METHODS: The OPL session was conducted by two postgraduate students in SCD (as teachers), to final year undergraduate dental students (as learners) (n = 90), supervised by two specialists in SCD-related areas (as supervisors). Vetted online pre- and post-intervention quizzes were conducted before and after the session, respectively, followed by an online validated feedback survey of the students' learning experiences. Meanwhile, a reflective session was conducted between the postgraduate students and supervisors to explore their perceptions of OPL. Quantitative data was analyzed via paired t-test (significance level, P
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between stress, self-efficacy, and quality of life (QoL) in mothers of children with autism.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed from October to November 2019 to mothers with autistic children using cluster sampling techniques to capture their demographics and perceptions of stress, self-efficacy, and QoL. The data analysis was performed using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM).
RESULTS: Of the 290 questionnaires distributed, 238 (response rate of 82%) sets were returned, but only 181 questionnaires were usable for further analysis. The findings demonstrated a notable impact of stress and self-efficacy on quality of life and an adverse effect of stress on self-efficacy. Self-efficacy serves as an intermediary in the relationship between stress and quality of life.
CONCLUSION: In general, mothers of autistic children typically face moderate stress levels, but they have low levels of self-efficacy and quality of life. Mothers of children with autism need assistance and support from healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists, so that they can bear the challenges of raising children with special needs and enjoy a higher standard of living with less emotional and physical strain.
METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, from September 2010 to April 2012. Periodontal chips were formulated using S. persica, benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and chitosan extracts. All patients were treated with full mouth scaling and root planing at baseline. Thereafter, the periodontal pockets (≥5 mm in length) were divided into 4 groups: the control group; group 2 (plain chitosan chip); group 3 (S. persica extract); and group 4 (BITC extract). Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing pocket depth and clinical attachment levels were recorded at days 0 and 60 only.
RESULTS: A total of 12 patients participated in this study. Overall, 240 periodontal pockets were evaluated. The study revealed significant improvements in PI, BOP and reduction in periodontal pocket depth in all 4 groups (P <0.05). The improvement in clinical attachment level was significantly higher (P <0.001) among the group that received S. persica chips compared to the control and other chip-treated groups.
CONCLUSION: Periodontal chips containing S. persica can be used as adjuncts to treat patients with periodontitis.