• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.54 no.4
• /
• pp.224-235
• /
• 2024

Purpose: This systematic review investigated whether drug use is associated with the presence of oral lesions and periodontitis. Methods: A search was performed for studies that analyzed the presence of periodontitis and/or oral lesions in users of crack, cocaine, and/or marijuana in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Observational studies in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, without limitation of year, age, and sex, were included. Studies that did not evaluate periodontitis and oral lesions according to the eligibility criteria were excluded. Two authors independently performed study selection and data extraction using a standardized form. The risk of bias of studies included in the meta-analysis was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. The meta-analysis included studies that investigated the association of drug use with the outcome. Results: The initial search resulted in 9,279 articles, from which 16 studies with 15,434 participants were included in the review and 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Most studies that evaluated periodontitis in drug users and non-users found a positive association in users. Most studies that analyzed oral lesions reported a higher prevalence, association, or risk of oral lesions in drug users than in non-users. A critical evaluation identified a need to improve the control and reporting of confounding factors in studies on this topic. An association was found between periodontitis and the use of crack, cocaine, and/or marijuana (odds ratio [OR], 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-3.27; P=0.04) and between oral lesions and the use of these drugs (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.58-2.86; P<0.001). Conclusions: Drug users are more likely to develop oral lesions and periodontitis than nonusers. However, the results should be interpreted with caution, considering the heterogeneity and quality of the studies included in the analysis.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.29 no.3 s.54
• /
• pp.507-519
• /
• 1996

The objectives of this study are to investigate the prevalence of occupation related carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) among workers in a condom industry : to analyse the sensitivity and specificity of clinical signs or symptoms such as hand diagram, Tinel's sign and Phalen's sign in carpal tunnel syndrome : and to test vibration threshold test using audiometry as a technically easy and noninvasive method in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome in stead of nerve conduction velocity (NCV). The study group was divided into exposed group(39 cases) and non-exposed group(48 cases) based on whether or not excessive use of wrist movements exsist. 1. There are stastically significant differences in symptoms and signs of carpal tunnel syndrome such as hand diagram, Tinel's sign and Phalen's sign between exposed and non-exposed group(p<0.05). 2. Six cases(9 hands) were comfirmed as carpal tunnel syndrome by NCV. Five cases(7 hands) belonged to exposed group, 1 case(2 hands) to nonexposed group. As there are significant differences in prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome between two groups(p<0.05), excessive use of wrist in occupation is a risk factor of carpal tunnel syndrome. 3. When we use NCV as a gold standard in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, sensitivity and specificity of hand diagram, Tinel's sign and Phalen's sign is as followed; hand diagram , sensitivity 88.9%, specificity 84.2% Tinel's sign ; sensitivity 55.6%, specificity 72.8% Phalen's sign ; sensitivity 14.3%, specificity 88.4%. Among above clinical signs and symptoms, hand diagram is the best clinical screening test. 4. The differences of vibration threshold between median and ulnar nerve at the same time are useful in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome but the time change of vibration threshold of median nerve over time are not sensitive enough. It is concluded that vibration threshold between median and ulnar nerve at the same time can be used as a supplementary or alternative criterion to indicate that the nerve dysfunction is located in the carpal tunnel.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.527-532
• /
• 2012

Background: Tobacco control and cessation interventions are among the most cost effective medical interventions but health systems in low resource countries lack the infrastructure to promote prevention and cessation among tobacco users. Workplace settings have the potential to provide opportunities and access for tobacco prevention interventions. Methods: This is a single group study evaluating tobacco use prevention and cessation through a structured three stage intervention program for tobacco users comprising education on harmful effects of tobacco, oral cancer screening and behavior therapy for tobacco cessation at the worksite. Results: All the 739 workers who were invited participated in tobacco awareness program and were screened for oral pre cancer lesions. 291 (39.4%) workers were found to be users of tobacco in some form. Education, gender and alcohol use (p<0.0001) were some of the factors associated with tobacco user status. The prevalence of clinical oral precancer lesions among tobacco users was 21.6%. Alcohol consumption (p<0.001), the type of tobacco consumed (p<0.018), personal medical history of chronic diseases (p<0.007) and combined use of alcohol and tobacco (p<0.001) were some factors found to be associated with presence of oral pre cancer lesions. Conclusion: An integrated approach for worksite based tobacco use prevention with oral cancer screening program showed good acceptance and participation and was effective in addressing the problem of tobacco consumption among the factory workers.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.6
• /
• pp.3635-3639
• /
• 2013

