Current patterns of the sun protection measures adopted by nurses and the risk factors influencing their compliance

The incidence of skin cancer is increasing worldwide. Included in high risk group are people who have light common phenotypic factors (hair, skin, eyes), have high number of naevi, report previous sunburns and have a family history of skin cancer. Protecting the skin from the sun by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure are recommended among primary preventive activities. The purpose of this study was to describe the current patterns of sun protection measures adopted by nurses and to examine the association between compliance with sun protection measures and the main risk factors of melanoma. This cross sectional study was conducted in 2007 during the Annual Greek National Conference of Nursing. Nurses most commonly chose to use sunscreen, to wear glasses, to use an umbrella or to seek for shade in order to protect themselves against sun exposure. Finally, phenotypic factors, previous sunburns and common naevi presence were found to affect nurses’ attitude towards protective measures. This study poses the necessity of targeting high risk groups for melanoma through campaigns aiming to foster sun protection behaviours.

Depression,periodontitis,caries and missing teeth in the USA,NHANES 2009-2014

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between self-reported depressive symptoms and oral diseases in US adults,including periodontitis,caries,missing teeth and untreated dental caries.Design This study was designed as a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey.We conducted descriptive,multivariable logistic and Poisson regression analyses on weighted data.Setting US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2014 data.Participants Individuals aged≥30 years who completed a periodontal examination and depression screening(n=9799).Results 21.6%(28.9 million)of adults aged≥30 years reported depressive symptoms,with a higher prevalence among females,current smokers and participants with lower income and education status.More than half of the adults with moderate depressive symptoms had periodontal diseases,and more than one-third had teeth with untreated dental caries.After adjusting for sociodemographics,behavioural factors,having diabetes and psychotherapeutic medication use,depressive symptoms were associated with poorer oral health.Severe depressive symptoms were associated with higher odds of mild periodontitis(2.20;99%CI 1.03 to 4.66).For those with mild depressive symptoms,the mean number of missing teeth was 1.20(99%CI 1.06 to 1.37)times the average of non-symptomatic individuals;and 1.38 times(99%CI 1.15 to 1.66)among individuals with moderate depressive symptoms.Conclusions Depressive symptoms were associated with mild periodontitis and a greater number of missing teeth,while having teeth with untreated dental caries was attributed to sociodemographic factors.Awareness of oral health status among patients with depressive symptoms can inform both dental and mental health providers to develop tailored treatment and help patients achieve overall wellness.