with plaque and gingival indices. Plaque index as a percentage and gingival index as a number (numbers between 0-1 mild inflammation, 1.1-2 moderate inflammation, 2-3 severe inflammation) were reported. The results were analyzed using SPSS25 software and paired t-test and variance equality test.
Results: The efficiency of the usual tooth brushing method in comparison with the two Modified Bass and Scrub Horizontal methods using two indicators of dental plaque and gingival indices was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Each method alone after tooth brushing significantly removed dental plaque (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the efficiency of the usual method of tooth brushing compared to trained methods in removing dental plaque and reducing gingivitis in short-term evaluation was not statistically significant.
Soheila Khalili, Hajar Shekarchizadeh, Afsaneh Pakdaman,
Volume 35, Issue 0 (5-2022)
Volume 35, Issue 0 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aims: For dental students, communication skills are essential to effectively transfer the necessary information to the patient and meet the patient’s needs and expectations. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the patient communication skills of dental students at Islamic Azad university of Isfahan in 2021.
Materials and Methods: In the present cross-sectional analytical study, an online standardized questionnaire DCCC (Dental consultation communication checklist) was provided to all clinical dental students applying a census sampling method. In total, from 248 clinical dental students, 230 students participated in the study (response rate=92.7%). The questionnaire included five dimensions of introduction, medical history, clinical examination, closure and patient. In order to determine the patient communication skills, its dimensions, and the association between patient communication skills and students’ demographic characteristics, friedman test, analysis of variance, independent t-test and a linear regression model were used for statistical analysis.
Results: The mean score of total communication skills of the students (117.16±15.6) was above average which was obtained from the maximum score of 155. There was a significant difference between the dimensions of communication skills (P<0.001). The highest scores were assigned to the clinical examination, patient, medical history, introduction and closure, respectively. No significant relationship existed between the score of students' communication skills with gender (P=0.08), age (P=0.17), marital status (P=0.19), and educational background in psychology (P=0.07). No significant relationship revealed between the total score of communication skills (P=0.92) and its dimensions (introduction P=0.79, medical history P=0.90, clinical examination P=0.77, closure P=0.35, and patient P=0.85) with the students’ academic year.
Conclusion: The total score of dental students’ communication skills and all its dimensions was above average. However, students reported poorer performance in dimensions of introduction and closure than the other dimensions. Therefore, it is recommended to design and implement educational interventions specially to improve the dimensions of introduction and closure.
Materials and Methods: In the present cross-sectional analytical study, an online standardized questionnaire DCCC (Dental consultation communication checklist) was provided to all clinical dental students applying a census sampling method. In total, from 248 clinical dental students, 230 students participated in the study (response rate=92.7%). The questionnaire included five dimensions of introduction, medical history, clinical examination, closure and patient. In order to determine the patient communication skills, its dimensions, and the association between patient communication skills and students’ demographic characteristics, friedman test, analysis of variance, independent t-test and a linear regression model were used for statistical analysis.
Results: The mean score of total communication skills of the students (117.16±15.6) was above average which was obtained from the maximum score of 155. There was a significant difference between the dimensions of communication skills (P<0.001). The highest scores were assigned to the clinical examination, patient, medical history, introduction and closure, respectively. No significant relationship existed between the score of students' communication skills with gender (P=0.08), age (P=0.17), marital status (P=0.19), and educational background in psychology (P=0.07). No significant relationship revealed between the total score of communication skills (P=0.92) and its dimensions (introduction P=0.79, medical history P=0.90, clinical examination P=0.77, closure P=0.35, and patient P=0.85) with the students’ academic year.
Conclusion: The total score of dental students’ communication skills and all its dimensions was above average. However, students reported poorer performance in dimensions of introduction and closure than the other dimensions. Therefore, it is recommended to design and implement educational interventions specially to improve the dimensions of introduction and closure.
Elya Ranayi, Fatemeh Rahmatzadeh Yousefabadi, Saber Babazadeh, Ali Kazemian,
Volume 35, Issue 0 (5-2022)
Volume 35, Issue 0 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The aim of this study was development and validation of a questionnaire measuring the pseudo-scientific unsupported of Iranians’ belief regarding oral health.
