ALTAMASH JOURNAL OF DENTISTRY AND MEDICINE

Pharmacovigilance and Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP): A Short Communication

Rabia Arshad — 2023-12-31

In the past, many events led to the need for the development of drug regulatory authorities. Adverse reactions to drugs (ADR), which might include lack of efficacy and other unpleasant and unexpected drug responses, are a basic point of interest in pharmacovigilance. There are drug regulatory authorities to ensure laws for evaluation, and benefit-risk analysis, which is then followed by monitoring action to ensure the security of the drugs. They are tasked with monitoring the safety of medicines by gathering adverse events through passive and active surveillance. In Pakistan promoting the safety and monitoring of medicinal commodities is regulated by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). According to the 2017 Bio-Study Rules, all medical supplies and therapeutic products used in Pakistan must be registered with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and get formal authorization (license for Clinical Trial Site and Clinical Studies) from DRAP.

VARK: Assessment of the Learning Mode Preferences of Undergraduate Students in a Dental Teaching Hospital

Norina Shamshad — 2023-12-31

Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the preferences of learning style among third and final-year students of dentistry by VARK questionnaire and to evaluate the relationship between learning style preferences between both sexes.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at de Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore. In this study, 385 students participated voluntarily. We administered a learning style questionnaire (VARK mode version 8.01l) to all students and evaluated their chosen learning mode. The questionnaire contains 16 multiple-choice questions. The students were asked to select any one option. The frequency of VARK preferences was determined using guidelines that are given in the VARK® guidelines. In this study, the unimodal (V, A, R, or K) category of learning mode preferences was used. Percentage and frequency were determined for qualitative variables. The chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between learning style preferences among the sexes. A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:In this study out of 385 students (114 males and 271 females), the frequency of various VARK models reported were Visual (20.50%), auditory (27.95%), read/write (14.84%), and kinesthetic (36.70%). The kinesthetic (36.70%) and auditory (27.95%) were the most common unimodal learning modes. Concerning gender, 11.87% of males whereas 24.84% of females preferred the kinesthetic mode of learning.

Conclusion:This study provides information to make better the learning of students and to match the style of teaching with the learning mode preferences of students.

Assessing Awareness of Diabetes Mellitus in High School Students of Karachi : A Cross-Sectional Study

Muhammad Anas Humayun — 2023-12-31

Objective:This study was aimed to assess the awareness regarding Diabetes Mellitus in High School Students of
Karachi and its effects on their peers.
Materials and Methods: A team of six researchers conducted a cross-sectional study among 268 A-level students in Karachi, Pakistan, aiming to assess their awareness of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its impacts. The study focused on students aged 16-19, using a questionnaire to gather data on DM knowledge and demographics. Exclusion criteria included ages outside the specified range and students not enrolled in A-levels.
Results: Among 268 A-level students in Karachi, the study revealed that while almost all were aware of diabetes, only about half were educated about it. Most received information from family and sources like books or teachers. Knowledge about gestational diabetes and insulin's role was limited. However, a good portion recognized the link between exercise and diabetes. Around half knew about diabetes prevention, while nearly half believed in various treatments, including diet, medication, exercise, and surgery.
Conclusion: This research highlights that formal education alone does not guarantee adequate knowledge and awareness of prevalent diseases like Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Even individuals from a high socioeconomic status (SES) with easy access to information may lack awareness of basic public health issues.

Knowledge and Perceptions of COVID-19 Vaccines amongst Pregnant Women of Karachi: A comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Sohail Lakhani — 2023-12-31

