A pilot trial of the impact of financial incentive on the utilization of dental services among civil servants in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Financial constraints have been reported as major barriers to utilization of dental services in developing countries. It is however unknown if financial incentives will improve dental service utilization among civil servants in Nigeria.Objective: To evaluate the effect of financial incentive on the utilization of dental services among civil servants in Ibadan, Nigeria.Methods: This was a pilot trial among two clusters of civil servants in Ibadan, Nigeria. In both groups, the civil servants participated in an oral health education programme, a dental screening exercise and referral for dental treatment. In addition to this, the experimental group got a financial incentive to present for treatment. The two groups were followed up for a period of twelve weeks. Data were analysed using SPSS.Results: A total of 109 civil servants participated in the study. There were 62 in the control group and 47 in the experimental group. The mean age of the study participants in the control group was 42.1 8.75 years, mean DMFT was 0.95 and 94% of them had an unmet dental need. Similarly, in the experimental group the mean age was 44.7 11.68 years, mean DMFT was 0.45 0.95 +1.87 and 98% of them had an unmet need. There was no significant difference between the two groups at baseline. At twelve weeks, none of those referred for treatment in the control group presented for treatment while only 3 (6.4%) experimental group presented for dental treatment. No statistical difference was observed (p=0.077).Conclusion: In this study financial incentive did not result in significant increased utilization of dental care services among adults.Keywords: Dental service utilization, Civil servants, Financial incentiv

A health education video in an indigenous Nigerian language to dispel misconceptions associated with reversal of eruption sequence of anterior teeth

Research findings conducted in Nigeria have revealed grave misconceptions regarding eruption of maxillary anterior teeth before the mandibular ones in children as affected individuals are believed to be evil, carriers of misfortune and their families are deemed cursed. Such children are stigmatized, abandoned and may be gotten rid of. A twenty three minute culturally appropriate video in the Yoruba language titled “Baba Yoyin” (meaning male tooth extractor -traditional dentist ) was developed to demystify the Nigerian community about misconceptions associated with reversal of eruption sequence of teeth and educate them about hazards associated with patronizing traditional dentists and the need to visit a dentist/doctor for advice. In the pre -production stage, the video was designed and planned and the cast , crew and appropriate locations for shooting the film shooting were selected . In the production stage, filming was done with several wide, medium and close shots. At post production, the film was edited with a sound mix comprising of sound effects and music. Computer graphic effects were added digitally. This video was produced in Yoruba, an indigenous Nigerian language to serve as a culturally appropriate community dental health education tool targeting nursing mothers, pregnant women, and traditional birth attendants from the lower social class in south western Nigeria. The storyline in this video tape will be translated into Igbo and Hausa , the two other major Nigerian languages. This videotape can be repeated in other African settings whose societies experience similar misconceptions about tooth eruption.Keywords: Reversal of eruption sequence, child, health education, videoAfr. J. Biomed. Res. Vol. 22 (January, 2019); 97- 10

Development of a tool for dispelling myths associated with natal/neonatal teeth: “Adunni” a health education video in a native Nigerian language

Studies have revealed that Nigerians irrespective of social class have negative attitudes and practices towards children born with natal teeth and those who erupt teeth within the first 30 days of life. This has been associated with the strong cultural myths and beliefs that exist among the populace. Children with natal teeth and their families have been stigmatized and are believed to be cursed. This stigmatization affects their social life and consequently impacts on their quality of life. Therefore, there is a need to develop an intervention such as a video to help dispel these myths. Videotapes have been shown as an intriguing means of communication and valuable tool in health education. To help dispel the myths associated with natal teeth, and neonatal teeth a twenty-eight-minute culturally appropriate video in the a local Nigerian language (Yoruba) titled “Adunni” targeted for people from the low social class was developed. This film has been sent to primary health care centers in suburban and rural areas and will be shown to mothers, pregnant women, nursing mothers and traditional birth attendants with a view to appropriately inform them and the entire communities that eruption of natal or neonatal teeth is not a curse.Keywords: Child, Natal teeth, Neonatal teeth, Health education, Vide

Management of dental caries with atraumatic restorative treatment under field condition in primary schools in Oyo State, Nigeria