Materials and Methods: A list of 169 pseudo-scientific and invalid Iranian beliefs about oral health that was collected in the previous phase of the study were sent to a purposive sample of 13 professors at Mashhad dental school which resulted in extracting 34 beliefs being considered more common among Iranians. A list of 21 pseudo-scientific beliefs was obtained for preparing the questionnaire after receiving the sample opinions of 21 professors of Mashhad dental school about the invalidity and pseudoscientific propositions and their written revision. Finally, the questionnaire was completed by 44 participants to analyze the ease and clarity and to calculate Cronbach's alpha and Kuder Richardson measure as a homogeneity reliability index. It was completed in a group of 15 participants with a time interval of one month for test-retest analysis and consistency reliability evaluation.
Results: A questionnaire consisting of 21 beliefs was developed using four-point, three-point, or two-point Likert scales. The standardized Cronbach's alpha score and Kuder Richardson's measure score were 0.641 and 0.514, respectively, which indicated the moderate to good reliability of the homogeneity. The Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was calculated as 0.863, representing very good reliability of consistency of the questionnaire. Furthermore, the kappa coefficient of each of the 21 statements had a significant difference with zero (P<0.05) ranging between 0.605 and 1.
Conclusion: The result of the present study is a questionnaire measuring the level of Iranians’ belief in unsupported and invalid statements about oral health. Using this questionnaire would be helpful for dentists and oral health professionals to promote knowledge of Iranians about oral health.
Materials and Methods: A list of 169 pseudo-scientific and invalid Iranian beliefs about oral health that was collected in the previous phase of the study were sent to a purposive sample of 13 professors at Mashhad dental school which resulted in extracting 34 beliefs being considered more common among Iranians. A list of 21 pseudo-scientific beliefs was obtained for preparing the questionnaire after receiving the sample opinions of 21 professors of Mashhad dental school about the invalidity and pseudoscientific propositions and their written revision. Finally, the questionnaire was completed by 44 participants to analyze the ease and clarity and to calculate Cronbach's alpha and Kuder Richardson measure as a homogeneity reliability index. It was completed in a group of 15 participants with a time interval of one month for test-retest analysis and consistency reliability evaluation.
Results: A questionnaire consisting of 21 beliefs was developed using four-point, three-point, or two-point Likert scales. The standardized Cronbach's alpha score and Kuder Richardson's measure score were 0.641 and 0.514, respectively, which indicated the moderate to good reliability of the homogeneity. The Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was calculated as 0.863, representing very good reliability of consistency of the questionnaire. Furthermore, the kappa coefficient of each of the 21 statements had a significant difference with zero (P<0.05) ranging between 0.605 and 1.
Conclusion: The result of the present study is a questionnaire measuring the level of Iranians’ belief in unsupported and invalid statements about oral health. Using this questionnaire would be helpful for dentists and oral health professionals to promote knowledge of Iranians about oral health.
Comparing the cost of dental services during Covid-19 pandemic and earlier by activity-based costing
Yasaman Azimi, Zahra Ghorbani, Tayebe Rojhanian,
Volume 35, Issue 0 (5-2022)
Volume 35, Issue 0 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Activity-based costing enumerate every input consumed in treatment. The Covid-19 pandemic changed the dental treatment protocols and the ordinary circumstances of patients. The aim of this study was to calculate and compare the costs of three common dental services in Iran from the viewpoint of the providers and recipients of the services before the Covid-19 pandemic (2019) and during the pandemic (2021).
Materials and Methods: Direct medical and non-medical costs were considered from the service provider's perspective. Direct medical costs, indirect costs, direct non-medical costs, and intangible costs were considered from the recipient's perspective. To calculate the equivalent costs, the base year was considered 2021, and the costs of 2019 were calculated with a discount rate of 16%.
Results: From the service provider's perspective before the pandemic, the cost of dental amalgam restoration was 2,851,235 Rials, root canal treatment was 6,351,580 Rials, and tooth extraction was 1,887,295 Rials. The cost of these services in 2021 was 5,562,150 Rials, 8,070,591 Rials, and 4,865,563 Rials, respectively. From the recipient's perspective, before the pandemic, the cost of tooth restoration was 715,466 Rials, root canal treatment was 2,883,001 Rials, and tooth extraction was 3,267,359 Rials. The cost of the mentioned services in the year 2021 was 1,212,528 Rials, 3,971,640, and 3,680,880 Rials, respectively.
