Oral Health Practices of Adult Inhabitants of a Traditional Community in Ibadan, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Although, the association between oral health care practices and sociodemographic characteristics of populations have been documented, information is sparse on sociodemographic indices influencing oral health practices of residents of traditional communities. The study aimed to describe the oral health practices of adult inhabitants of a traditional community in Nigeria.METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving adult residents in randomly selected houses in Idikan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Data on their oral health care practices was obtained with the use of structured interviewer administered questionnaires. Data was analysed with SPSS and test of association carried out using Chi square.RESULTS: A total of 390 adult residents participated in the study, of which 56.2% were males. A total of 196 (50.3%) participants used toothbrush solely to clean their teeth, 72 (18.5%) used chewing sticks alone while119 (30.5%) used both tooth brush and chewing stick. Older residents of the community, those with no formal education and in lower occupational classes were more likely to use chewing stick (p < 0.05). The majority(68.7%) cleaned their teeth once daily, 30% cleaned twice while 1.3% cleaned infrequently. Educational level attained and occupational class were significantly related to frequency of oral hygiene. Nearly all (95.4%)of the participants knew that oral health services are available in most hospitals, yet only 35.9% had ever visited a dental centre with a significantly higher proportion being males (p < 0.05).CONCLUSION: The study showed that the oral health practices of a typical traditional community in Nigeria are highly influenced by socioeconomic considerations.  KEY WORDS: Oral health, practices, traditionalcommunity

Determinants of folic acid intake during preconception and in early pregnancy by mothers in Ibadan, Nigeria

Introduction: In order to identify targets for primary preventive strategies, we explored possible  predictors of periconceptional folic acid (pFA) intake in a Nigerian population of reproductively active  women.Methods: A cross sectional study of mothers attending immunization clinics at two hospitals was conducted between May and November 2012. Information obtained included sociodemographic and  obstetric details and periconceptional usage of FA. Independent variables were analysed as predictors of pFA intake using chi-square statistical test and multinomial logistic regression.Results: The study involved 602 mothers aged 17 to 42 years; 23% had a university degree and 66%  were in the working class. Preconceptional usage was proven in only 15 (2.5%). Periconceptional usage was more likely among professionals (X2 = 41.194, p < 0.001), those with university degree (X2 = 53.089, p < 0.001),are primigravid (X2 = 18.415, p < 0.001) and early antenatal clinic attendees (X2 =  355.9, p < 0.001). Women were less likely to know that FA could prevent birth defects if in the working class (1.7% vs. 11.1%, X2 = 25.593, p < 0.001), less educated (0.5 vs. 10.9%, X2 = 38.083, p < 0.001) or booked late for antenatal care (2.0 vs. 5.9%, X2 = 5.767, p = 0.016). The determinants of late commencement of FA were low social class (OR = 4.29, 95% CI: 1.59, 11.31), lack of university  education (OR = 4.58, 95% CI: 3.06, 6.87) and late booking (OR = 104.27, 95% CI: 53.09, 204.76). Conclusion: In this population of reproductively active women, pFA intake and knowledge of its health benefits are poor amongst mothers - in working class, with limited education, and who present late for  antenatal care.Key words: Periconceptional, folic acid, neural tube defects, prevention, determinant

Impact of Oral Health on The Quality of Life of Elementary School Teachers

BACKGROUND: The success of preventive school health programs is largely dependent on teachers who are role models to pupils and pivotal to implementation. It is therefore important to understand the perception of school teachers about the impact of oral health on their daily activities. The aim of this study was to assess oral health related quality of life of elementary school teachers by evaluating the impact of oral conditions like dental caries and periodontal disease on their daily performances and school work.METHODS: This was a descriptive cross sectional study in which 407 teachers were selected through multistage random sampling technique. Data were collected with structured interviewer-administered Oral Impact on Daily Performances (OIDP) questionnaires and by clinical oral examinations. Data were collated and analysed with SPSS.RESULTS: The prevalence of reporting of impacts on daily performances was 39.1% with eating and enjoying food being the most commonly impacted activity. Impacts on daily performances were more likely to be reported by teachers with better education (p = 0.019). Teachers with caries had higher odds of reporting impacts as a result of oral health status (CI: 1.04, 5.64, p = 0.040). The severity of periodontal disease found on clinical examination was not related to reporting of impacts on quality of life (p > 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The oral health status of school teachers impacted significantly on their daily performance and school work when they experienced pain. Painless but highly prevalent oral lesions were, however, not perceived to influence their quality of life.KEYWORDS: Oral health status, OIDP, quality of life, school-based program, teacher