Background: Conclusive evidence exists about associations between several life-threatening diseases and passive smoking. The objective of our study was to investigate the prevalence of passive smoking among Iranian dental students, to assess their attitudes towards tobacco control programs, and to explore the association between these two and tobacco use. Methods: In eight randomly selected dental schools, all fourth-year students were surveyed by means of a self-administered anonymous questionnaire in December 2010. The Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire served as the data collection instrument. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was assessed during the previous week. Chi-square test, logistic regression, and linear regression served for statistical analyses. Results: The response rate was 84% (325 students, 66% female). Exposure to ETS was reported by 74% of the participants. Men were significantly more exposed to ETS at home, and in other places than were women. Most of the students agreed on queried tobacco control policies. The lowest agreement (72%) was for banning smoking in coffee shops and teahouses. A logistic regression model showed that adjusted for gender, passive smoking at home is significantly associated with current tobacco use. A linear regression model suggested that the total score of attitudes is significantly associated with passive smoking at home, passive smoking in other places, tobacco use experience, and current tobacco use. Conclusions: The study reports high exposure to ETS among dental students, and its association with current tobacco use and attitudes towards tobacco control.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
• /
• v.19 no.6
• /
• pp.931-939
• /
• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of brushing before sleeping by comparing the use of oral care products, frequency of dental clinic visits, and oral conditions between individuals who brush and do not brush their teeth before sleeping using data from the 5th and 6th Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES). Methods: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 on data files obtained according to a complex sampling design, and a significance level of <0.05 was set. General characteristics of the participants and year were analyzed using chi-square analysis. Data on the oral conditions, use of oral care products, and frequency of dental clinic visits were analyzed using logistic regression and linear regression. Results: Individuals who brushed their teeth before sleeping showed greater use of oral care products and more frequent dental clinic visits, oral examinations, preventive treatment, and treatment for simple caries (p<0.05) than individuals who did not. Individuals who did not brush their teeth before sleeping showed higher prevalence of permanent teeth caries and periodontal disease, as well as chewing and speaking problems (p<0.05), than those who bushed before sleeping. Conclusions: Individuals who do not brush before sleeping exhibit poorer oral health and lower use of oral care products and frequency of recent dental treatment than those who brush before sleeping. Therefore, it is necessary to alter the government's active policy and improve education about the importance of brushing before sleeping to improve oral health.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.sup1
• /
• pp.11-15
• /
• 2016

Viet Nam is a country with the highest rate of adult male smokers in the world. In 2010, the percentage of adult male smokers was 47.4%. Each year in Viet Nam, there are 40,000 lives lost from tobacco-related diseases. The Global Tobacco Youth Survey is an international standardized survey that has been conducted in more than 140 countries. To provide evidence for tobacco control, Viet Nam already conducted two rounds of GYTS in 2003 and 2007. The GYTS in 2014 is the survey's third iteration. This paper aims to document key methodological details and socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents included in the 2014 GYTS in Viet Nam. This survey followed international protocol and was conducted in 13 provinces representative of 6 geographical regions. A total of 3,430 school children, aged 13 to 15 years used a standardized answer sheet to answer 76 questions about seven tobacco-related topics, including prevalence of tobacco use, environmental tobacco smoke, access and availability, media and advertisement, cessation, knowledge and attitudes, tobacco-related school curriculum. This GYTS provides valid and reliable data for monitoring tobacco use among youth in Vietnam and is recommended to be regularly repeated.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.317-326
• /
• 2012

Objectives : To investigate the prevalence and utilization pattern of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods : We conducted a nationwide survey and a total of 535 individuals with type 2 diabetes were asked about their demographic, diabetes-related characteristics and CAM use. We used multiple logistic regression modeling to determine independent predictors of CAM use. Results : Of the 535 subjects, 417 (77.9%) used CAM in last 12 months. The most commonly used modality was red ginseng (17.9%). CAM use was independently associated with being married, northern area residence, higher education and diabetes duration of 3-5 years. More than half(58.3%) of the CAM users used it expecting a better outcome in addition to conventional therapy. Information sources about CAM were mostly friends (36.0%) and family (31.9%), only 28.1% of diabetic patients seek counsel from medical doctors or oriental medical doctors about CAM. Many people perceived CAM as effective (62.7%) and reported side effects only rarely (1.2%). Conclusions : Many diabetic patients used CAM and found it effective, which urges clinicians to pay attention to CAM use of their diabetic patients. Also, further studies are required regarding efficacy and safety about CAM.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.545-557
• /
• 2009

