Analysis of tweets on toothache during the COVID-19 pandemic using the CrystalFeel algorithm: a cross-sectional study

Health communication on social media at the early stage of the pandemic: Examining health professionals' COVID-19 related tweets

Focusing on health professionals' tweets regarding COVID-19, this study examines whether and how those tweets are unique based on their identity as health experts. The data revealed that the infusion of health communication with political opinions, whether pro- or against certain political parties or health policies, reflects values and may deviate from the original purpose of health communication. In addition, sentiment analysis countered the intuitive thought that health experts merely fulfill their role as neutral encyclopedias without excessively carrying sentiment. We conclude by reflecting on the meaning of health communication in relation to the political stances of professionals.

The impact of COVID-19 on individual oral health: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Poor oral health due to dental caries is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide. It has a significant impact on individuals across the lifespan and is a leading cause of preventable hospitalizations. The impacts of COVID-19 on oral health at the practice level are well documented, but gaps in understanding the impact on individual oral health remain. This review addresses this gap.

METHODS

Using a JBI scoping review process we mapped and summarized the evidence to identify the impact of COVID-19 on individual oral health. Key search terms were developed, and searches were undertaken by an experienced research librarian.

RESULTS

The 85 included studies were conducted in 23 countries from 5 regions across the world classified using the United Nations Geoscheme system. The majority (82/85) were quantitative, 2 were reviews and there was one qualitative interview study. Cross-sectional surveys were the most common data collection approach followed by an analysis of clinical data, analysis of internet trends and other online methods. Five key areas were identified including changes to the provision of emergency dental services, provision of routine oral health services, oral hygiene maintenance at home, changes in dietary preferences, alternative models of dental provision and help-seeking and attitudes towards dental care in the future.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review has demonstrated that the pandemic has impacted on oral health at the individual level. It is important that we are aware of these impacts and ensure that support systems are in place to overcome future periods where access to dental care might be compromised. The provision of preventive care remains a vital first step in ensuring good overall oral health as is paramount during periods where access to dental treatment might be limited.

Evaluation of the knowledge and attitudes about dental practices of Turkish parents who visited the pedodontics clinic in Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, during the COVID-19 pandemic

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate parents' knowledge and attitudes about dental practices who visited a pedodontics clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

In the present work, data were collected via questionnaires from 475 parents who brought their children (between 0 and 14 years old) to our clinic for routine pedodontic examinations. The data obtained were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Frequency and percentage values of answers to questions were obtained.

RESULTS

The majority of the participants (67.9%) indicated sufficient knowledge about COVID-19. Although 75% of parents were fearful and worried about the possibility of contracting virus during admission to the hospital, it was observed that 92% of them highly counted on the measures taken by their dentists and 72% did not hesitate to take their children to dentists during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of the present study, it has been shown that despite the increased level of parents' knowledge about the pandemic, it was evident that anxiety and fear were present when visiting hospitals/clinics as a result of the possible transmission due to the high number of COVID-19 cases. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further studies on how to increase public awareness of the transmission routes of aerosols released during dental treatments.