How valid are the psychometric properties of the oral health impact profile-14 measure in adult dental patients in Ibadan, Nigeria?

BACKGROUND: The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) is the most widely used quality of life (QoL) measure to evaluate the influence of oral diseases on individuals. QoL measures have been noted to be context and environment specific, and there is a need to cross-culturally adapt a scale before its introduction into any community. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties, validity and internal consistency of the OHIP-14 measure in an adult patient population in Ibadan, Nigeria.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a four-month period on 204 adult patients using OHIP-14 structured questionnaire, global self-report indicator of oral conditions and perceived treatment need. Oral examinations were performed to assess periodontal status, caries  experience and attachment loss. Data were analyzed using SPSS and p-value for statistical significance was set at < 0.05.Results: A total of 204 patients participated in the study with a mean OHIP score of 11.2 (± 9.8). OHIP scores were not related to the  sociodemographic characteristics. Perception of need for treatment was greater among those who reported impacts on their QoL (89.3% vs. 14.3%, p < 0.001). The OHIP scores correlated negatively with global self rating of oral health status (rho = -0.23, p < 0.01). Higher OHIP scores were  associated with having carious teeth (p = 0.023). The Cronbach’s alpha for the 14 inventory items ranged from 0.857 to 0.871.CONCLUSION: The OHIP-14 measure showed good psychometric properties with satisfactory validity and internal consistency in adult patients in  Ibadan, Nigeria.Keywords: Oral health, quality of life, OHIP-14, validity, internal  consistenc

Factors influencing awareness and attendance of traditional oral health care practices by residents of a peri-urban community in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: In order to institute preventive programmes against harmful traditional oral health practices there is a need to identify targets.Objectives: To investigate factors influencing awareness and attendance of traditional oral health practices by residents of a peri-urban community in Ibadan, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional study of adult residents selected by simple random sampling in a peri-urban community in Ibadan, Nigeria, was conducted over a period of six months. Information was obtained with interviewer administered questionnaires. Data were recorded using SPSS version 16 software.Results: A total of 172 (44.1%) respondents were aware of the existence of traditional healers for dental problems. Only 34 (8.7%) participants had been to traditional healers on account of toothache. About 76.5% reported having relief after treatment with relapse occurring in 12 cases (46.2%). Twenty (58.8%) of these (34) participants said they would not choose this option of treating dental problems in future. Significant associations existed between knowing that traditional healers provided dental treatment and gender (p = 0.001) or history of dental problems (p =0.008).Conclusion: The study showed moderate awareness of traditional oral care practices in Ibadan, Nigeria as influenced by gender and previous dental problems.Key words: Traditional, oral health care, practices, awareness, attendance, factor

Overview of Anorectal Malformations in Africa

Anorectal malformation is one of the most common structural congenital malformations treated by pediatric surgeons globally. The outcome of care is largely dependent on the spectrum, clinical features, associated malformations, expertise of the surgeons, and available perioperative facilities. Africa has a large burden of unmet surgical needs in children, and as in other low resource settings, local pediatric surgeons are faced with different and challenging clinical scenarios, hence, adopt various measures to enable children with surgically correctable congenital malformations to survive. There are increasing collaborations between local surgeons and experts in other continents, which often involves surgeons traveling to Africa on missions or well-structured partnerships. It is highly beneficial for the physician who is interested in global-surgery to understand the terrain in low resource settings and prepare for possible changes in management plan. This review highlights the epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of care of children with anorectal malformations in Africa and provides options adopted by pediatric surgeons working with limited resources

