ORCID Profile
0000-0002-0205-1309
Current Organisations
University of Queensland
,
The University of Newcastle
,
Southern Cross University
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-04-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-9657.2012.01139.X
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental trauma among primary school children aged 6-11 years in Belgaum, India. A s le of 13,200 children from primary schools of Belgaum district was examined for dental trauma. WHO classification of dental trauma was used. Total number of children suffering from dental trauma was found to be 1946 (14.74%). A significant gender influence on the occurrence of dental trauma was observed, with more boys (17.26%) experiencing dental trauma than girls (12.29%). More than 3 mm overjet and incompetent lips were also significantly associated with dental trauma in children. The findings of this study show that dental trauma has a moderately high prevalence among Indian primary school children. Community, especially parents and school teachers, should be educated about prevention and early management of dental trauma in children.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JANXDIS.2018.12.001
Abstract: Although Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) has proven to be effective in the treatment of various subtypes of specific phobia, there is limited evidence of its role in the treatment of dental phobia. A single-blind RCT was conducted among 30 randomized patients with dental phobia to either VRET or informational p hlet (IP) condition. Primary outcome anxiety measures (VAS-A, MDAS and DFS) were evaluated at baseline, pre- and post-intervention, 1-week, 3-months and 6-months follow-up. Secondary outcome measures assessed were pre-post behavioral avoidance, temporal variations of heart rate and VR-experience during and post-VRET, and dental treatment acceptance in both conditions at 6-month follow-up. Intention to treat analysis, using a repeated measures MANOVA, revealed a multivariate interaction effect between time and condition (p = 0.015) for all primary outcome measures (all ps < 0.001). Only patients of the VRET condition showed a significant reduction in anxiety scores (mean reduction [s.d.]: VAS-A 44.4 [36.1] MDAS 7.1 [5.4] DFS 21.2 [13.1]) whereas the patients in the IP group did not (mean reduction [s.d.]: VAS-A -0.33 [7.7] MDAS -0.33 [1.3] DFS -1.9 [3.8]), F (15, 14) = 3.3, p = 0.015. VRET was found to be efficacious in the treatment of dental phobia.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JEBDP.2019.01.009
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of technology-based interventions for the treatment of dental anxiety in children and adults. A systematic search using relevant keywords was conducted in PubMed-Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and The Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared technology-based interventions with inactive controls in the treatment of moderate to severe dental anxiety were included. A total of seven RCTs were included in the review. These studies investigated the effectiveness of video modeling, computerized cognitive behavioral therapy, virtual reality exposure therapy, and distraction with music and audiovisual video material. Six studies examining video modeling, computerized cognitive behavioral therapy, virtual reality exposure therapy, and distraction (audiovisual) showed significantly greater reductions in dental anxiety than inactive controls in both children and adults. None of the included studies followed Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines completely or reported sufficient data, thereby precluding a possible meta-analysis. Four out of seven included studies were assessed to be at high risk of bias. A limited number of studies supported the effectiveness of technology-based interventions in the treatment of dental anxiety in children and adults. The quality of the methods of studies on the effects of technology-based interventions allows only limited inferences on the effects of these interventions. However, within the limitations of the systematic review, the results converge to suggest that technology-based interventions may be useful as an adjunct to standard dental care. High-quality RCTs are needed to determine the (relative) effectiveness of these interventions. CRD42017064810.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 15-05-2018
Abstract: ontent produced by caregivers of stroke survivors on online video sharing platforms such as YouTube may be a good source of knowledge regarding caregivers’ unmet needs and caregiving experiences. e aimed to examine content, quantity and quality of YouTube videos that specifically target and discuss the needs and concerns of caregivers of stroke survivors. ouTube was systematically searched using six select search strings. The first 20 videos retrieved from each search string were screened against the eligibility criteria and included if they were: developed by either adult caregivers of stroke survivors and focused on caregivers’ needs and concerns or professional organisations and depicted first-hand testimonials of the needs and concerns of caregivers of stroke survivors. A pre-determined coding schedule was used to report the rate of unmet needs in each video: (1) Impact of Caregiving on Daily Activities (2) Relationship (3) Emotional and Psychological (4) Comprehensive Stroke care (5) Information and (6) Spirituality. General video characteristics were also reported. f the 132 videos screened, 26 in idual videos were included in the analysis. Most videos were developed in the USA (61.5%) and featured spouses of stroke survivors (65.47%). The most common types of videos were video blogs (vlogs) in which the main content featured the caregiver(s) diarising their daily thoughts and feelings (n=16, 48.5%). In total, 291 unmet needs were reported by caregivers of stroke survivors, with an average of 11.2 unmet needs per video. The most common unmet needs domain was ‘Impact of Caregiving on Daily Activities’ which made up 44% of the unmet needs reported. The most frequently reported sub-category was ‘Financial Impact’, appearing 24 times in 26 videos (92.3%). ontent produced by caregivers of stroke survivors on YouTube may be used as a tool for caregivers to provide and receive support through online communication. YouTube videos offer insight into the unmet needs of caregivers of stroke survivors across countries and healthcare systems, and may be used as an additional resource for stroke services to disseminate health information and support to caregivers. Further research is needed to investigate other online platforms to address the unmet needs of caregivers of stroke survivors.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 24-10-2011
Abstract: We compared the effectiveness of two media (text messages and p hlets) in imparting health education to mothers of preschool children. Mothers and their children were randomized into two groups. There were 72 mothers and their children in the p hlet group and 71 in the text message group. The mothers were given health education by one of the two modes for four weeks. Knowledge, attitude and practices of the mothers were assessed by a questionnaire pre- and post-intervention. Visible plaque scores of their children were also recorded pre- and post-intervention. There were significant improvements in knowledge ( P 0.001), attitude ( P 0.001) and practices ( P 0.001) in both groups. There was also a significant reduction in visible plaque scores ( P 0.001) in both groups. Text messaging was more effective than p hlets in improving knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers, but the comparative reduction in plaque score between groups was not significant. Text messaging appears to be an effective means of imparting oral health education.
