MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a period of 10 years (1989 to 1999), 34 patients with dentofacial deformities who had orthognathic surgery were reviewed; patients with cleft lip and palate or syndromes were excluded.
RESULTS: The mean age (range, 17 to 35 years) of the patients was 24.3 years and the ratio of female to male was 2.4:1. The predominant ethnic group was Chinese, with females (47.1%) forming the largest group. The main reason for seeking surgery was aesthetic improvement (41%). The majority of the patients had skeletal class III pattern (91%) and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy was the most common surgery done (82%). Postoperative complications were mainly paraesthesia/numbness (56%) and infection (15%). In long-term review, 2 (6%) patients had persistent numbness of the inferior alveolar nerve.
CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the majority of the patients are young adult female students with skeletal class III pattern and treated for mandibular prognathism. The complication of persistent numbness and higher rate of postoperative infection indicate that longterm reviews and good antibiotic prophylaxis/therapy are necessary.
Methods: Descriptive correlational study was conducted in the out-patient department of Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center, Kathmandu Nepal. Non-probability purposive sampling was used. A face-to-face interview was conducted from September to December 2018, using a structured questionnaire that included socio-demographic variables, illness perception questionnaire (revised) and Hill bone compliance to high blood pressure therapy scale. Data analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square test, Spearman rank correlation).
Results: Among 204 participants, 51% were male, 77% were literate, mean ± S.D. age was 60±12. About 72% experienced headache and 88% said that headache is related to HTN. Behavioural factors and psychological factors were regarded as the leading cause of HTN. Almost 63% participants believed HTN as highly threatening illness. Higher scores in timeline (acute/chronic), personal control, and treatment control revealed that patients believed HTN as a chronic disease with a higher rate of personal and treatment control. Regarding treatment adherence, the mean score was 16.58 (SD = 2.08), and only 14.7% had perfect adherence. Participants were more adherent to medication and appointment keeping rather than reduce salt intake. Duration of HTN diagnosis (p=0.027) and duration under HTN medication (p= 0.021) were found to be significantly associated with treatment adherence. There was a significant positive correlation between illness perception and treatment adherence (ρ = 0.282, p<0.01).
Conclusion: Illness perception and treatment adherence are correlated. Hence, it is beneficial to improve illness perception to achieve perfect treatment adherence. Reinforcement is essential to maintain adherence to both medications and behaviour therapy.