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy; Understanding And Improving Outcomes-A Systematic Review

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) presents a significant global health challenge, contributing substantially to maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite ongoing research efforts, the multifaceted nature of PPCM, encompassing genetic, environmental, and clinical factors, necessitates a comprehensive understanding to improve patient outcomes effectively. Aims: This systematic review aims to synthesise current knowledge on PPCM aetiology, risk factors, diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and prognostic indicators, highlighting recent advancements and potential avenues for future research and clinical management. By addressing key aspects such as genetic predispositions, environmental influences, diagnostic strategies, therapeutic modalities, and global disparities, this review seeks to provide insights that can inform interdisciplinary approaches and ultimately enhance the care and outcomes of affected patients on a global scale. Methodology: Narrative, qualitative systematic review of current literature. Results: This systematic review delved into the multifaceted landscape of PPCM, revealing genetic, environmental, and clinical intricacies. Key findings included the identification of TTN truncating mutations as a significant genetic predisposition, prompting personalised medical interventions. Environmental factors, such as PM2.5 exposure, intersected with clinical dynamics, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary cooperation in healthcare and environmental policy. Additionally, studies emphasised the importance of timely diagnosis, global disparities in PPCM incidence, and the potential for personalised treatments like bromocriptine and targeted genetic therapies. Conclusion: This review illuminated the complexity of peripartum cardiomyopathy and provides a roadmap for future research and clinical management, advocating for holistic approaches to improve patient outcome

The cost minimization analysis of an outreach dental service: a pilot study at Akinyele local government area in Nigeria

Background: Access to dental services improves oral health and thereby, overall general health. For people with limited or no access to oral health care services, outreach dental services may be used to reduce oral health inequality. There is however paucity of information on the economic analysis of outreach dental services in sub Saharan Africa.Objective: To report a cost minimization analysis of an outreach dental service as compared with a primary oral health clinic.Method: A comparative analysis of the costs expended in the treatment of patients at an outreach dental service of the University College Hospital, Ibadan was done versus the costs that would have been incurred if the patients had been treated at a Primary Oral Health Clinic of the same institution.Results: A total of three hundred and forty two (342) participants were attended to at the outreach dental service. More than 80% of the 123 participants examined had an unmet oral health need. The procedures carried out were in keeping with the basic package of oral care. The average cost of the outreach per participant was N530 (~$2.50) only versus an estimate of N868 (~$4.13) per participant if the programme had been clinic based. The total cost savings was N115,344 (~$549.26).Conclusion: Outreach dental services provide similar dental treatment to services in a primary oral health clinic at a reduced cost.Keywords: Access, Basic package of oral care, Cost analysis, Dental services, Oral health care, Oral health inequalitie

Corporate Entrepreneurship, HRM Practices and Firm Performance

AIn modern business dynamics, firm growth and sustainability significantly depends on corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and entrepreneurship (E) practices. Because of their significance, we have examined the direct and indirect effect of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and entrepreneurship (E) on firm performance (FP) in SMEs of Nigeria. We have used a sample of 387 for collecting the data non-randomly. The tool we used for collecting the data was a close-ended questionnaire, which we adapted from earlier studies. The authors have used Smart PLS for statistical analysis. We found that corporate entrepreneurship (CE), entrepreneurship (E), and human resource management (HRM) affects firm performance (FP). We also found that HRM practices also have a significant link with corporate entrepreneurship (CE), entrepreneurship (E), and firm performance (FP). The results also suggest that entrepreneurship (E) and corporate entrepreneurship (CE) mediates HRM practices and firm performance (FP). The above findings were consistent with the view that HRM practices are an essential component of an organization. HRM activities besides conventional functions also promote entrepreneurial (E) behaviour and organizational outcomes. Thus, the HRM department must continuously revisit the policies and procedures to ensure that they are aligned with the changing environment. Entrepreneurial (E) and corporate entrepreneurial (E) orientation support an environment that encourages employees to participate in decision making, which enhances employees’ sense of belonging and promote a positive attitude towards work.Keywords: Corporate entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship, practices, firm performance, Nigeri