Browsing by Author "Luis, Henrique"
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- Assessing the health literacy level of students in higher education: Evolution throughout the trainingPublication . Luís, Luís; Assunção, Victor; Melo, Helena; Luis, HenriqueObjectives: This work has two objectives: contribute to evaluate the level of health literacy of students in higher education, in the area of health and to contribute to the formulation of strategies to adapt the content of training to the needs of students. Methods: In this longitudinal observational study, a health literacy assessment questionnaire (NVS) was applied to students from 3 Health Schools and 2 different courses (Nursing and Dental Hygiene), at the beginning of the first school year, and at the end of the third year. Results: Less than 5% of the students participating in this study had inadequate health literacy at the entrance to the course. Women had a better level of health literacy than men, although no statistical significance was found (p=0.153). The health literacy gains are different among the courses. Nursing students began with a higher level of health literacy but were overtaken by oral hygiene students at the end of the 3rd year. However, the level of health literacy did not differ statistically throughout the training, although an increase in the level of health literacy was observed. Conclusions: The relationship between health literacy and health is recognized. Higher education institutions need to formulate strategies to adapt the content of training to the needs of students and to the level of health literacy in order to train students for lifelong learning.
- Cold atmospheric plasma activation of human gingival fibroblasts for improved wound healingPublication . Silva, Neusa; Marques, Joana; Brito da Cruz, Mariana; Luis, Henrique; Mata, António; Sério, SusanaSoft tissue regeneration plays a crucial role after oral surgery, as the successful healing of the soft tissue is a primary indicator of an efficacious intervention. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic modality, exhibiting notable effects on cell migration and proliferation. Despite its potential, the dental application of CAP remains underexplored. This in vitro study aims to elucidate the impact of CAP activated medium on human gingival fibroblast responses, for future wound healing strategies. The study was divided into four parts: initial characterization of the plasma Jet, assessment of cell concentration, exploration of treatment distance effects, and treatment time dynamics. Human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to complete DMEM medium (without sodium pyruvate) activated with CAP at treatment distances of 2, 5, 7, and 9 mm, and treatment times of 15, 60, 120, 180, and 300 s for 1, 2 and 3 d of culture. The cell viability was evaluated using resazurin-based method, while wound healing dynamics was assessed via the scratch assay technique using phase-contrast microscopy. The cell morphology was characterised through fluorescence microscopy using propidium iodide and phalloidin staining, complemented by scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that treatment distances and exposure times can influence the cell behaviour depending on the cell concentration. For the selected concentration of 1 × 104 cells ml−1, a treatment distance of 9 mm appeared to enhance human gingival fibroblast viability compared to a treatment distance of 2 mm and the control group. The images revealed adherent cells with a pattern typical of fibroblasts. However, no differences were observed for exposure times of 15 s and 180 s. The observed results further evidence that the exposure of the medium to the CAP device promoted an increase in cell viability, proliferation, and attachment in human gingival fibroblasts.
- Efeito anti-placa de bochechos no crescimento de placa bacteriana supra-gengival: um ensaio clínico aleatórioPublication . Tarlattini, Giovanna; Ribeiro, Sandra; Albuquerque, Teresa; Luis, HenriqueObjetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar o efeito antiplaca de um bochecho com óleos essenciais (EO) sem álcool e de um bochecho de cloreto de cetilpiridínio (CPC) em comparação com um controlo positivo de clorohexidina (CHX), utilizando um modelo in vivo de crescimento de placa bacteriana durante três dias. Métodos: Este estudo foi desenvolvido como um ensaio clínico cruzado, cego e aleatorizado, que envolveu 16 voluntários. Após receberem a profilaxia profissional, durante os três dias seguintes, cada voluntário deixou de utilizar qualquer outro meio de higiene oral e realizou dois bochechos diários com 20 ml de um dos colutórios em teste. O bochecho de clorohexidina a 0,2% foi utilizado como controlo positivo. Após os três dias, o índice de placa foi avaliado e os participantes preencheram um questionário para manifestar a opinião em relação ao produto utilizado. Cada voluntário passou por um período de washout de 14 dias entre cada fase do estudo. Resultados: O grupo que utilizou o CPC mostrou um melhor efeito na inibição do crescimento da placa bacteriana, quando comparado com o grupo EO. De facto, a média global do índice de placa bacteriana foi menor com a utilização do CPC (1,30) do que com o uso do EO (1,73) e da CHX (1,54). Todos estes valores foram estatisticamente significativos (P<0,031). Conclusão: O CPC apresentou melhores resultados na redução da placa bacteriana quando comparado com o EO e com a CHX.
