Evaluation of sleep and therapeutic education needs of military with PTSD

Sleep disorders in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are both diagnostic (nocturnal reliving) and prognostic. Poor sleep worsens the daytime symptomatology of PTSD and makes it resistant to treatment. However, no specific treatment is codified in France to treat these sleep disorders although sleep therapies (cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, psychoeducation and relaxation) have proven for years to be effective in treating insomnia. Therapeutic sessions can be part of a therapeutic patient education program, which is a model for the management of chronic pathologies. It allows for an improvement in a patient's quality of life and enhanced medication compliance. We therefore carried out an inventory of sleep disorders of patients with PTSD. First, we collected data by means of sleep diaries concerning the population's sleep disorders at home. Then we assessed the population's expectations and needs regarding its management of sleep, thanks to a semi-qualitative interview. The data from sleep diaries, which was consistent with the literature, showed that our patients suffered from severe sleep disorders that strongly impact their daily lives, with 87% of patients having an increased sleep onset latency, and 88% having nightmares. We observed a strong demand from patients for specific support for these symptoms, 91% expressing an interest in a TPE program targeting sleep disorders. Thanks to the data collected, the emerging themes for a future therapeutic patient education program targeting sleep disorders of soldiers with PTSD are: sleep hygiene; management of nocturnal awakenings, including nightmares; and psychotropic drugs.

[Oral hygiene of the military of the elite units of the defense and security forces of Mali]

INTRODUCTION

Oral hygiene represents all the measures taken to keep the oral cavity clean and healthy by keeping the dental surfaces free of plaque and tartar. The objective of this study was to evaluate the oral hygiene of elite units of the defense and security forces of Mali.

METHODOLOGY

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that took place from September 01, 2020 to August 30, 2021 in the odontology department of Bamako Military Hospital. The study population involved soldiers of various Elite Units of the Armed Forces of Mali who came for consultation in the odontology service.

RESULTS

In this study, the 30-39 age group was the most represented with 49.2%. NCOs were the most represented with 55.0%. Among Elite Units, the CIR accounted for 34.8%. For tooth brushing, 85.9% brushed their teeth. Regarding the number of brushings per day, 54.7% brushed their teeth once a day. While 48.1% brushed their teeth with a medium brush. For bleeding after brushing, 42.6% had bleeding after brushing.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the military had knowledge of oral hygiene because they brushed mostly 1 to 2 times a day. However, many soldiers had bleeding after brushing. Faced with this situation, a new orientation of the oral health policy based on preventive odontology is necessary in order to improve the health and quality of life of these soldiers.