Analysis of influencing factors of anxiety and depression in patients with periodontitis

An analysis of the 24-hour on-call experience and treatment decision of a dental resident, a retrospective study

Objectives

To analyze the 24-hour on-call experience and factors influencing the treatment decisions of a dental resident for dental emergencies, particularly pulpitis, during on-call hours.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted at a public stomatology hospital from January 1 to December 30, 2023. Each consultation was documented, recording the date and time, patient age and gender, diagnosis, and any emergent interventions. Statistical analyses were conducted using univariate analysis to explore the association between various factors and the incidence of dental interventions for pulpitis, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

Over 1 year, 81 residents from seven specialties managed 2,717 consultations during 365 instances of 24-h call duty. The busiest months were October (n = 297). Most consultations occurred during extended hours (1,856 consultations) compared to normal hours (8:00-17:00) (861 consultations). The busiest consultation periods were between 20:00 and 22:00. Pulpitis was the most frequently diagnosed condition (n = 988). Univariate analysis showed no significant impact of patient gender (p = 0.896) or age (p = 0.632) on the likelihood of receiving a dental intervention. However, consultations during extended hours were twice as likely (OR = 2.028, 95% CI [1.510-2.723]) to result in no intervention compared to normal hours. Endodontics and pediatric dentistry residents were more likely to perform interventions compared to other specialties, with postgraduate year (PGY) six residents being less likely to perform interventions compared to PGY4 residents.

Conclusion

Residents exhibit lower willingness to perform dental interventions during extended working hours and in higher grade levels, with significant variability across different specialties. Enhanced training and fatigue risk management for residents may help to ensure effective patient care during on-call hours.

Efficacy of Mindfulness Meditation on Patients With Stroke With Concurrent Coronary Heart Disease: A Randomised Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of mindfulness meditation on sleep quality and negative emotions in patients with stroke with concurrent coronary heart disease.

METHODS

This study was a randomised controlled trial. A total of 72 patients with stroke with concurrent coronary heart disease were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 36 patients in each group. The control group received routine treatment plus eszopiclone tablets at a dosage of 3 mg once daily. The observation group received mindfulness meditation in addition to the treatment given to the control group. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep status, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale were used to assess depression and anxiety, and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment was used to assess motor function. All participants in both groups received a 6-week intervention.

RESULTS

Pairwise comparisons revealed that the observation group had better outcomes in sleep quality, sleep onset latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, daytime function and total scores at both 6 and 12 weeks compared with the control group (p < 0.05). After 12 weeks of intervention, compared with the control group, the total score of sleep quality improved more significantly (9.22 ± 2.35/6.26 ± 2.47). Additionally, different treatment methods had varying effects on anxiety scores, depression scores and motor function scores between the two groups (p < 0.001). Further comparisons showed that the observation group had lower anxiety and depression scores and higher motor function scores at both 6 and 12 weeks compared with the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Mindfulness meditation can effectively improve sleep quality and reduce negative emotions in patients with stroke with concurrent coronary heart disease, as well as promote the recovery of limb functions.