Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: Cancer is the 3rd cause of death after heart disease and injuries in Iran. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the most effective procedures in cancer therapy, but their side effects are still unknown for many patients. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the patients’ knowledge with head and neck cancer regarding the complications of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical research was based on the information extracted from personal questionnaires and files of cancer patients who referred to the centers of Kerman University of Medical Sciences during a 6 months period in 2017. The data were analyzed by chi-square test at the significance level of 0.05.
Results: Our findings showed that most of the patients (76.48%) had low information level. There was no statistically significant association between the knowledge with demographic variables (P>0.05). However, patients with chronic disease had higher level of information. Only 10% of patients had received information by their physicians.
Conclusion: It seems there is not effective education regarding the rated radiotherapy and chemotherapy complications, because their knowledge was not in acceptable level. Considering the importance of this issue, it is necessary to perform educational program to improve patients' ability and skills to cope whit the chemotherapy and radiotherapy complications and their side effects.

Background and Aims: Caregivers’ oral health literacy (OHL) can be effective in increasing their children’s knowledge, and can improve their oral health-related behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mothers’ OHL and children’s oral health status.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 202 6-year child/mother dyads in Semirom, Iran, applying a cluster sampling method. Self-administered questionnaires (Oral Health Literacy-Adult Questionnaire) requested information about mothers’ OHL. Children’s oral health status (dmft and pufa) was recorded via clinical examination. Pearson correlation coefficient, spearman correlation coefficient, independent T-test, and a linear regression model were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Among 202 pre-school children, 99 were girls (49%). The mean OHL score of mothers was 63.2 (Max achievable score=100, SD=18.9). Higher score of OHL among mothers was associated with their children’s less missing teeth (mt) and more filled teeth (ft) (P<0.05). No significant the association existed between the mothers OHL and their children’s dt, dmft, and pufa. Childrens of younger mothers, more educated mothers, and those with better oral health behaviors in terms of daily flossing and tooth brushing, showed lower scores of dmft and pufa (P<0.05).
Conclusion: A significant association revealed between mothers’ OHL and the oral health status of their children. Thus, it is recommended to increase mothers’ OHL to improve their children’s oral health status.