Background: While not directly inhaling tobacco smoke, non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) are not spared of its harmful effects. Individuals who live with smokers or spend significant time in smoke-filled environments are at a higher risk of experiencing negative health effects from SHS compared to occasional exposure. Objective: To assess the awareness and correlates of exposure to second hand tobacco smoke among young adults in Thiruvalla, Kerala. Methodology: An observational study was conducted among young adults aged between 18 and 30 years in Pathanamthitta district from July to December 2023. The data was analyzed using the IBM statistical package for social sciences version 20. The results have been presented as tables and charts showing percentages. Chi-square test and odds ratio were used for analyzing the association between the study variables and SHS knowledge among the study participants. Results: Out of the 300 study participants, 258 had a good knowledge regarding secondhand smoke. Majority of study participants reported that they were exposed to second hand smoke in public places (90%). Educational status, Smoking status and place of exposure to SHS were found to be associated with SHS knowledge among the study participants in the present study. Conclusion: Passive smoking remains a significant threat to the health of non-smokers. Addressing the gaps in knowledge about the dangers of SHS is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Background: The practice of self-medication is common in many parts of the world and can have serious health consequences if not done responsibly. It can lead to drug interactions, addiction, overdose, and other negative health consequences. Some drugs that are commonly used for self-medication, such as prescription opioids or benzodiazepines, can be highly addictive and can lead to dependence and other health problems. Objective: To study the prevailing pattern of self-medication among adults in Thiruvalla area of Pathanamthitta district. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 240 adults of both genders in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, Central Kerala from October 2022 to January 2023. The sample size was calculated using prevalence of self-medication (81.77%) from a similar study. The data was analyzed using the IBM statistical package for social sciences version 21. The results have been presented as tables and charts showing percentages and proportions. A Chi-square test was used for analyzing the association between demographic variables and the practice of self-medication. Results: Out of 240 study participants, 60 % had self-medicated during the last three months. Majority of study participants (42%) self-medicated by naming the drug at their local pharmacy. The present study found that education of the higher order was a risk factor for the practice of self-medication among study participants. Conclusion: A holistic approach involving regulations for pharmacies in dispensing drugs against postdated, unauthorized, incomplete prescriptions and awareness sessions on the implications of self-medication may be helpful in curbing the escalation of the habit of self-medication among the general public.
Context: Pericoronitis is the soft-tissue inflammation surrounding the dental crown in a semi-erupted lower third molar. Patients with early-stage pericoronitis experience discomfort, redness, swelling, mucosal ulceration, and loss of function. There is a dearth of evidence-based, standardized treatments for pericoronitis. Aim: This trial attempted to explore the efficacy of Cheiranthus cheiri (CC) 30 cH against placebos in the treatment of pericoronitis by detecting group differences in pain on the visual analog scale (VAS) over 14 days of intervention. Subsequently, molecular docking of CC was performed to predict the binding affinity of ligands to receptor proteins. Materials and Methods: A 14-day, double-blind, randomized (2:1), placebo-controlled trial was undertaken at the Dental Outpatient Department of D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital. Sixty participants with pericoronitis were randomized to receive either CC 30 cH 12 doses (n = 40) or identical-looking placebos (n = 20). All the participants were instructed to gurgle with warm saline water 2–3 times a day. The primary outcome measure was the time (days) to resolution of pain, measured using 100 mm VASs, from baseline up to 14 days. Secondary outcome measures included time (days) to the resolution of swelling and trismus, measured up to 14 days; blood erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and total leukocyte count; and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire, measured at baseline and after 14 days. The intention-to-treat sample was analyzed; Kaplan–Meier analysis and Welch t-tests of unequal variances were run to detect group differences. The results of molecular docking were examined using Biovia’s Discovery Studio Visualizer. Results: Days to resolution of pain were significantly less in the treatment group than placebo (Mantel-Cox log-rank test: P =0.042). Similar significant results were also obtained in the resolution of swelling (P = 0.007) and trismus (P = 0.014) favoring CC 30cH against placebos; however, no differences were demonstrated in the other secondary outcomes. During molecular docking, all of the bioactive components of CC reacted with tumor necrosis factor-α, proving and verifying its anti-inflammatory potential. Conclusion: CC 30 cH produced significant treatment benefits by resolving pain, swelling, and trismus of pericoronitis earlier than placebos. Larger trials are warranted to substantiate the findings. Trial registration: CTRI/2023/04/051254; UTN: U1111-1289-9815.
Objectives: Both conventional cigarette use and e-cigarette/vape use appear to have detrimental effects on oral health by promoting the development of both dental caries and periodontal disease. This study aimed to compare the effects of the two with regard to dental caries risk level. Methods: A cross-sectional study on patient records was conducted. One thousand and two hundred fifty-one patients who attended the dental school clinics and met the inclusion criteria were included. The Kruskal–Wallis test and multivariable ordinal logistic regression were used to compare the e-cigarette/vaping only, conventional cigarette use only, and dual e-cigarette/vaping, and conventional cigarette use groups in terms of caries risk. Results: A total of 1251 patient records met the inclusion criteria. There were 130 reported active users of e-cigarettes/vapes, 1094 active users of conventional cigarettes, and 27 active users of both e-cigarettes/vapes and conventional cigarettes. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed no statistically significant difference between caries risk levels among the three groups with 88.9% of the dual smokers (both conventional and e-cigarettes/vapes), 83.1% of the e-cigarette/vape-only users, and 82.5% of the conventional cigarette-only smokers being placed in the high/extreme caries risk category (P = 0.693). The comparison was also not significant (P = 0.719) when adjusting for age and gender. Conclusion: Although the percentage of patients in the high/extreme caries risk category was highest in the dual smokers’ group, followed by the vaping/e-cigarette use group, and finally the conventional cigarette group, there was no statistically significant evidence of a difference between these groups.
Background: Academic procrastination involves putting off tasks such as studying for exams, writing papers, or completing assignments until the last possible moment. It is a common challenge faced by many students and can significantly impact their academic performance and overall well-being. Several factors contribute to academic procrastination, including poor time management skills, lack of motivation or interest in the subject matter, fear of failure, perfectionism, difficulty concentrating, and feeling overwhelmed by the workload. In recent years, the promotion of a student's overall well-being has been one of the most important topics in education. Objective: To assess to identify the prevalence of academic procrastination and its correlates among medical students in central Kerala. Materials and Methods: The present cross sectional study was conducted among medical students of both genders in Pathanamthitta district, Central Kerala from October 2022 to December 2022. The data was analyzed using the IBM statistical package for social sciences version 20. The results have been presented as tables and charts showing percentages. Chi-square test and odds ratio were used for analyzing the association between demographic variables and academic procrastination among the study participants. Results: The mean Academic Procrastination among the study participants was 79.59 + 14.8. The prevalence of mild (score less than 50), moderate (score between 50 and 75) and high (score higher than 76) academic procrastination was 3.1%, 39.3%, and 57.5% respectively. Gender of the study participants, long deadlines, distractions, peer influences were some of the factors found to be positively associated with academic procrastination. Conclusion: The present study reveals a high prevalence of academic procrastination among medical students in Pathanamthitta district. A notable finding in the study is that many of the variables that have emerged as risk factors of academic procrastination among study participants are modifiable.