Conclusion: The Covid-19 pandemic has had an effect on increasing the cost of dental services from both the service provider and recipient perspective, but economic volatility has a vital role in increasing the estimated costs in the country. Probably, a part of the increase in costs was due to the role of brokers in providing dental materials and equipment.
Materials and Methods: Direct medical and non-medical costs were considered from the service provider's perspective. Direct medical costs, indirect costs, direct non-medical costs, and intangible costs were considered from the recipient's perspective. To calculate the equivalent costs, the base year was considered 2021, and the costs of 2019 were calculated with a discount rate of 16%.
Results: From the service provider's perspective before the pandemic, the cost of dental amalgam restoration was 2,851,235 Rials, root canal treatment was 6,351,580 Rials, and tooth extraction was 1,887,295 Rials. The cost of these services in 2021 was 5,562,150 Rials, 8,070,591 Rials, and 4,865,563 Rials, respectively. From the recipient's perspective, before the pandemic, the cost of tooth restoration was 715,466 Rials, root canal treatment was 2,883,001 Rials, and tooth extraction was 3,267,359 Rials. The cost of the mentioned services in the year 2021 was 1,212,528 Rials, 3,971,640, and 3,680,880 Rials, respectively.
Conclusion: The Covid-19 pandemic has had an effect on increasing the cost of dental services from both the service provider and recipient perspective, but economic volatility has a vital role in increasing the estimated costs in the country. Probably, a part of the increase in costs was due to the role of brokers in providing dental materials and equipment.
Bahareh Tahani , Zahra Kazemi Zahrani,
Volume 35, Issue 0 (5-2022)
Volume 35, Issue 0 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aims: With the growth of elderly population, attention to their oral health status has become increasingly important. Most of the available studies have been conducted among dependent elders who usually have different oral health statuses and needs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the oral health status of independent elderly attending municipal public centers and parks in Isfahan in 2020.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study conducted among 195 elderly people attending Isfahan municipal centers in 2020. The oral health status and the oral health related quality of life (QOL) of elderly were evaluated using Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and clinical examinations. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), correlation, independent T-test, Chi-squared and ANOVA using SPSS22 (α=0.05).
Results: 69% of the participants (n=133) were male and the mean age was 68.9± 3.5. Almost 20% of elderly (n=39) did not have any of their natural teeth. 63% (n=123) suffered from at least two chronic diseases and 38.5% (n=75) had a functional occlusion. The mean score of quality of life (QOL) of elderly and their DMFT was 51.7±6.4 and 20.5±6.3, respectively. A significant and negative relationship was found between the DMFT and GOHAI (P<0.001, r=-0.36). QOL scores were significantly higher in participants with dentures than those without dentures (P<0.001). There was a significant relationship between the frequency of brushing and the mean of DMFT (P<0.001). In people who did not brush, the DMFT score was higher than those who brushed at least once a day or even sometimes a week.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the oral health status of elderly was weak and it would reflect the need for more attention to taking more measures to both prevent the oral problems and to promote oral health.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study conducted among 195 elderly people attending Isfahan municipal centers in 2020. The oral health status and the oral health related quality of life (QOL) of elderly were evaluated using Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and clinical examinations. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), correlation, independent T-test, Chi-squared and ANOVA using SPSS22 (α=0.05).
Results: 69% of the participants (n=133) were male and the mean age was 68.9± 3.5. Almost 20% of elderly (n=39) did not have any of their natural teeth. 63% (n=123) suffered from at least two chronic diseases and 38.5% (n=75) had a functional occlusion. The mean score of quality of life (QOL) of elderly and their DMFT was 51.7±6.4 and 20.5±6.3, respectively. A significant and negative relationship was found between the DMFT and GOHAI (P<0.001, r=-0.36). QOL scores were significantly higher in participants with dentures than those without dentures (P<0.001). There was a significant relationship between the frequency of brushing and the mean of DMFT (P<0.001). In people who did not brush, the DMFT score was higher than those who brushed at least once a day or even sometimes a week.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the oral health status of elderly was weak and it would reflect the need for more attention to taking more measures to both prevent the oral problems and to promote oral health.
Mohammad Hossein Ronaghi, Atefeh Bagheri,
Volume 36, Issue 0 (5-2023)
Volume 36, Issue 0 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is widely used in dentistry in addition to numerous other sectors that impact human life, including medicine. A dentist can use AI technology to analyze patient data, diagnostic processes, and management activities. This study was conducted in Iran to identify the dental applications of AI and prioritize them.