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 07-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-12-2016
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 12-01-2016
DOI: 10.1136/TOBACCOCONTROL-2015-052713
Abstract: YouTube is the most popular video sharing website, and is increasingly used to broadcast health information including smoking cessation advice. This study examines the quality and quantity of YouTube quit smoking videos targeted at people living with mental illness (MI). We systematically searched YouTube using selected relevant search terms. The first 50 videos obtained for each search term were screened for relevance and further videos screened through snowball s ling. Forty unique, English language videos focussing on people with MI were included in the assessment and evaluated for general video characteristics, themes, format, targeted smoking cessation and harm reduction information. Most videos either discussed the problem of high smoking rates among people with MI (n=12) or smoking cessation programmes and policies at an institutional level (n=13). Only nine videos were aimed at providing quit smoking advice to this population. One video recommended higher doses of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for people with MI while six videos referred to possible changes in medication dosage on quitting smoking. Four videos suggested cutting down smoking for harm reduction. Very few YouTube videos specifically focus on the problem of high smoking rates among people with MI and even fewer provide targeted smoking cessation and harm reduction advice for this priority population. There is a need to develop comprehensive, evidence based, quit smoking video resources for smokers with a MI.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-05-2018
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12465
Abstract: Provision of smoking cessation support in the form of advice and information is central to increasing quit rates, including among people with mental illness (MI), who have 3-5 times higher odds of smoking than those without MI. This study investigated the extent and perceived utility of quit smoking advice and information available to Australian smokers with MI through face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 29 current smokers with MI. Qualitative analysis identified four major sources of quit smoking advice and information: (i) mental health practitioners (ii) Quitline (iii) social networks and (iv) Internet and media. All identified sources, including formal sources (mental health practitioners and Quitline), were perceived as providing inadequate information about quitting smoking, particularly regarding optimal usage of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Social networks emerged as a substantial source of quit smoking advice and information, especially for nontraditional methods such as vaping. Participants showed high interest in receiving support from peer-led smoking cessation groups. A minority of participants reported that they had received quit smoking information from Internet and media this was largely restricted to negative reports about e-cigarettes and short advertisements for nicotine replacement therapy. Our findings suggest that more can be done to provide smokers with MI with practical smoking cessation advice and support. Comprehensive information resources tailored for smokers with MI should be developed and disseminated via multiple pathways. We also recommend a number of policy and practice reforms to promote smoking cessation among those with MI.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-02-2018
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12314
Abstract: Reducing the burden of physical illness among people living with severe mental illnesses (SMI) is a key priority. Smoking is strongly associated with SMIs resulting in excessive smoking related morbidity and mortality in smokers with SMI. Smoking cessation advice and assistance from mental health practitioners would assist with reducing smoking and smoking-related harms in this group. This study examined the attitudes and practices of Australian mental health practitioners towards smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction for smokers with SMI, including adherence to the 5As (ask, assess, advise, assist and arrange follow up) of smoking cessation. We surveyed 267 Australian mental health practitioners using a cross-sectional, online survey. Most practitioners (77.5%) asked their clients about smoking and provided health education (66.7%) but fewer provided direct assistance (31.1-39.7%). Most believed that tobacco harm reduction strategies are effective for reducing smoking related risks (88.4%) and that abstinence from all nicotine should not be the only goal discussed with smokers with SMI (77.9%). Many respondents were unsure about the safety (56.9%) and efficacy (39.3%) of e-cigarettes. Practitioners trained in smoking cessation were more likely (OR: 2.9, CI: 1.5-5.9) to help their clients to stop smoking. Community mental health practitioners (OR: 0.3, CI: 0.1-0.9) and practitioners who were current smokers (OR: 0.3, CI: 0.1-0.9) were less likely to adhere to the 5As of smoking cessation intervention. The results of this study emphasize the importance and need for providing smoking cessation training to mental health practitioners especially community mental health practitioners.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 15-05-2018
DOI: 10.2196/11052
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-10-2016
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS201610.0065.V1
Abstract: Aims and Background: People living with mental disorders experience a disproportionately higher burden of tobacco-related disease than the general population. Long-term substitution with less harmful nicotine products could reduce the tobacco-related harm among this population. This study investigated the views and preferences of people with mental health disorders about different nicotine products and their use as long-term substitutes for cigarettes. Methods: Semi-structured focus group discussion followed by a brief questionnaire. The discussion transcripts were analysed for content and themes and quantitative data summarised with descriptive statistics. Results: Twenty-nine participants took part in four focus groups. Vaping devices were the most acceptable nicotine products discussed, however preferences for nicotine products were idiosyncratic and varied along aesthetic, pragmatic, sensory and symbolic dimensions. The concept of tobacco harm reduction was unfamiliar to participants, however they generally agreed with the logic of replacing cigarettes with less harmful nicotine products. Barriers to activating tobacco harm reduction included the symbolism of smoking and quitting the importance placed on health the consumer appeal of alternatives and cost implications. Discussion and Conclusion: Engaging this population in tobacco harm reduction options will require communication that challenges black and white thinking (a conceptual framework in which smoking cigarettes or quitting all nicotine are the only legitimate options) as in practice this serves to support the continuance of smoking. Consumers should be encouraged to trial a range of nicotine products to find the most acceptable alternative to smoking that reduces health harms. Providing incentives to switch to nicotine products could help overcome barriers to using less harmful nicotine products among mental health consumers.
