Jalber Almeida dos Santos

Smoking among undergraduate students in the area of health

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between smoking and socio-demographic and behavioral factors among undergraduate students in the area of health at the State University of Paraíba, Brazil. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample from each of the following courses: Dentistry, Nursing, Psychology, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy and Physical Education. A total of 492 students were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The chi-square and Fishers Exact tests were used for statistical analysis at a 5% level of significance. Smoking prevalence was 5.7% and stress was the main reason for starting the habit (36.8%). In the multivariate analysis by logistic regression, the variables of gender, religious persuasion, semester attended in the course, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with smoking (p<0.05). Although other studies reported a strong relationship between university students and smoking, the prevalence of smokers was low. Most of the variables studied revealed a correlation with smoking. Since smoking and alcohol consumption are the two major human addictions, this study suggests a bidirectional relationship between these variables.

Avaliação in vitro do potencial erosivo de bebidas isotônicas

A sports drink is a beverage made to rehydrate, as well as replace electrolytes, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the endogenous pH, total titratable acidity and total soluble solids content (TSSC) of nine sports drinks. pH analysis was performed by potentiometry and buffering capacity was assessed by dilution of each substance. Increments of 0.1 N KOH were titrated until neutrality was reached. TSSC readings were performed by Brix refractometry using the Abbe refractometer. pH values ranged from 2.03 (Gatorade Tangerina®) to 2.93 (Marathon Limao®) and all sports drinks showed pH below the critical value of 5.5. The titratable acidity values ranged from 0.106 (Marathon Limao®) to 0.32 (Gatorade Tangerina®). Gatorade Tangerina® presented the lowest TSSC content (6.33%) and Marathon Guarana e Acai® presented the highest TSSC content (12.50%). Statistically significant differences were observed between temperatures for pH (G3, G4, G5, G6 and G8), TSSC (G2, G3, G6 and G9) and TA (G2, G3 and G5). When groups 1 and 3 were compared (Marathon Guarana Acai versus Gatorate Guarana Acai), statistically significant difference concerning pH at room temperature, concerning TSSC at room and ± 9oC temperatures and concerning TA at room temperature was seen. The sports drinks evaluated have a high erosive potential to dental hard tissues, as they present low pH. Regarding temperature, it is recommended to intake these beverages chilled.

Características e distribuição das fraturas mandibulares por causas externas: estudo retrospectivo

Purpose: To investigate the characteristics and distribution of the cases of mandibular fractures due to external causes treated at the Hospital Regional d...

Use of Dental Services among Elderly Living in the City of Campina Grande, PB, Brazil

Objective: To investigate the use of dental services by elderly registered in the Family Health Strategy in the city of Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. Method: In this cross-sectional, home-based study, elderly aged 60 years or older. The probabilistic sample was composed by 283 subjects. The data collection instrument was a semi-structured questionnaire composed by four dimensions: identification, demographics, living conditions and use of health services. Data were processed using the Epi Info 3.5.1 software and were presented by means of descriptive statistics. Results: There was higher frequency among females (70.3%) and the age ranged from 60 to 104 years (72.2 years ± 9.3). Most elderly have personal and family incomes between 1 and 2 minimum wages (72.8% and 65.7%, respectively) and live in their own property (90.5%). Only 4.2% of the elderly had never gone to the dentist and 67.2% affirmed to have used the dental service more than 3 years ago. The main reasons for visiting the dentist were extractions (27.0%) and need of repairs or maintenance of dentures (26.6%). Regarding the self-perception of treatment needs, 46.1% of the interviewees believed that they needed dental treatment. Conclusion: Although the elderly population use dental services, more than 3 years had elapsed since their last visit to the dentist, and extraction was the main reason for seeking dental care, in such a way that many of the interviewees affirmed to need dental treatment.