How to deal with stress.
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Adaptation, Psychological↗
Biomedical subjects
A A Brand
Publications and source records attributed to A A Brand.
Attitudes to water fluoridation in South Africa 1998. Part II. Influence of educational and occupational levels.
The purpose of this report is to investigate the influence of education, income and occupation on public perceptions of water fluoridation (WF). A questionnaire on current knowledge, sources of information, the purpose of WF and its desirability was administered to a representative sample of 2,220 individuals over the age of 18 years. Knowledge of WF increased with educational level (range from 13.5% in the grade 0-5 group to 59% in the grade 12 plus group). Lack of knowledge decreased from 76% to 37% in these groups respectively. Knowledge levels varied from 19% to 68% across the occupational spectrum and from 13% to 88% across the income spectrum. In educational levels up to grade 12, electronic media were most frequently cited as dominant sources of information among 40-50% of respondents, whereas in the grade 12 plus group print media (37%) dominated. Sources of knowledge on fluoridation were largely obtained from print and electronic media for both categories. Only 28% in the educational level up to grade 5 thought the purpose of WF was to protect teeth against decay. This gradually increased to 55% in the grade 12 plus category. More than a quarter of the population in both the occupational and income categories indicated that the purpose of WF was to purify water and protect teeth from decay. The number of respondents who thought that water should be fluoridated increased with level of education from 58% to 70%, while those who disagreed decreased as qualifications increased. The lower- and middle-income groups were more supportive of WF than the very-high-income groups. Persons in high administrative professional and executive positions were more opposed (27%) to WF than semi-skilled and unskilled workers (5%).
Adult↗
Attitudes to water fluoridation in South Africa 1998. Part III. An analysis of pro- and anti-fluoridation attitudes in South Africa.
A survey on attitudes to water fluoridation in the South African population (N = 2,220) was undertaken in 1998. The purpose of this study was to evaluate responses to, and underlying reasons for pro- and anti-fluoridation attitudes. In response to a structured questionnaire, 61.9% of respondents were in favour of fluoride being added to drinking water and 9% were against it. Reasons supporting and opposing this measure were as follows. Of those who favoured the measure, 30% of respondents said it was because it would reduce tooth decay and 30% said it 'affects health', presumably positively. Other reasons include, 'it purifies water' (10.3%), 'more people will be reached' (9.8%), 'it strenghtens bones' (6%), 'it prevents plaque' (4.6%) and it 'improves the taste of water' (3.1%). There was a 1.3% 'don't know' response. Those opposed to the measure said, 'water should stay as it is' (26.1%), 'if it stays in the system it will create other problems' (15.6%), it 'affects health', presumably negatively (12.3%) and 'it will increase the cost of water' (8.8%). The 'don't know' response was 10.5%. When asked to give reasons for their 'don't know' response in the 'uncertain' category, 90% said they did not know. Given the contradictory and variable responses in both 'yes' and 'no' categories, the possible reasons for these findings could include: the differences between knowledge and beliefs, alternative health and lifestyle practices, levels of education, resistance to change and personality factors, among others. Understanding the assumption people make about fluoridation would help to structure education programmes to provide accurate and comprehensive information.
Attitude to Health↗
Attitudes to water fluoridation in South Africa 1998. Part I. Analysis by age, sex, population and province.
The successful implementation of water fluoridation (WF) depends upon support from the public. A survey was conducted in 1998 by the Human Sciences Research Council to assess attitudes of the South African population towards WF. A representative sample of 2,220 persons over the age of 18 years was interviewed. Questions relating to current knowledge, sources of information, the purpose of water fluoridation and its desirability as a public health measure were put to respondents. Only 25% of the population had heard or read of WF. The major sources of information were the electronic and printed media (40% and 27% respectively), while 2.5% heard about it from dentists. Just over a third of the sample (35.5%) identified the purpose of WF as protecting teeth from decay; 28% said it was to purify water and 28.5% were uncertain of, or did not know its purpose. Nearly two-thirds (61.9%) indicated that fluoride should be added to drinking water if it can reduce tooth decay, while 9% were not in favour and 29% were uncertain. The results suggest that most people do not know what WF is or does, though most were in agreement that it should be implemented to reduce tooth decay.
Adolescent↗
The child dental patient. Part II: An approach to the management of fearful children.
The first part of this review, published last month, dealt with understanding the nature and prevalence of dental fears among children. This article is concerned with investigating ways in which these fears could best be managed.
Avoidance Learning↗
The child dental patient. Part I. The nature and prevalence of children's dental fears.