Materials and Methods: In the winter of 2022, this applied research was carried out in two stages using a mixed method. In the qualitative phase, 570 articles from 2011 to 2022 were identified in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar among the studies in the field of dentistry and related to artificial intelligence technology based on keywords and then the applications of artificial intelligence in dentistry were extracted. In the quantitative phase, the identified applications prioritized by a group of experts comprised 13 University faculty members with related research areas using the best-worst method (BWM).
Results: The factors identified in the first stage of research were classified into six categories: implant and surgery, executive management, disease diagnosis, analysis of images, clinical prediction, and orthodontics. According to the experts’ opinion, it was determined that medical photo analysis had the highest coefficient of importance (0.252) followed by orthodontics (0.234), disease diagnosis (0.151), implantology and surgery (0.143), clinical forecasts (0.127), and executive management (0.093).
Conclusion: Dentists can use the capabilities of artificial intelligence in examining patients' teeth and diagnostic tests in dentistry based on the analysis of patient information. Information technology policymakers with the support and reinforcement of knowledge-based companies active in the field of artificial intelligence and joint investment in the field of medicine can be the basis for progress and the development of this technology in the country and the field of treatment.
Materials and Methods: In the winter of 2022, this applied research was carried out in two stages using a mixed method. In the qualitative phase, 570 articles from 2011 to 2022 were identified in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar among the studies in the field of dentistry and related to artificial intelligence technology based on keywords and then the applications of artificial intelligence in dentistry were extracted. In the quantitative phase, the identified applications prioritized by a group of experts comprised 13 University faculty members with related research areas using the best-worst method (BWM).
Results: The factors identified in the first stage of research were classified into six categories: implant and surgery, executive management, disease diagnosis, analysis of images, clinical prediction, and orthodontics. According to the experts’ opinion, it was determined that medical photo analysis had the highest coefficient of importance (0.252) followed by orthodontics (0.234), disease diagnosis (0.151), implantology and surgery (0.143), clinical forecasts (0.127), and executive management (0.093).
Conclusion: Dentists can use the capabilities of artificial intelligence in examining patients' teeth and diagnostic tests in dentistry based on the analysis of patient information. Information technology policymakers with the support and reinforcement of knowledge-based companies active in the field of artificial intelligence and joint investment in the field of medicine can be the basis for progress and the development of this technology in the country and the field of treatment.
Maryam Rabiei, Mohammad Hossein Heidari, Enayatollah Homaei Rad, Mohammad Samami,
Volume 36, Issue 0 (5-2023)
Volume 36, Issue 0 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The evaluation of the results of health transformation plan in dentistry, which started in March 2016 with the aim of improving oral and dental health, is extremely important in order to improve planning for future actions. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the health transformation plan on common oral health indices in Guilan province in Iran.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was performed using the Health Deputy of Guilan University of Medical Sciences data and results of the general population and housing census of the 2010 and 2015. Data analysis was done using Ordinary Least Squares regression method, considering dependent variables including DMFT, dmft and periodontal disease indices (CPI) and independent variables including gender, education, urban or rural residence, percentage of 13-year-old population, illiteracy rate, fertility rate and being or not in the transformation plan, to investigate the difference between the two groups before and after the implementation of the transformation plan in terms of variables and to examine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Finally, data were analyzed by STATA SE software version 15.
Results: The health transformation plan did not have a significant relationship with the change of DMFT and CPI 2 to CPI 6 indices, but had succeeded in reducing dmft and CPI1 (P<0.05), which reduction in CPI1 index was not desirable.
Conclusion: It seems that despite the extensive activities of the health transformation plan in dentistry in the field of prevention and treatment, there is still a need for more changes, especially in terms of culture and education. Also, there is need to provide more facilities for access to services by all sections of the society, especially the weak sections for healthcare.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was performed using the Health Deputy of Guilan University of Medical Sciences data and results of the general population and housing census of the 2010 and 2015. Data analysis was done using Ordinary Least Squares regression method, considering dependent variables including DMFT, dmft and periodontal disease indices (CPI) and independent variables including gender, education, urban or rural residence, percentage of 13-year-old population, illiteracy rate, fertility rate and being or not in the transformation plan, to investigate the difference between the two groups before and after the implementation of the transformation plan in terms of variables and to examine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Finally, data were analyzed by STATA SE software version 15.