Background: Dental caries is a common disease in children, which results in tooth loss if not treated. Children in suburban Nigerian communities have a high unmet treatment need index for caries, due to limited access to dental services.Objective: To provide atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) as a field treatment for dental caries and assess the acceptability of this approach to pupils.Methods: This is a report of the treatment of dental caries under field conditions among 432 pupils in six primary schools around the Primary Oral Health Clinics (POHC) at Idikan and Igboora, Oyo state, Nigeria. ART restorations were placed on asymptomatic class 1 cavitated carious teeth, were evaluated at six and twelve weeks for intactness and symptoms. Acceptability was assessed by asking the pupils immediately after treatment if they experienced pain/ discomfort while receiving the treatment. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 9.2(1.8) years; 222(51.4%) were males. The mean (SD) DMFT/ dmft score were 0.06(0.36) [median (Range): 0.0(6)] and 0.07(0.41) [median (Range): 0.0(4)] respectively. Forty (71.4%) decayed teeth were eligible for ART. At six weeks 27(96.4%) fillings were intact while 1(3.6%) had a defective margin, at twelve weeks 23(82.1%) fillings were retained and 1(3.6%) had dislodged. All participants reported no pain during treatment and found the approach acceptable.Conclusion: ART fillings were intact in 27(96.4%) and 23(82.1%) at 6 and 12 weeks respectively. The provision of ART within a familiar environment is an acceptable method of caries treatment in underserved schoolchildren.Keywords: Field treatment, dental caries, Atraumatic restorative treatmen

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

Detection Of Pendimethalin and Cypermetrin Residues in Locally Produced Tomato Using QuEChERS-HPLC Analysis

This study investigated the levels of pendimethalin and cypermetrin residues in tomato sold in Malete market, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State. Tomatoes were randomly collected from five different vendors in Malete market and analysis was performed using the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) method followed by chromatographic analysis using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ultra-violet (UV) detector. Method validation of the study showed a linearity of the analytes which ranges from 5 – 500 μg/kg, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.999. The average recovery ranges from 75.6 to 111 % with relative standard deviation (RSD) from 2.74 to 9.03 %. The results indicated the presence of cypermethrin in analyzed samples at concentrations lower than the permissible maximum residue levels Keywords: Sample preparation, Pesticide residues, HPLC-UV, QuEChERS

A report on oral health delivery to rural underserved communities oyo state using the mobile dental clinic

Objective: In Nigeria, the distribution of health care facilities particularly oral health facilities is urban based. Consequently, the rural people have no access or minimal access to oral health care. Various studies have called attention to the increasing trend of oral diseases in Nigeria, especially in the rural areas. Mobile dental clinic transcends all barriers to oral health care including physical and cultural barriers through community outreach, to rural underserved areas. Therefore, this project set out to determine the oral health needs of poor underserved rural communities in Ibadan and to deliver oral health care at their doorsteps.Methods: Using the services of a mobile dental clinic, inhabitants in selected rural communities namely; Akufo, Olosun, Aremo and Ilaju were given oral health talk and treatment after their needs were determined using dental mirror, natural light, CPITN probe, caries probe.Result: One hundred and thirty one people were examined and treated. Majority were from Yoruba tribe. More females (58.0%) participated in the study. Mean age of the participants was 42.4years (+10.4). Many (61.8%) of the participants had periodontal disease, tooth wear 24.4%, dental caries 16.0%. Majority of the participants had scaling and polishing (61.8%) as treatment, while 3.1% had atraumatic restorative treatment. Extraction was done for 6.8% of participants, while 27.5% were referred.Conclusion: Oral diseases, especially periodontal disease, tooth wear and caries are quite prevalent in underserved rural communities.Keywords: oral health, rural, mobile, barriers, underserve

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Oral Hygiene Practices and Willingness to utilize Dental Services among Patient Attendees of a Primary Oral Health Care Clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria

