Oral Cancer Lethality in the Dental Department of Kinshasa University Hospital, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Authors : Charly Mana Mfutu ; Jean-Paul Isouradi Sekele ; Fidèle Nyimi Bushabu ; Adelin Baudouin Nzudjom Foche ; Matthieu Nkumu Loposso ; Erick Ntambwe Kamangu ; Dieudonné Nyembue Tshiupkane ; Jacques Bolenge Ileboso ; Clarisse Falanga Mawi ; Koto-te-Ny

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjmh.43.160.165

Abstract:
Background: Despite the scientific advances achieved during this century in cancer management, nevertheless, the cancer disease remains one of the most fatal sickens globally and little data are available on oral cancer mortality in most low-income countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Aim: To assess the frequency of oral cancer mortality in the Department of Dental medicine at the Kinshasa University Hospital. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study based on the records of patients who died from oral cancer was conducted in the Department of Dental Medicine, Kinshasa University Hospital spanning over a period of 20 years (2000 to 2019). The data were collected from the records of patients with a histologically proven diagnosis of cancer. Pertinent parameters included Age, sex, stage of disease, histological type of tumor and probability of survival of patients were evaluated. Results: During the study, 889 patients were hospitalized in the Department. Out of 91 patients who died while in hospital, 49 deaths (53.8%) were from oral cancer in 57% males. Median age was 46.02±19.6 years and sex ratio of male/female of 1.3. The epidermoid or squamous cell carcinoma (63.3%) was the most frequent histological type of malignancy, and the majority of deaths (96%) occurred at and advanced cT4NM clinical stage with 90% having less than 200 days prognostic survival chance. Conclusion: The frequency of lethality in the present study was high and constitutes a health problem concern in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This study emphasizes the primary role devoted to oral health professionals in education, population, prevention, early detection and early management of oral cancer.

Impact of Excessive Screen Time and the Mediating Effect of Physical Exercise on Sleep in Physiotherapy Students During Covid-19

Authors : Isha Akulwar-Tajane ; Palak H. Naik ; Kashish K. Parmar ; Ayushi V. Shah

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjmh.43.149.159

Abstract:
Aim: The science of today is the technology of tomorrow. The 21st century has witnessed a great development in the field of technology. Whether we love it or loathe it, technology affects everything we do today and influences almost everything we plan for our tomorrow. It has advanced everywhere making people access various types of devices. Sleep is fundamental to optimal functioning including health and behavior. This paper describes the interrelations between sleep and screen use. The purpose of this study was to identify technology use hence exploring the screen time of the individual and its impact on sleep and the mediating effect of physical exercise. Method: A representative sample of 150 Physiotherapy students was surveyed using an online questionnaire to analyze their technology use and sleep patterns. Results: A total number of 150 completed forms were analyzed.  94.7% students screen time use had increased during the lockdown. 43.3% of student participants spent more than 6 hours on digital devices on a daily basis. 73.3% of the population agreed that screen time did affect their sleeping pattern in the lockdown. 64% students encountered sleeping problems. 52% people admitted that excessive screen use has affected their sleep quality. 65.3% of the students have been taking part in physical exercises regularly, out of which 65.27 % reported decreased sleeping complaints. Conclusion: This study shows that use of screen based digital devices and media use has significantly increased during COVID-19 pandemic lock down in Physiotherapy students and provides scientific evidence for its negative impact on sleep. Physical exercises were associated with a positive effect on sleep disorders.

Determinants of Stress and Effects on Performance in Part of Lebanese University Medical Residents During Fourth Quarter of 2019

Authors : Zaynab Toufic Zaylaa ; Aicha Toufic Zaylaa ; Rouwayda Dana ; Bassem Abou Merhi ; Ahmad Mohamad Adawiye

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjmh.43.132.148

Abstract:
Background and Objective: Medical residents face challenges that expose them to high risk of developing stress. Stress could reach burnout levels and become harmful to residents and patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stress in current Lebanese University (LU) residents and assessing correlations with some risk factors and consequences. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 130 current LU residents who filled out a questionnaire concerning their demographic data, residency specialty and year, workload, special habits, depression, stress, and frequency of medical errors. Depression and stress scores were obtained using DASS-21 scale. Collected data was analyzed using ANOVA and chi- Square tests in SPSS to find descriptive statistics and correlations. Results: Out of the enrolled residents, 70% had stress ranging between mild and extreme severity. The mean age of the residents was 27.2 years. Females had higher stress than males and gender accounted for 14.1% of variance in stress among residents. Our results implied that internal medicine specialty imposes higher stress than surgery specialty with a significant difference of 4.04 points and working more than 50 hours per week which accounts for 7.6% of variance in stress. Residents had, on average, 4.38 hours of sleep per night and a negative association was found between sleep and stress. Depression was prevalent; 18.5% had severe depression, 3.1% had extremely severe depression, and stress was significantly correlated with it. Similarly, stress was associated with medical errors. No significant correlation was detected between age, marital status, parenting, and residency year, on call duties, or special habits and stress. Conclusion: Stress among medical residents is high due to the different challenges at the personal and occupational level. Stress should be managed especially that it could lead to harmful consequences on the resident’s health and patient’s safety.

COVID-19 in the Indian Territory of Lakshadweep – Role of MMR Vaccination in the Management of COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors : Prabir Chakravarty

DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjmh.43.123.131

Abstract:
COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a contagious disease which has spread across the entire world within one year and four months of its first appearance in Wuhan, China. Since then new mutated strains of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in most of the countries including India; the first variant being detected in the United Kingdom (B 7.1.1). We had reported earlier that some regions of Indian Territory had minimal spread of COVID-19 in the population. Among them, one exception was territory of Lakshadweep which did not have even a single case of COVID-19 until December, 2020. However, the first case of COVID-19 emerged in Lakshadweep in January, 2021. The significance of spread of COVID-19 in the population which were previously immunized with MMR (Mumps Measles Rubella) vaccine with plausible role of MMR vaccination in management of COVID-19 has been evaluated in this article.