Objectives : This study was to investigate the use of mouth-guards and maxillofacial injuries and to examined the relationship among variables in athletes group. Methods : The subjects were 459(86.5%), who were 18 years or older with mean age of 20.7 years. Data was collected using a self administrated questionnaire from May 25 to June 15, 2009. We surveyed maxillofacial injuries(temporo-mandibular disorders contained) and mouth-guards usage and confidence concerning mouth-guards in athletes. The data were analysed with chi-square analysis, fisher's exact test and logistic regression using the SPSS 15.0 windows. Results : Prevalence of body or maxillofacial injuries experiences was 54.5% for athletes and 47.1% for non-athletes groups(p>0.05). The other hand, the incidence temporo-mandibular disorders was 67.0% for athletes and 49.8% for non-athletes groups(p<0.05). The experience of the use of mouth-guards was 83.3% for athletes and 78.8% for non-athletes, there were not significant differences between athletes and non-athletes groups (p>0.05). Risk factors found to be significantly related to the occurrence of maxillofacial injury were: unused mouth-guards(OR=2.83), no rules for use of mouth-guards(OR=2.46). Conclusions : Based on the findings, maxillofacial injuries experience is highly associated with mouth-guards usage, not only athletes also general people should be educated on the use of mouth-guard in order to reduce the incidence of maxillofacial injuries.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.50 no.1
• /
• pp.60-65
• /
• 2017

Objectives: We examined the prevalence of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke among middle-school students in Korea using the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in 2013. Methods: The GYTS in Korea was conducted between July and August 2013 by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data were collected using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire from a nationally representative sample of middle-school students aged 13-15 years in sampled classrooms. Results: The GYTS in Korea was completed by 4235 students aged 13-15 years in 43 middle schools. Approximately one in five of the students (17.8%) reported that they had tried cigarettes in the past, while 5.2% reported currently being cigarette smokers. Current cigarette smoking was higher in boys (7.5%) than in girls (2.6%). Of the students, 29.7% had been exposed to secondhand smoke at home, 47.4% inside enclosed public places, and 53.9% in outdoor public places. Of the current cigarette smokers, 25.7% bought their cigarettes from a store despite a law prohibiting this. Additionally, 58.0% of students noticed point-of-sale tobacco advertisements or promotions, 66.8% of current cigarette smokers wanted to stop smoking, and 70.9% of students had been taught about the dangers of tobacco use in school. Conclusions: These findings provide an opportunity to develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive tobacco control policy. The results suggest that youth have relatively easy access to cigarettes and are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke in public places, as well as to point-of-sale tobacco advertisements and promotions. Strict enforcement of the ban on tobacco sales to youth, expanding smoke-free areas, and advertising bans are needed to reduce tobacco use among youth.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.1-6
• /
• 2003

In this work, the present concentration levels of total gaseous mercury (TGM) are compared among three East Asian countries, Korea, China, and Japan. Comparison of Hg distribution patterns was made by selecting representative figures for each type of land use among those three countries. The results of the analysis indicate that Hg concentrations within a country can fall into a wide range due probably to the diversity of source processes. It is seen that the urban areas of China and Japan generally exhibit large spatial variability with notably high Hg levels (above 10 ng m$^{-3}$), compared to their Korean counterparts. Although the presence of high Hg levels in Chinese locations can be accounted for by the major man-made source processes (e.g., the use of coal), the causes of unexpectedly high Hg data in Japanese sites appear to be rather complicated. The Hg concentration levels in relatively remote locations however show much reduced values, above 3 ng m$^{-3}$, which is still higher than the typical background concentrations of 1 to 2 ng m$^{-3}$ in Europe or America. Considering that the presence of unusually high Hg levels in urban areas of Asia is the consequence of man-made activities, the prevalence of excessively high Hg values in certain regions of the Asian continent needs further research to accurately assess the fundamental picture of Hg geochemistry in the East Asia.