Objective: The current study aimed to understand the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccinations amongst both the vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women of Karachi, Pakistan.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed whereby pregnant women were enrolled based on a strict eligibility criterion from a government and a private tertiary-care hospital in Karachi using purposive sampling. The study was conducted between June and August 2021. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the acquired data using STATA software (version 17.0).
Results: A total of 222 unvaccinated and 231 vaccinated pregnant women were enrolled in the study. A relatively larger proportion of unvaccinated women lack formal education (37.8%) compared to vaccinated women (17.3%). A mere 3.6% of unvaccinated women are employed, whereas among vaccinated women, the employment rate was 17.7% with the difference being statistically significant (p-value <0.001). Nearly half of the unvaccinated women (47.7%) reported not knowing how effective the vaccine is, compared to only 13.9% of vaccinated women, a statistically significant difference (p-value of <0.001). The predominant reason for vaccine hesitancy among these women is the fear of side effects on both the mother and child's health, with a significant 68.5% affirming this concern.
Conclusion: To address vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women in Pakistan, establishing trust and implementing targeted awareness campaigns is crucial. This will be the key steps in the acceptance of vaccines and reaching herd immunity at a faster pace.

The Impact of Vaping on the Oral Microbiome: A Comprehensive Review of Bacterial Effects

Afsheen Maqsood — 2023-12-31

Recent research investigating the impact of vaping on the oral microbiome reveals significant consequences for oral health. The scientific literature highlights that vaping induces notable changes in the composition of oral bacteria. This alteration favors the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria associated with gingival disease while concurrently diminishing the concentration of beneficial bacteria crucial for maintaining oral health. The resultant disruption in the delicate balance of the oral microbiome creates a conducive environment for the development of various oral health problems. Among these consequences are an increased risk of dental caries, increased susceptibility to periodontitis, and an elevated likelihood of developing oral lesions and cancer. Understanding the complicated mechanisms through which vaping exerts these effects on oral bacteria is imperative. Such insights can inform the development of targeted and effective strategies aimed at promoting oral health and, critically, preventing vaping-related oral diseases. As the prevalence of vaping continues to rise, prioritizing research in this area becomes paramount for preserving overall oral well-being.

Exploring Alternative Dentistry: A Holistic Approach to Oral Health

Afsheen Maqsood — 2023-12-31

In recent years, the field of dentistry has witnessed a surge in interest and demand for alternative approaches to oral health care. These alternatives often diverge from the conventional practices of modern dentistry, drawing upon traditional, holistic, and natural methods. While conventional dentistry remains the primary and most widely accepted means of dental care, alternative dentistry has gained a notable following. This editorial aims to provide an overview of alternative dentistry, its principles, practices, and controversies, while also acknowledging its potential benefits for certain individuals. Alternative dentistry encompasses a range of approaches that differ from traditional dental practices. These approaches are often founded on holistic and natural principles, emphasizing a more comprehensive view of dental health and the integration of mind and body. It is essential to recognize that not all alternative dental methods are equal in terms of scientific validity and safety.

Falling Short: The Educational Conferences Missed Opportunities for Learning

Shaur Sarfaraz — 2023-12-31

This editorial proposes solutions, including needs assessments, diverse content, engaging sessions, clear speaker guidelines, codes of conduct, structured networking, virtual options, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By implementing these measures, conferences can evolve into valuable platforms for global collaboration and meaningful learning experiences.

Use of Smokeless Tobacco: A Public Health Issue

Sehrish Karim — 2023-12-31

This critical analysis examines the pervasive issue of smokeless tobacco (SLT) in Pakistan, particularly its alarming association with oral cancers. Despite being a major public health concern, the country faces challenges in enforcing and implementing tobacco control policies. The prevalence of oral cancer, linked to tobacco and alcohol consumption, underscores the urgency of addressing these risk factors, which constitute over 70% of oral cancer cases. Notably, SLT, including Naswar and Chalia, poses a significant threat in Pakistan, where it is widely used. While the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was ratified by Pakistan in 2004, gaps exist in the legal framework. The 2002 Prohibition of Smoking Ordinance primarily focuses on smoking, leaving room for SLT usage. Despite efforts to improve warning labels on cigarette packs, SLT remains a weaker link in terms of regulatory measures. Additionally, the critical analysis highlights the need for stricter enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and monitoring mechanisms to curb tobacco use, especially among the youth. In conclusion, the analysis emphasizes the fragile execution of tobacco-related laws in Pakistan, citing poor industry compliance and common SLT sales to minors.