- Estudo preliminar da saúde oral de desportistas praticantes de boxePublication . Caciones, Adriana; Antunes, Margarida; Assunção, Victor; Albuquerque, Teresa; Luis, HenriqueObjetivos Caracterizar o estado de saúde oral de praticantes de boxe; conhecer a frequência de utilização de protetores bucais e os efeitos na saúde oral dos praticantes desta modalidade desportiva; comparar o uso de protetores bucais e de efeitos na saúde oral entre praticantes de boxe de manutenção e de competição. Métodos: A população-alvo foi constituída por uma amostra de conveniência dos praticantes de boxe amador na Escola de Boxe de Lisboa. A recolha de dados foi realizada através de questionário, observação da cavidade oral avaliando os índices CPO-D, gengival (IG) e higiene oral simplificado (IHO-S), e palpação da articulação temporo-mandibular. Os dados foram analisados com teste de V de Cramer (α=0,05). Resultados: Amostra constituída por 36 indivíduos (18-65 anos), maioritariamente do sexo masculino. A maioria utiliza protetores bucais (89%), sendo as “Boil and Bite” os mais populares. As alterações provocadas na cavidade oral verificaram-se, maioritariamente, ao nível da ATM, com 33% dos praticantes referindo dor na articulação e 25% dificuldade em abrir a boca. Nos hábitos de higiene oral, a maioria indicou escovar 2 a 3 vezes ao dia, utilizar meios de remoção interdentária e realizar consultas de saúde oral regularmente. Na observação intraoral, obtiveram-se os seguintes valores médios: 5,66 no CPO, 2,59 no IHO-S e 0,59 no IG.
- Health literacy and oral health: The role of schoolteachers as health promotersPublication . Luís, Luís; Assunção, Victor; Luis, Henrique
- How Individual Variations in the Perception of Basic Tastes and Astringency Relate with Dietary Intake and Preferences for Fruits and VegetablesPublication . Louro, Teresa; Simões, Carla; Castelo, Paula Midori; Silva, Fernando Capela e; Luis, Henrique; Moreira, Pedro; Lamy, ElsaBackground: Oral food perception plays a major role in food acceptance, although the way it relates with food preferences and final choices in adults is still debatable. The objective of the present study was to assess the relationship between gustatory function, dietary habits and fruit and vegetable preferences. Methods: Recognition thresholds, suprathreshold and hedonics were accessed for sweet, bitter, sour, salty and astringency in 291 adult participants. A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and a questionnaire for assessment of preferences for individual fruit and vegetables were filled by the participants. Results: Three clusters were obtained: “most sensitive”, “less sensitive” and “less sensitive only for sour”. The less sensitive cluster showed lower preferences for fruit and vegetables and higher intake of sweets and fast foods, whereas higher preferences for sweet veggies were observed in the “most sensitive” cluster. Basic tastes and astringency hedonics did not associate with fruit and vegetable preferences, but the sensitivity for these oral sensations did. Conclusions: Taste and astringency sensitivities are related with the preference for fruit and vegetables, being also associated with some dietary habits. The effectiveness of the strategies to promote plant-based healthy food consumption may benefit from the knowledge of individuals’ gustatory function.
- Influence of implant design, length, diameter, and anatomic region on implant stability: A randomized clinical trialPublication . Moreira, André; Rosa, José; Freitas, Filipe; Francisco, Helena; Luis, Henrique; Caramês, JoãoObjetivos: Avaliar a influência da geometria dos implantes e região anatómica na estabilidade implantar. Métodos: Foi realizado um ensaio clínico controlado aleatorizado em 45 pacientes, onde foram colocados 79 implantes: 40 implantes MIS C1 e 39 implantes MIS Seven. O coeficiente de estabilidade do implante foi medido através da análise de frequência de ressonância (RFA) imediatamente após a colocação do implante e 8 semanas depois, com Osstell Mentor. Resultados: Foram analisados 76 implantes. O coeficiente de estabilidade do implante registado para estabilidade secundária foi significativamente maior que o verificado para a estabilidade primária (68,7±8,6 e 65,2±10,3, p=0,023). Considerando a estabilidade primária, não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os comprimentos de 8,0 mm, 10,0 mm, 11,0 mm e 11,5 mm (67,9±7,6, 63,9±10, 57,2±11,1 e 66,4±11,3, p=0,312). O mesmo foi verificado para a estabilidade secundária (68,4±9,4, 67,9±9,3, 74,7±1,5 e 69,2±7,9, p=0,504). Não se observou diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os diâmetros dos implantes de 3,75 e 4,20 mm e estabilidade primária (64,3±8,7 e 66,1±11,7, p=0,445) ou estabilidade secundária (68,8±8,2 e 68,7±9,1, p=0,930). Foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa para a estabilidade secundária, favorecendo o implante MIS Seven (p=0,048). A localização intraoral foi estatisticamente significativa para a estabilidade primária e secundária, sendo maior na maxila anterior em relação à maxila e mandíbula posteriores (p<0,05). Conclusões: O diâmetro e o comprimento dos implantes estudados não influenciaram sua estabilidade. O tipo do implante parece influenciar a estabilidade secundária, enquanto a região anatómica aparenta ter um efeito relevante na estabilidade primária e secundária.
