The Journal of Middle East and North Africa Sciences

Number 03, 2019

1-5
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Major Depression and Suicidal Ideation among University Students in the Middle East

Authors: Nida Mohammad Fayyaz; Rahma Beg

Abstract

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According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in a survey done in 2009, 30% of university students admitted to feeling so depressed that it was difficult to function. University students in Middle Eastern countries are not an exception to Depression and other related symptoms, such as low mood and suicidal thoughts. Evidence reveals that university students show symptoms of Major Depression and Suicidal Ideation in most Middle Eastern Countries, such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan. Major Depression, also known as unipolar or major depressive disorder, is characterized by a feeling of continuous sadness and dejection. Along with low mood, persistent thoughts of suicide are also a common symptom of Major Depression. In this paper, we explore the prevalence of Major Depression and Suicidal Ideation among university students in the Middle Eastern countries. Regardless of the major, higher education level or gender, we are looking to analyze the existing research available to determine the extent of Major Depression, Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal thoughts in students enrolled in Middle Eastern universities. The studies that will be included are published in peer-reviewed literature. It is also important to mention that we would only be considering research papers published in the English Language. In addition to that, we are inclined to review literature published only within the last two decades, from 1998 to 2018.

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Comparative Assessment of Dental Caries Status and Selected Salivary Constituents in Children with Beta Thalassemia

Authors: Venkatesh Babu; Pooja M. Gowda; Ishadeep Kaur

Abstract

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Number of views: 230

Aim: To compare the dental caries status and selected salivary constituents in β thalassemic and healthy children. Methods: A total of 100 children were included in the study, study group consisted of 50 diagnosed cases of Thalassemia attending the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bangalore and control group consisted of 50 healthy children who visited the Department of Pediatric and Preventive dentistry, V S dental college, Bangalore for routine dental check-up. Salivary constituents like calcium, potassium, phosphorous, sodium, urea and magnesium were assessed using salivary kits and dental caries was recorded according to WHO criteria 2013. Results: Salivary calcium, sodium, urea and magnesium levels were lower and salivary potassium and phosphorous levels were higher in thalassemic children when compared to that of healthy children and the results were statistically significant only for salivary urea levels. There was a positive correlation between salivary parameters and dental caries. Conclusion: Thalassemic children are more prone to dental caries which could be attributed to poor oral hygiene, poor motivation, endocrine problems, malocclusion, frequent blood transfusion, and immune deficiency. In the present study reduced salivary calcium, sodium, urea, and magnesium levels and increased salivary potassium and phosphorous levels in thalassemic children, could be the causative factors for the increased incidence of dental caries in these children.

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Comparative Assessment of Salivary Flow Rate, Buffering Capacity, Resting pH and Dental Caries Status in Children Undergoing Chemotherapy

Authors: katesh Babu; Ishadeep Kaur; M. Padma; Pooja M. Gowda

Abstract

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Number of views: 365

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and resting pH in children undergoing chemotherapy with healthy children and their association with dental caries. Methods: A total of 100 children were included in the study, study group consisted of 50 pre and post-chemotherapy cases reported at Kidwai Institute of oncology Bangalore and control group consisted of 50 healthy children who visited the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive dentistry, V S dental college for a routine dental check-up. Ethical clearance and signed written informed consent were obtained from both the Institutional ethical committee and parents/guardians of the children. Salivary parameters like flow rate, buffering capacity and resting pH was measured using Saliva-check Buffer kit (GC Europe). Clinical assessment was carried out using DMFT and dmft index by WHO criteria 1997. Results: Salivary flow rate, buffering capacity and resting pH was lower in children post-chemotherapy when compared to that of children before chemotherapy and healthy children, the results were statistically significant. There was a positive correlation between salivary parameters and dental caries. Conclusion: In the present study reduced salivary flow rate, low buffering capacity and reduced resting pH has been observed in children undergoing chemotherapy, which could be the causative factors for the increased incidence of dental caries in these children.