Results: The health transformation plan did not have a significant relationship with the change of DMFT and CPI 2 to CPI 6 indices, but had succeeded in reducing dmft and CPI1 (P<0.05), which reduction in CPI1 index was not desirable.
Conclusion: It seems that despite the extensive activities of the health transformation plan in dentistry in the field of prevention and treatment, there is still a need for more changes, especially in terms of culture and education. Also, there is need to provide more facilities for access to services by all sections of the society, especially the weak sections for healthcare.
Shima Golban, Hajar Shekarchizadeh, Simin Zahra Mohebbi,
Volume 36, Issue 0 (5-2023)
Volume 36, Issue 0 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Considering the problems associated with occupational stress and burnout caused by this stress, this study aimed to determine the academic burnout, dental environment stress, and their association among dental students in Isfahan.
Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020, applying a convenient sampling method. Data collected from undergraduate dental students from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Azad University of Isfahan using the validated Persian version of BCSQ-12-SS (Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire) including 12 questions and DES (Dental Environment Stress) including 32 questions. Volunteer students filled in the online questionnaires using social media including WhatsApp and Telegram. Data were analyzed using SPSS26, U Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation coefficient, and a linear regression model (level of significance P<0.05).
Results: Among 300 participants (response rate=64%), the mean age was 24.25±2.72, and 54.7% were women. The mean score of academic burnout was 2.61±0.66 of the maximum score of 5. Overload was the most effective dimension of academic burnout. The mean score of DES was 2.80±0.51 of the maximum score of 4. Clinical education was the most effective dimension of DES. A direct correlation was observed between the dental environment stress and academic burnout (P<0.001; r=0.33).
Conclusion: The academic burnout among dental students in Isfahan was moderate and dental environment stress was high. Considering the direct association between the stress and burnout, more efforts should be made to reduce dental environment stress especially in the field of clinical education.
Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020, applying a convenient sampling method. Data collected from undergraduate dental students from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Azad University of Isfahan using the validated Persian version of BCSQ-12-SS (Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire) including 12 questions and DES (Dental Environment Stress) including 32 questions. Volunteer students filled in the online questionnaires using social media including WhatsApp and Telegram. Data were analyzed using SPSS26, U Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation coefficient, and a linear regression model (level of significance P<0.05).
Results: Among 300 participants (response rate=64%), the mean age was 24.25±2.72, and 54.7% were women. The mean score of academic burnout was 2.61±0.66 of the maximum score of 5. Overload was the most effective dimension of academic burnout. The mean score of DES was 2.80±0.51 of the maximum score of 4. Clinical education was the most effective dimension of DES. A direct correlation was observed between the dental environment stress and academic burnout (P<0.001; r=0.33).
Conclusion: The academic burnout among dental students in Isfahan was moderate and dental environment stress was high. Considering the direct association between the stress and burnout, more efforts should be made to reduce dental environment stress especially in the field of clinical education.
Afsaneh Pakdaman, Parisa Mohsenzadeh, Mahdia Gholami,
Volume 36, Issue 0 (5-2023)
Volume 36, Issue 0 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Considering the prevalence of periodontal disease in Iranian adults and its impact on general health and the role of medical practitioners, the purpose of the present study was to determine physician’s knowledge and attitude towards periodontal health.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran in 2019 and after getting informed consent, a valid and reliable questionnaire was provided to medical practitioners in a continuing education course. Data were analyzed using the SPSS26 software.
Results: In total 170 subjects (response rate=95%) responded. The mean scores of knowledge and attitude towards periodontal health were 4.1 (maximum score of 6) and 51.9 (maximum score of 65), respectively. Work experience (P=0.022) and period of time after graduation (P=0.007) had a positive and significant relationship with participants' knowledge. Also, gender (P=0.012), work experience (P=0.002), period after graduation (P=0.005) and practitioner’s workplace (P=0.001) were significantly associated with their attitudes. The results showed that women had a better attitude towards prevention of gum disease.
Conclusion: In the present study, medical practitioners’ knowledge was good towards description of healthy periodontium and the first sign of periodontal diseas. Also, their attitudes regarding the importance of oral and dental diseases and its impact on social activities were appropriate. The results of the present study showed more emphasis is needed on delivering relevant dental education in medical curriculum.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran in 2019 and after getting informed consent, a valid and reliable questionnaire was provided to medical practitioners in a continuing education course. Data were analyzed using the SPSS26 software.
