Biomedical subjects

M J Rudolph

Publications and source records attributed to M J Rudolph.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1990

Dental caries prevalence and CPITN of 12-year-old rural schoolchildren in Transkei.

The study investigated the prevalence and pattern of caries with particular reference to tooth and surface type and the CPITN of 12-y-old rural schoolchildren in Engcobo, Transkei. 349 schoolchildren, with a 4:6 male:female ratio were examined. The fluoride content of the water varied from 0-0.5 p.p.m. The results indicate that caries levels are low--47 per cent of the sample was caries-free. Both the median DMFT and DMFS was 1.0 (with a mean 1.7 and 2.8). The D component comprised 89 per cent, the M-10 and F-1 per cent of the total DMFT. Amongst boys, caries was distributed almost equally between the maxillary (112) and mandibular (114) arches whereas for girls more teeth were affected in the mandibular arch. Molar teeth in boys and girls accounted for 90 per cent of all teeth affected with the first molars accounting for 50 per cent and the second molars 40 per cent. In the maxillary and mandibular arch for the total group, a greater number of first molars were affected than the second molars. For girls in both the maxilla and mandible, the second molars were affected more frequently than the first molars. Overall the occlusal surfaces were affected most frequently followed by the buccal, distal, lingual and mesial. Gingival bleeding and calculus were prevalent in most sextants. Less than 6 per cent of the total subjects had no periodontal disease. Calculus was found in over 70 per cent of the children. The vast majority of the sample (94 per cent) needed oral hygiene instruction.

Child↗

PubMed1990

Suitability of nurses and school-teachers as oral health educators in Gazankulu--a pilot study.

This study investigated the suitability of nurses and teachers as potential oral health educators. The assessment was based on a concept of suitability that embraced biological and psycho-social variables. These included oral health status, knowledge, attitudes and reported oral health behaviour. The study population comprised 48 nurses and 43 school-teachers. DMFT of nurses was 4, 6 and teachers 2,5. More than 80 percent of both groups required some form of periodontal treatment. An adequate but basic knowledge of the causes and prevention of oral disease was demonstrated. More that 50 percent of both groups did not visit a dentist annually. Attitudes reflected the belief that teeth are expendable and easily replaceable. In terms of the theoretical model these nurses and teachers do not meet all the criteria that define "suitable" oral health educators. The findings of the present study have provided a profile which has highlighted certain deficiencies in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. Further research using this model requires the inclusion of motivational and interest variables.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Oral health status of patients seeking emergency dental care in Transkei.

The oral health status of a rural Black population seeking dental treatment was determined at three separate locations in Transkei. Of the patients who presented for treatment 92 per cent were suffering from acute or chronic pain. The main reason for seeking care was pain resulting from dental caries (84 per cent). Inadequate oral hygiene practice was uniformly evident in all the patients at the three locations, as well as within all the age groups. The pattern of gingival bleeding was also comparable by age and location and its distribution closely parallelled the oral debris scores. The mean DMFT for the total population (n = 290) was 5,7 (s.d. 6,1); and 17,0 per cent were caries-free. Caries was more widespread and severe in the patients at the military base in Port St Johns where the mean DMFT of 10,6 differed greatly from the mean DMFT scores of patients at Port St. Johns (3,6) and Elliotdale (4,5). Untreated dental decay accounted for a large percentage of the DMFT at all three sites but in the military group, the untreated decay component, (60,4 per cent of the DMFT), was the highest. With the stratification of the data by age, the average DMFT (8,4), was highest in the 31-50 age group.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Social characteristics and oral health behaviour of families in Riverlea.

Planning of community health programmes requires a comprehensive "community diagnosis" as its basis, taking into account a complex range of health related factors. The family and particularly the mother play a crucial role in oral health. Thus, the social context, the source and extent of health information, as well as their oral health behaviour, can determine the mothers' function in promoting oral health. This study examined the social characteristics and oral health behaviour of families in Riverlea. One hundred and fifty seven mothers were interviewed in their homes using a structured questionnaire. The results reveal a picture where the percentage of 'broken' or single mother families is high. There is overcrowding in the homes combined with a low level of education and employment in mainly non-skilled, low-paid jobs. The utilisation of existing dental services was poor despite the fact that 43 per cent of the families are members of medical aid schemes. Almost one third of the mothers were edentulous. Although cost and other factors were cited as barriers for not 'going to the dentist', most of the respondents have a symptomatic approach to oral health which might be responsible for poor utilisation. The 'lay referral system' for obtaining information was common and teachers played a role in this process. The study identified various factors that adversely affect the process of development of good oral health and related behaviour in the home environment. Schools and supportive community networks as well as outside organizations could be enlisted to take part in the efforts to overcome the barriers identified and improve the situation.

Dental Health Surveys↗

PubMed1989