Objective: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on oral hygiene practices and willingness to utilize dental care services among patients who attended a Primary Oral Health Care Clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 dental patients who had attended the Primary Oral Health Care Centre, Idikan, Ibadan, between July 2019 and March 2020. Data were obtained on the effect of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on oral hygiene practices and willingness to utilise dental care services during the lockdown was obtained using semistructured questions. The questionnaire was administered through mobile telephone interviews by trained dentists. Data was analysed with SPSS version 25. Results: The mean age of the participants was 38.2 (±19.4) years, and 60 (57.1%) were females. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, 19 (18.1%) of the participants reported a change in their oral hygiene habits, out of which 15 (14.3%) increased the frequency and duration of tooth cleaning while it reduced for 4 (3.8%) participants. Twenty-eight (26.7%) of the participantswould not have considered visiting the dental clinic for routine check-ups during the period. Fear of contracting COVID-19 infection was the main reason for the unwillingness to utilize dental services for: routine check-up (15.7%) and oral prophylaxis (8.6%). There was no significant association between sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and change inoral health practices during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (p > 0.005). Conclusion: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was minimal on the oral hygiene practices of the study participants, with many having no change in their oral hygiene practices. The change in oral hygiene practices was in terms of frequency and duration of teeth cleaning. While some had a positive change, few others had negative changes. &nbsp

Characterization of Novel Alkaline Protease producing Bacillus subtilis C3a-FIIRO with Potential for Industrial Application

Microbial alkaline protease is one of the dominant industrial enzymes which function in splitting polypeptides chain of protein into monomers of amino acids and peptides. This study aimed to identify alkaline protease produced by Bacillus sp. Soil samples were aseptically collected from dump sites in FIIRO, Lagos state, Nigeria. The samples were serially diluted, and bacteria were isolated using pour plate method. The resulting isolates were screened and morphologically characterized. The isolate with the highest protease production potential was subjected to biochemical characterization using Analytical Profile Index (API) identification kit system and 16S rRNA sequencing. The selected isolate was used to produce alkaline protease by solid state fermentation using rice bran as a substrate. Out of the 18 bacteria isolated, 11 isolates showed alkaline protease production potential. Isolate C3a-FIIRO was selected for its maximal alkaline protease produced as indicated by a 56 mm zone of clearance. Morphological and biochemical characterization revealed isolate C3a-FIIRO as a member of the genus Bacillus. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the isolate as Bacillus subtilis C3aFIIRO (MW577298) with closest homology to Bacillus subtilis Y17B. The enzyme activity of 6848.171 U/ml ± 0.11 and protein concentration of 152.13 mg/ml ± 0.003 showed that Bacillus subtilis C3a-FIIRO has potential for sustainable alkaline protease production

Associations between COVID-19 testing status, non-communicable diseases and HIV status among residents of sub-Saharan Africa during the first wave of the pandemic

Background This study determined if non-communicable disease status, HIV status, COVID-19 status and co-habiting were associated with COVID-19 test status in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods Data of 5945 respondents age 18-years-old and above from 31 countries in sub-Saharan Africa collected through an online survey conducted between June and December 2020, were extracted. The dependent variable was COVID-19 status (testing positive for COVID-19 and having symptoms of COVID-19 but not getting tested). The independent variables were non-communicable disease status (hypertension, diabetes, cancer, heart conditions, respiratory conditions, depression), HIV positive status, COVID-19 status (knowing a close friend who tested positive for COVID-19 and someone who died from COVID-19) and co-habiting (yes/no). Two binary logistic regression models developed to determine associations between the dependent and independent variables were adjusted for age, sex, employment, sub region and educational status. Results Having a close friend who tested positive for COVID-19 (AOR:6.747), knowing someone who died from COVID-19 infection (AOR:1.732), and living with other people (AOR:1.512) were significantly associated with higher odds of testing positive for COVID-19 infection, while living with HIV was associated with significantly lower odds of testing positive for COVID-19 infection (AOR:0.284). Also, respondents with respiratory conditions (AOR:2.487), self-reported depression (AOR:1.901), those who had a close friend who tested positive for COVID-19 infection (AOR:2.562) and who knew someone who died from COVID-19 infection (AOR:1.811) had significantly higher odds of having symptoms of COVID-19 infection but not getting tested. Conclusion Non-communicable diseases seem not to increase the risk for COVID-19 positive test while cohabiting seems to reduce this risk. The likelihood that those who know someone who tested positive to or who died from COVID-19 not getting tested when symptomatic suggests there is poor contact tracing in the region. People with respiratory conditions and depression need support to get tested for COVID-19