For various reasons, fear of dentists and dentistry is not uncommon among children. These fears not only disrupt the performance of clinical procedures, they also tend to undermine the relationship between dentist and child patient. It would seem to make sense then, to address this vexing problem in which two major issues are involved. The first is concerned with the prevalence of dental fears among children and the second deals with their management. For reasons of convenience, clarity and brevity, these issues are dealt with in two separate papers. The first paper (Part I) focuses on acquiring an understanding of the nature and prevalence of dental fears among children and the second (Part II) is concerned with investigating ways in which these fears could best be managed. Parts I and II appear in successive issues of the SADJ.
Child↗
Student attitudes to dentistry in South African dental schools.
The present study investigated student motives for choosing dentistry in five South African dental schools. An attitude questionnaire was complied and administered to all entering students at these schools. The study population comprised 161 students, 92 males and 69 females. Results indicate that in spite of the changing student populations at all universities, the motives for studying dentistry remain essentially the same. Similarities in attitudes to dentistry tend to outweigh differences. Similarities are shown with respect to service, the need for status, independence and financial security. Differences are reflected in the contradictions between service and status, service and regular working hours, service and financial security. The question these findings raise, is how and to what extent students selected for training, based on their current motivation and attitudes will best adapt to changes in the practice of dentistry, health policies, and increased population demands.
Adult↗
Choosing dentistry as a career--a profile of entering students (1992) to the University of Sydney, Australia.
The present study is an investigation of motives students have for wishing to become dentists. The study population comprised 85 first year dental students of the class of 1992 at the University of Sydney. A questionnaire which sought information on student demography, attitudes to dentistry, and motive rankings was administered. Demographic findings indicated that the majority of students came from countries in the Pacific rim and the male/female ratio was 62 to 38 per cent. Responses to the attitude questionnaire showed that Australian student motives for becoming dentists did not differ from those of students in other countries. The most predominant of these motives was to serve others, to become independent, to enjoy job satisfaction, and to acquire financial security. The least important motives were manual and communication skills, science and knowledge, and surprisingly, status and prestige. To attribute meaning and value to these motives, however, reflects inconsistencies which are expressed as contradictions between motive categories, between items within categories, and between motive categories and motive rankings. When one considers the basis upon which career decisions are made, disparity in the findings may be attributable to a decision-making process that rests on subjective rather than objective criteria.
Adolescent↗
Diversity in South African dental schools.
The present paper investigates the demographic distribution of incoming undergraduate dental students in 5 South African dental schools. Biographical data was acquired in 1992 using a questionnaire administered to students in each of the dental schools. Data for 1994 was obtained from the Department of Health. The students were categorized in terms of population group and gender. Frequency distributions for these categories were computed. The results indicate that there are wide discrepancies with regard to population groups in all schools suggesting a lack of representativeness in terms of the wider population. A number of recommendations are made to redress these imbalances.
Adolescent↗
Promotion of oral health by the Department of Community Dentistry.
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Dental Research↗
Private dental practitioners--perceptions of needs and barriers to dental care.
The purpose of this paper was to examine needs and barriers to dental care as perceived by private dental practitioners in South Africa. In 1988/89 a National Oral Health survey was conducted. This included a questionnaire sent to 3200 dental practitioners. The items examined in this paper were part of this questionnaire. Fifty six and 29 per cent of practitioners considered that there was a shortage of dentists for black and coloured persons respectively and only 4 per cent perceived a shortage for whites. Twenty two per cent of respondents believed that there was no shortage of dentists for black patients. There was however, a high percentage of "don't know" responses. An analysis of the type of treatment provided indicated that 60 per cent of dentists spend more than 60 per cent of their time on performing extractions for black patients and minimal time on prevention. The main barriers to dental care were seen as attitudinal, structural and dentist-related. Dentist perceptions of these barriers highlight the role non-dental factors play in dentistry and oral health. These factors need to be seriously considered in order to improve the nature and quality of, and accessibility to dental care.
Black or African American↗
Private dental practitioners in South Africa--a professional profile.
A questionnaire submitted to dentists in private practice was part of the first National Oral Health Survey 1988/89. The questionnaire investigated demographic and professional characteristics. Completed questionnaires were returned by 2224 dentists (69.5 per cent). Most respondents were located in the 5 main metropolitan areas. There was a paucity of Black and Coloured dentists. Male dentists dominated the profession with almost 74 per cent under 50 years of age. General practitioners made up over 90 per cent of the profession and orthodontists were the largest group of specialists. Conservation was ranked as the most frequently practised service and preventive procedures were ranked low. Medical aid systems were seen to have some disadvantages. Fees and working conditions were felt to be better in private practice than in the public sector.
