1.Education Perception, Experience, and Anxiety Level Among Undergraduate Dental Students in Malaysia During the Covid 19 Pandemic
Nur Hafizah Kamar Affendi ; Nor Faezah Md Bohari ; Ameer Razek Bin Salihan ; Nur Aishah Binti Rosman
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.4):68-75
Introduction: This study aims to explore the dental students’ educational experience, the protocol consideration after
school reopening and their physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, to evaluate the anxiety level
of dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional survey was distributed with a hyperlink, reported as frequencies and percentages. A univariate analysis was used to explore the significant associations
between demographic variables and anxiety levels. The risk factor was also identified using regression analysis. A
two-tailed p<0.25 was considered significant. Results: A total of 333 respondents participated in the survey. Half of
the respondents (42.3%) were comfortable with distance learning but worried about passing their examination and
completing their clinical requirements. The transitioning to the online course by the lecturer was documented as
effective. Despite missing academic sessions, only 15.3% were willing to replace the loss of educational experience.
The majority of students (85.9%) believed that masks should be worn in school, but varied perceptions on wearing
gloves and frequent COVID-19 testing. For physical health, mostly concerned about contracting the virus after the
school reopens. For their anxiety level, nearly half have mild (n=99), moderate (n=55), and severe (n=36) levels.
The factors were mainly associated with gender, household income, type of university, and respondent’s accommodation. Conclusion: As positive feedback was recorded towards online learning, constant improvement is needed to
ensure the possibility of hybrid learning, even after the pandemic. The physical and psychological health of dental
students should be a priority, to ensure a smooth transition during these unprecedented circumstances.
2.Oral Health-related Quality of Life Impact in Children and Children With Special Needs Undergoing Dental Treatment Under General Anaesthesia – An Institutional Study
Ilham Wan Mokhtar ; Izyan Hazwani Baharuddin ; Faradiana Fizawan Anwar ; Muhammad Az-Zharfan Zakaria ; Nor Faezah Bohari
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.3):118-125
Introduction: Numerous studies have examined both the effect of caries and dental care under general anaesthesia
affecting children and children with special needs, but there is still scant information on the relationship between
both classes. Thus this project is aimed i) to compare oral health-related quality of life in children and children
with special needs undergoing dental care under general anaesthesia (GA) and ii) To compare the impact on oral
health-related quality of life in children and children with special needs. Methods: Forty-six children (25 normal children, 21 children with special needs) are recruited. Participating parents completed a brief version of the Perceptions
Questionnaire (P-CPQ) and Family Impact Scale (FIS) before the treatment and subsequent follow-up appointments
(4 weeks to 8 weeks). Oral symptoms, social health, psychology, functional limitation, and family effect ratings, the
mean, standard deviations, and statistical differences between groups were analysed. Results: 52.2% of both parent
groups rated the oral health status of their children as low before GA, and it improved considerably, with 69.6% of
parents rating post-operatively as healthy. The most recorded impacts at baseline were pain, discomfort, often annoyed and angry among children and parents feeling guilty and upset due to the condition of the child. Conclusion:
Oral rehabilitation under GA leads to the immediate improvement of oral health, mental, and social quality among
the children in both groups. However, for parents of children with special needs, despite the effort to eradicate dental-related issues, the overall quality of life shows no significant improvements.
3.Oral Health Beliefs, Perceptions and Utilisation of Oral Health Care Services among the Indigenous People (Orang Asli) in Pahang, Malaysia: A Qualitative Study
Izzati Mohd Khairunjauhari ; Nor Faezah Md Bohari ; Nawwal Alwani Mohd Radzi ; Ilham Wan Mokhtar
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.6):18-27
Introduction: Orang Asli refers to the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, representing 0.6% of the Malaysian population. Vast inequality was observed regarding oral health beliefs, behaviour, and utilisation of oral health
services between the Orang Asli and non-Orang Asli. The aim of the study was to explore the oral health beliefs,
perceptions, and oral health service utilization behaviour among Orang Asli in the district of Bera, Pahang, Malaysia.
Methods: Orang Asli’s oral health beliefs and perceptions of oral healthcare service were ascertained through four
FGDs. Nineteen participants from Bera’s semi-urban and rural Orang Asli communities were convened. Emerging
themes from the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Orang Asli believed that oral health
is essential for an individual’s function and aesthetics. They are also aware that inadequate oral hygiene care will
result in tooth decay and gum disease. Most of the Orang Asli that chewed betel nuts believed that limestone paste
could cause oral cancer. The main barriers to Orang Asli accessing oral healthcare services were time constraints and
distance to the nearby clinic. Conclusion: The Orang Asli believed oral health care is essential in ensuring a healthy
oral condition. Despite their generational belief towards traditional healers and medication, Orang Asli in Bera had
a perceived positive acceptance towards oral healthcare services.