- Institutional caregivers’ predictors of oral hygiene frequency in adults with cerebral palsyPublication . Bizarra, Maria; Luis, Henrique; Bernardo, MárioObjectives: To assess the factors that influence the frequency of dental hygiene in adults with cerebral palsy, determine the caregivers’ difficulties in performing dental hygiene, and relate to their sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was applied to 257 caregivers from 27 institutions who participated voluntarily. Information on dental hygiene practices, sociodemographic characteristics, and caregivers’ difficulties in performing dental hygiene was obtained. Data were analyzed with SPSS® version 25 with a significance level of 5%. Nonparametric tests were used to define predictors of frequency and difficulties of brushing by caregivers and determine prevalence ratios and confidence intervals. Spearman’s correlation was used to study the relationship between variables. Results: Brushing was performed twice a day by 23.7% of caregivers and never by 21.8%. The caregivers with less training in dental hygiene performed brushing more frequently (OR=0.247; p=0.001). Brushing frequency was lower in the presence of bleeding, lack of cooperation by adults with cerebral palsy, and when caregivers had higher education and age. The following problems were relevant for the relationship between difficulty in performing brushing and frequency: “pulling the head away” (p<0.001) and “not opening the mouth” (p=0.005). Conclusions: The predictors influencing dental hygiene frequency were younger age and a higher education level of caregivers. The lack of collaboration, as well as “pulling the head away,” by people with cerebral palsy increases the difficulty of performing oral hygiene. (Rev Port Estomatol Med Dent Cir Maxilofac. 2022;63(1):20-26)
- Literacy and Mental Health of Portuguese Higher Education Students and Their Use of Health Promotion Strategies during Confinement in the COVID-19 PandemicPublication . Oliveira, Ana; Nobre, Joana Rita; Luis, Henrique; Luis, Luis Soares; Albacar-Riobóo, Núria; Pinho, Lara Guedes; Sequeira, CarlosThe pandemic of COVID-19 caused significant changes in economies and societies with a major impact on the entire education process. However, these changes did not invalidate a constant effort of adaptation. This cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study used an online questionnaire administered to students from various study cycles at higher education institutions in Portugal, with the aim of exploring the influence of literacy and mental health on the use of mental health promotion strategies during COVID-19 confinement. A total of 329 students from higher education institutions participated in this study, mostly from the age group 18–24 years (n = 272; 82.7%) and female (n = 265, 80.5%). The most mentioned health promotion strategies during this period included studying (n = 170; 51.7%); physical activities (n = 151, 45.9%); social networking (n = 124, 37.7%); cooking activities (n = 120, 36.5%); and listening to music (n = 118,35.9%). Academic success is self-reported, and it is weakly correlated with the MHI5 (r = 0.103,p = 0.063). Students in the pre-graduate programs studied more during the times of the pandemicand used this activity as a mental-health-promoting strategy with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.033). Although it was difficult to improve health literacy related to COVID-19 in such a shortperiod of time, there was a very strong motivation to access, understand, evaluate, communicate,synthesize, and apply information and knowledge to maintain mental health through self-care using health promotion strategies.
- Mental Health Literacy and Positive Mental Health in Adolescents: A Correlational StudyPublication . Nobre, Joana; Calha, António; Luis, Henrique; Oliveira, Ana Paula; Monteiro, Francisco; Ferré-Grau, Carme; Sequeira, CarlosThis study aimed to assess adolescents0 Mental Health Literacy (MHL) level, Positive Mental Health (PMH) level, the association between sociodemographic variables and the MHL and PMH levels, and the relationship between adolescent`s MHL and PMH levels. A quantitative, crosssectional, correlational study was conducted with a convenience sample of 260 adolescents studying in the 5th to 12th years of school. The Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire, the Mental HealthPromoting Knowledge, and the Positive Mental Health Questionnaire were used for data collection. Most of the adolescents were female (55.8%) with a mean age of 14.07 years. The participants showed good levels of MHL (MHKQ). The participants showed good levels of MHL (MHKQ x = 60.03; MHPK-10 x = 4.49) and high levels of PMH (x = 128.25). The adolescents with higher levels of MHL were the oldest, in a higher year of school, female, those whose mothers are employed, those who have healthy eating habits, and those who have a better body image self-perception. Adolescents in a lower year of school, with adequate sleep habits, who spend fewer hours a day in front of a screen or online, and who have a better self-perception of mental and physical health and body image were the ones with higher PMH levels. These findings suggest the need to implement experimental or quasi-experimental studies to ascertain the effectiveness of interventions that promote adolescent`s positive mental health literacy.