Results: In total 170 subjects (response rate=95%) responded. The mean scores of knowledge and attitude towards periodontal health were 4.1 (maximum score of 6) and 51.9 (maximum score of 65), respectively. Work experience (P=0.022) and period of time after graduation (P=0.007) had a positive and significant relationship with participants' knowledge. Also, gender (P=0.012), work experience (P=0.002), period after graduation (P=0.005) and practitioner’s workplace (P=0.001) were significantly associated with their attitudes. The results showed that women had a better attitude towards prevention of gum disease.
Conclusion: In the present study, medical practitioners’ knowledge was good towards description of healthy periodontium and the first sign of periodontal diseas. Also, their attitudes regarding the importance of oral and dental diseases and its impact on social activities were appropriate. The results of the present study showed more emphasis is needed on delivering relevant dental education in medical curriculum.
Firoozeh Nilchian, Saghar Salehi,
Volume 36, Issue 0 (5-2023)
Volume 36, Issue 0 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aims: With the advancement of technology, the use of old teaching methods has been replaced by new and more efficient methods such as podcasts, to save the time of students and professors and to provide the opportunity for these two groups to interact more with be given to each other in the classroom. This method has advantages such as lower cost, the possibility of content courses, downloading content, and learning courses remotely. This study aimed to investigate the other benefits of this method as well as the level of students' satisfaction. Materials and Methods: In this study, which was a randomized, single-blind educational trial, the students at Dental School of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were divided into two control and intervention groups (via a random number table), with 37 persons in each group. The classroom was held traditionally for both groups in 3 sessions and the podcast file was provided to the intervention group at the end of the session. Then, a test was taken from both groups at the second and third sessions. The students’ answers were evaluated and each score was determined out of 5. The scores of this test were compared in the intervention and control groups. Finally, a questionnaire was provided to students to evaluate their satisfaction. The test scores were analyzed by independent T-test. Results: In this study, with 74 participants, the average age was 22.47±0.85, and 43% of the participants were male. The scores of the two tests taken out of five were 4.86±0.10 in the intervention group and 4.04±0.94 in the control group, and a significant statistical difference was observed in favor of the intervention group (P=0.02). The average satisfaction of students regarding this educational method was 29.4 out of 50. After taking into account the confounding effect of age, the investigated intervention did not affect the average score of the students' questionnaire (P=0.031). Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, podcasts could be effective in students' learning and students had a positive attitude towards this method. The results of this study can be used as a feedback to the educational committees of the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education.
Seyyed Peyman Shariatpanahi, Pouya Jamshidi, Maryam Sadeghipour Roudsari, Mohammad Hosein Khoshnevisan, Mahshid Namdari, Baharan Arshadi Fard, Sarvin Soleimanpoor,
Volume 37, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Volume 37, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Abstract
| Background and Aims: Nowadays, the requirement of any policy-making at the national and regional level is to know the level of knowledge of people about oral health and ways to prevent dental caries. This study examined the habits, actions and economic level of elementary school students in Qazvin city in 2017-2018. Also, the effects of peer group social network on behaviors related to oral health and obesity was investigated in order to find the way for interventions making it more effective in this social group. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 145 students participated. They were in the 3nd and 6th grades of elementary school in the academic year of 2017-2018. The questionnaire used in this study had 20 questions and 4 main sections. The main parts of this questionnaire included demographic characteristics, behavior and habits related to oral health, oral health knowledge of students and families, and socio-economic status. Data were collected through clinical examinations and through valid questionnaires and evaluated using SPSS and Excel software. Results: According to the results of Pearson's correlation analysis, a significant correlation was observed between the health knowledge scores of individuals and their friends between both groups of casual and close friends (P<0.01). The correlation between the knowledge of individuals and close friends was significantly stronger (P<0.01). Also, there was a significant relationship between socio-economic status and behaviors related to oral health (P<0.05). There was also a significant positive relationship between the number of times close friends brushing their teeth in a social network (P<0.001). This connection was not observed in the friends’ network. Conclusion: This study determined that close friends can be effective in determining the oral hygiene behaviors of elementary school students. |
Seyede Marjan Hosseini, Afsaneh Pakdaman,
Volume 37, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Volume 37, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most common chronic diseases. Health care workers specially “Behvarz” due to their wide range of duties, have the potential role in delivering education and prevention of dental caries. The purpose of the present study was to assess the perspective of “Behvarz” working in health care centers of Kordkooy city regarding oral health.