Publisher: University of Queensland Library
Date: 2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-07-2022
DOI: 10.5694/MJA2.51604
Abstract: About 44% of Indigenous Australian women smoke during pregnancy, compared with 12% of pregnant non-Indigenous women. Health care providers can assist smoking cessation, but they are not typically trained in culturally appropriate methods. To determine whether a health care worker training intervention increases smoking cessation rates among Indigenous pregnant smokers compared with usual care. Supporting Indigenous Smokers to Assist Quitting (SISTAQUIT) study is a multicentre, hybrid type 1, pragmatic, cluster randomised controlled trial that compares the effects of an intervention for improving smoking cessation by pregnant Indigenous women (16 years or older, 32 weeks' gestation or less) with usual care. Twenty-one health services caring for Indigenous people in five Australian jurisdictions were randomised to the intervention (ten sites) or control groups (eleven sites). Health care providers at intervention sites received smoking cessation care training based on the ABCD (ask/assess brief advice cessation discuss psychosocial context) approach to smoking cessation for Indigenous women, an educational resource package, free oral nicotine replacement therapy for participating women, implementation support, and trial implementation training. Health care providers in control group services provided usual care. abstinence from smoking (self-reported abstinence via survey, validated by carbon monoxide breath testing when possible) four weeks after enrolment in the study. health service process evaluations knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health care providers and longer term abstinence, perinatal outcomes, and respiratory outcomes for babies (to six months). Ethics approval: The human research ethics committees of the University of Newcastle (H-2015-0438) and the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (1140/15) provided the primary ethics approval. Dissemination of results: Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications, at local and overseas conferences, and via public and social media, and to participating health services in art-based formats and reports. Policy briefs will be communicated to relevant government organisations. Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12618000972224 (prospective).
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 09-11-2022
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0274139
Abstract: About 44% of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women smoke during pregnancy compared to 12% of their general population counterparts. Evidence-based quit smoking advice received from health care professionals (HCPs) can increase smoking cessation rates. However, HCPs lack culturally appropriate smoking cessation training, which is a major barrier to provision of smoking cessation care for this population. iSISTAQUIT is a multicentre, single arm study aiming to implement and evaluate the evidence-based, culturally competent iSISTAQUIT smoking cessation training among health practitioners who provide support and assistance to pregnant, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia. This project will implement the iSISTAQUIT intervention in Aboriginal Medical Services and Mainstream Health Services. The proposed s le size is 10 of each of these services (total N = 20), however if the demand is higher, we will aim to accommodate up to 30 services for the training. Participating sites and their HCPs will have the option to choose one of the two iSISTAQUIT packages available: a) Evaluation- research package b) Training package (with or without continued professional development points). Training will be provided via an online eLearning platform that includes videos, text, interactive elements and a treatment manual. A social media c aign will be conducted from December 2021 to September 2022 to raise brand and issue awareness about smoking cessation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in pregnancy. This national c aign will consist of systematic advertising and promotion of iSISTAQUIT and video messages through various social media platforms. We will use the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) to plan, evaluate and report the intervention impact of iSISTAQUIT. Effectiveness of social media c aign will be assessed via social media metrics, cross-sectional surveys, and interviews. This innovative research, using a multi-component intervention, aims to practically apply and integrate a highly translatable smoking cessation intervention in real-world primary care settings in Aboriginal Medical Services and Mainstream services. The research benefits Aboriginal women, babies and their family and community members through improved support for smoking cessation during pregnancy. The intervention is based on accepted Australian and international smoking cessation guidelines, developed and delivered in a culturally appropriate approach for Aboriginal communities.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
No related grants have been discovered for Ratika Kumar.