Library Bulletin – Journal Articles – February 2010
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DENTAL / ORAL HEALTH
RIORDAIN, Richeal Ni and MCCREARY, C. Dental patients' use of the internet. British Dental Journal Vol 207, No 12 - 19 December 2009: 583-586
Abstract: Aims and objectives: To determine the use of the Internet by patients attending a range of dental clinics to search for information regarding dental procedures, and also to investigate their interest in online dental consultations and 'dental tourism'. Methods: A questionnaire was designed and randomly distributed to 520 patients attending the restorative dentistry, dental surgery and oral medicine clinics of Cork University Dental School and Hospital. Results: Of the 520 questionnaires distributed, 500 were completed leading to a response rate of 96.2%. The majority of patients were familiar with using the Internet on a daily basis, with only 163 (32.6%) patients not using the Internet in their everyday lives. One hundred and seventy-seven (34.5%) patients either researched their presenting dental/oral condition or had a family or friend research their condition on their behalf. One hundred and eighty-five (37%) patients would consult with a dental practitioner online regarding an oral problem and a similar number (n = 186) of patients surveyed would consider using the Internet to plan trips abroad for dental treatment. Conclusion: Practitioner-led direction for patients regarding quality information sources online is important. With the increased interest in travelling abroad for dental treatment, guidance for patients and practitioners regarding the legal and ethical issues pertaining to dental tourism is critical.
SAVOLAINEN, J and SUOMINEN-TAIPALE, A and others. Sense of coherence associates with oral and general health behaviours. Community Dental Health Vol 26, No 4 - December 2009: 197-203
Abstract: Objective: Our aim was to investigate the mutual relationship between oral and general health behaviours and oral and general subjective health among adults, and to explore whether sense of coherence (SOC) could be a common health-promoting correlate for them. Participants: The present study included data for 4,096 30- to 64-year-old dentate adults (2,177 females and 1919 males). Basic research design: In the nationally representative, cross-sectional sample including 8,028 persons aged 30, or more, 88% were surveyed. The questionnaire and home interview included information about socio-economic and demographic factors, behavioural and psycho-social variables. Chisquare test and logistic regression models were used in the data analysis. Main outcome measures: The main outcome measures were oral health behaviours (regular dental attendance, twice a day tooth-brushing frequency), general health behaviours (non-smoking habits, physical activity at least twice a week), subjective oral and general health and the SOC (12-item) scale. Results: Among females, positive health behaviours tended to occur together significantly more often than among males. Thus, 83 % of females with more than once a week physical exercise frequency, and 79 % of the non-smoking females, brushed their teeth at least twice a day, while the corresponding figures for the males were merely 55 % and 50 %. A strong SOC was associated with uniformly positive health behaviours and subjective oral and general health. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a strong SOC has a universal positive association with several health behaviours and subjective health measures, also concerning oral health. Thus, the role of psycho-social factors should not be underestimated in health promotion.