Materials and Methods: Focus group discussions was conducted with a convenient sample of “Behvarz” working in health centers of Kordkooy city. Total number of 26 Behvarz with the mean work experience of 13 years took part in the study. After obtaining informed consent, group discussions performed in- person (2 groups of 7 and 2 groups of 6 participants) in health centers considering universal precautions. Two researchers coordinated the discussions. Five questions proposed on dental service utilization and oral health challenges and data collection continued until saturation obtained. The content of the discussion recorded and transcribed verbatim. For content analysis, two raters independently coded the content; sub-themes and themes were then extracted and consensus obtained.
Results: More than half of the participants were 34 years of age and older. Regarding the challenges related to dental care in health centers, the main themes were; resource limitation, workload, lack of awareness of “Behvarz” role, limited access, economic barriers to prevention and care. Regarding the challenges to prevention, the main themes were; poor knowledge of patients, limited oral health related knowledge of “Behvarz”, and human resources. The main suggestions were emphasizing on the role of schools, mothers and patient education.
Conclusion: Our research showed that despite the important role of “Behvarz” in delivering oral health promotion at the population level, this role is neglected and needs further attention.
Materials and Methods: Focus group discussions was conducted with a convenient sample of “Behvarz” working in health centers of Kordkooy city. Total number of 26 Behvarz with the mean work experience of 13 years took part in the study. After obtaining informed consent, group discussions performed in- person (2 groups of 7 and 2 groups of 6 participants) in health centers considering universal precautions. Two researchers coordinated the discussions. Five questions proposed on dental service utilization and oral health challenges and data collection continued until saturation obtained. The content of the discussion recorded and transcribed verbatim. For content analysis, two raters independently coded the content; sub-themes and themes were then extracted and consensus obtained.
Results: More than half of the participants were 34 years of age and older. Regarding the challenges related to dental care in health centers, the main themes were; resource limitation, workload, lack of awareness of “Behvarz” role, limited access, economic barriers to prevention and care. Regarding the challenges to prevention, the main themes were; poor knowledge of patients, limited oral health related knowledge of “Behvarz”, and human resources. The main suggestions were emphasizing on the role of schools, mothers and patient education.
Conclusion: Our research showed that despite the important role of “Behvarz” in delivering oral health promotion at the population level, this role is neglected and needs further attention.
Mehdi Rahjoo, Bahareh Tahani,
Volume 37, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Volume 37, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aims: One of the most important consequences of the rapid growth of urbanization has been the unequal distribution of urban service specially health care services and escalation of social inequality of citizens. Therefore, this study was aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of dental centers in Isfahan from the perspective of spatial equity.
Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 in Isfahan city. The required data including the population of the fifteen districts of Isfahan city, the data of the geographic municipal areas and the dental centers of Isfahan city were put into Excell. The population data were gathered from the statistical yearbook of population and housing. The dentists’ data were gathered from the Medical Council. Addresses of the dental centers were fed into the Google earth and were found on the traffic map of Isfahan. Using the Arc GIS 10.8 software and based on the Geographic Information System concepts, the spatial justice was analyzed. Moran's autocorrelation index was used to determine the distribution pattern (cluster, scattered, random). Hot spot analysis and nearest neighbor distance (centers in this radius would have more access) were used. Access ratios were analyzed using the ratio of population to the distance of each parcel to the dental centers and then were categorized as privileged to, semi and unprivileged.
Results: Z-score of Moran test was more than the expected score of 2.58 at 0.01 level of significant, indicating the cluster pattern of dental settings distribution in Isfahan. Moran's index (0.076) was much more than the expected equity coefficient (-0.000055), indicating again the cluster pattern of distribution which was not favorable in terms of spatial justice. The nearest neighbor distance analysis indicated that by moving from the center of the city to the outskirts of the city, access to dental centers decreased. Access analysis determined that privilege areas of the city were located mostly in central municipal areas and about 60% of these areas were limited to three municipal regions. Also, about 63% of the city area were categorized as unprivileged.
Conclusion: Distribution of dental centers in the city of Isfahan is not an equal distribution and the dental settings are mostly concentrated in the central areas of the city, not necessarily in high populated areas. There, this pattern necessitates the proper planning to establish dental settings in deprived and high-populated parts of the city.
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