https://irmhs.com/index.php/irmhs en-US International Research in Medical and Health Sciences 2581-771X https://irmhs.com/index.php/irmhs/article/view/98 <p>Due to a decrease in immunity and the presence of comorbid conditions, the geriatric population is more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. The aim of this article is to review the need for transformation in the approach to delivering dental care to geriatric patients considering the prevalent COVID-19 infection and the probability of more such outbreaks in the future.</p> <p>Several micronutrients have emerged as being essential in protecting against the severity of COVID-related morbidities like Vitamin D, K, A, and C, zinc, and selenium. Chances of interaction between dentists and elderlies are higher. So, dietary counselling can be provided and the need for customised dietary plans can be evaluated during these interactions. Ministry of health and family welfare India, the Dental Council of India, and the Indian Dental Association provided advisories for dental professionals to contain the spread of infection. Teledentistry and digital dentistry have emerged as essential tools in this pandemic to prevent the spread of infection. During the second wave, mucormycosis cases have raised in patients with debilitating diseases. The role of a prosthodontist in such cases is very important not only in the fabrication of a surgical obturator but also to rehabilitate normal speech, mastication, and esthetics. Shifting paradigm to focus on reducing the number of appointments, conducting non-aerosolising procedures, and prevention-based approaches should be prioritised to reduce the burden of people in the dental clinic.</p> Priyanka Singh Raghav Abirami S Sabzar Abdullah Geeta Rajput Shaista Afroz Copyright (c) 2022-05-01 2022-05-01 5 2 1 11 https://irmhs.com/index.php/irmhs/article/view/100 <p><strong>Introduction:&nbsp;</strong>Buruli Ulcer (BU) is the most common human mycobacterial disease worldwide after tuberculosis and leprosy. The early detection and immediate recourse to the treatment centre are decisive for the progression of the disease. Despite international and national efforts for early management, there are still BU patients with disabling lesions. It is within this context that our study aims to describe the factors associated with the diagnosis delay of BU patients in Akonolinga District Hospital (ADH).</p> <p><strong>Materials and methods:</strong>&nbsp;The cross-sectional, retrospective, mixed descriptive study was carried out from 2015-2019 among 291 BU cases and 6 informants admitted to ADH. Quantitative data from a survey sheet were analyzed using CSPRO 7.1, SPSS 21, SPAD, and STATA 13 software while content analysis of qualitative data collected using an interview guide was investigated manually.</p> <p><strong>Results:&nbsp;</strong>63.6% of patients arrived late at the centre for diagnosis and the average age was 21 years. Associated factors were female sex (68.4%), the first resort to traditional practitioners (88.6%), ulcerated forms (80.8%), and disability (91.7%). Female patients were 3.64 (95% CI. 1.15-11.53; P-value = 0.028) times more likely to have a delayed diagnosis compared to their male counterparts. Patients that resort to traditional practitioners usually experience psychological problems as they suffer from a negative self-image and self-conscience of themselves when faced with social rejection, stigma, and a downfall period from a healthy status to a BU status.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:&nbsp;</strong>Emphasis should be placed on raising awareness among household heads as well as strengthening collaboration with traditional practitioners to further reduce the stigma around the disease and delays in diagnosis.</p> Nana Sagwo Edouardo Ngo Likeng Julienne Louise Tchinda Fossi Cedric Bassong Mankollo Olga Yvonne Copyright (c) 2022 International Research in Medical and Health Sciences 2022-05-01 2022-05-01 5 2 12 28 10.36437/irmhs.2022.5.2.B