Adult↗
Future dental human resource needs--a qualitative approach.
As part of the National Oral Health Survey, dentists in private practice were asked to give their views and opinions on the future planning of human resource needs for South Africa. The data, which were qualitative in nature, yielded 2600 responses. After computing a frequency distribution of these responses it was possible to classify these data into five major categories. These were a) "too many dentists/fewer should be trained" b) "more dentists for developing areas" c) "more auxiliaries in general" d) "greater need for preventive and health education services" and e) "high cost of running and maintaining private dental practices". The predominant view was that fewer dentists and more auxiliaries should be trained, while the need for preventive and health education services received considerably less support.
Black or African American↗
Oral health, oral health care and dental services--the consumer perspective.
As part of a National Oral Health Survey conducted in 1988/89, community knowledge of and attitudes towards oral health and oral health care were examined in the various population groups in South Africa. A wide range of issues were explored. These included amongst others, help-seeking and oral health behaviour, sources of health information and attitudes to dentists and dental care. Given the major political change that has recently occurred in the country, the results of the survey suggest that these findings could profitably be used in future dental personnel planning as well as in the re-structuring of the health services that is currently taking place.
Attitude to Health↗
The impact of a mobile dental system on a school community. Part I--Oral health status of schoolchildren.
This cross-sectional study was designed to compare the caries status of children 8-10 and 11-13 years of age, at schools visited by and schools not visited by the Mobile Dental System (MDS). A total of 918 children from six primary schools participated in the study. For the experimental schools, Noordgesig and Cavendish were paired in Group 1 (curative services and brushing programmes), while Riverlea and Wilhelmina Hoskins were combined in Group 2 (curative services and weekly fluoride mouthrinse programmes). Kliptown II and Ernest Hobbs were grouped together as the control schools (Group 3) where no services were provided by the MDS. Dental caries examinations were conducted using the WHO criteria (1987). Statistical analysis was done using chi-square tests, ANOVA and pairwise t-tests. A comparison of mean DMFT scores revealed differences between the control and both experimental groups in the 11-13 year old age group that were significant. The filled and missing components of the DMFT differed significantly for both age groups when experimental and control schools were compared, which clearly showed the impact of the service provided by the MDS. There were however, no differences in the decayed component indicating the limitations of the system in preventing or controlling the development of new carious lesions.
Adolescent↗
The impact of a mobile dental system on a school community. Part II--Responses of recipients and providers of care.
This paper is concerned with the impact of a Mobile Dental System (MDS) on the providers and recipients of oral health care. It focuses more specifically on children as patients of the MDS and MDS personnel as clinicians and oral health educators. Data, which were quantitative and qualitative in nature were collected from children and MDS members by means of questionnaires and interviews. Results indicate that the children had acquired some oral health information from the MDS, but many were fearful of clinical procedures. MDS personnel were gratified that they were able to provide a service to an otherwise underserved community, but also considered themselves inadequate child managers and oral health educators. The lack of a permanent career structure created feelings of insecurity amongst MDS staff. Recommendations arising from this investigation are the need for permanent and comprehensive services for all members of the community, and improved working conditions and continuing education courses for MDS personnel.
Adolescent↗
The impact of a mobile dental system on a school community. Part III--Teachers and parents response to a mobile dental system at school.
According to the principles of the Primary Health Care Approach, planning and implementation of community health programmes should be carried out with the full participation of the community concerned (WHO, 1978). The introduction of the Mobile Dental System to the school environment is an example of a "Community health care/technology approach" where the programme was determined by the professionals for the community and not by the community for itself. Teachers play an important role in the implementation of oral health care programmes in the school, while parents provide the vital and appropriate context and continuity for the success of such programmes. This paper, therefore, deals with the responses of teachers and parents to an introduction of a mobile dental system at their school. A self-administered mostly open-ended questionnaire was distributed to all teachers in the four schools that participated in preventive programmes and were served by the Mobile Dental System. Based on the results it seems that both the teachers and the parents were apathetic in their commitment to the programme although they were quite willing to participate. Their participation was confined to compliance with instructions or suggestions given by the health professionals. It is clear that under these conditions the potential to sustain the momentum created by the introduction of the MDS is limited. It seems that only if the community is involved in the determination of their preferential needs, planning of the appropriate programme and playing an active role in its implementation, will the programme have a chance of long term success.
Adolescent↗
Authorship of scientific articles.
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Authorship↗