Association of problematic Internet use and oral health-related quality of life among medical and dental students

Problematic use of the internet as a predictor of oral health-related quality of life: the mediating role of lifestyles in Peruvian schoolchildren

BACKGROUND

The pervasiveness of the Internet in everyday life, especially among young people, has raised concerns about its effects on mental health, education, and, recently, oral health. Previous research has suggested a complex relationship between Problematic Internet Use (PIU), lifestyles, and oral health-related quality of life, highlighting the need to examine these interactions further. This study seeks to explore the PIU as a predictor of oral health-related quality of life and examine the mediating role of lifestyles between both in a sample of Peruvian schoolchildren.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out with 293 Peruvian students aged 12 to 17 years (M = 14.42, SD = 1.5), using structural equations to analyze the relationship between PIU, lifestyles, and quality of life related to oral health. The data collection procedure was through a face-to-face survey. Validated instruments measured PIU, lifestyles, and oral health-related quality of life. The study's theoretical model was analyzed through structural equation modeling with the MLR estimator. The fit assessment was performed using the comparative fit index (CFI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR).

RESULTS

They indicated significant correlations between PIU, lifestyles, and oral health-related quality of life. A negative influence of PIU on lifestyles (β = -0.30, p < .001) and on oral health-related quality of life (β = -0.35, p < .001) was observed, as well as a positive relationship between PIU and oral health-related quality of life (β = 0.29, p < .001). The mediation of lifestyles was statistically significant, suggesting that they mediate the relationship between PIU and oral health-related quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirms that PIU can negatively affect adolescents' oral health-related quality of life, mediated by unhealthy lifestyles. It underlines the importance of promoting balanced Internet use and healthy lifestyles among young people to improve their oral well-being.

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.