knowledge

Introduction: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) was first reported in 2003. In 2014, it was revealed that not only bisphosphonates but also other antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs can cause osteonecrosis (Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: MRONJ). The aim of this study is to compare awareness and knowledge about BRONJ and MRONJ among specialists/trainers (ST), general dental practitioners (GDP); and dentists who graduated before and after the year 2014. Materials and methods: A survey regarding demographic information and knowledge about BRONJ and MRONJ was prepared and delivered to dentists via social media.Results: A total of 422 dentists participated in our study. It was observed that the awareness and knowledge about BRONJ and MRONJ were statistically higher in ST and in dentists who graduated in 2014 or later. In addition, when their specialties were compared to each other, it was seen that the awareness and knowledge of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists (OMR) and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMS) were higher than others.Discussion: According to the results of this study, it was seen that the awareness and knowledge of the ST group were higher than GDP, maybe because they may encounter these cases more. In addition, dentists who graduated in 2014 or later had higher awareness, maybe because MRONJ was coined and entered the dentistry education curriculum in 2014. Awareness and knowledge of OMR and OMS were found higher may be because they encounter these patients more frequently. Planning educational strategies for all dentists, especially GDP and dentists who graduated before 2014 is very important for post-graduate dentistry education.

Introduction: In the Republic of Congo, Mombénzélé village’s an area endemic for cholera where environmental and socio-economic factors favor the persistence of the epidemic. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the indigenous peoples of Mombénzélé regarding cholera to design culturally appropriate and sustainable prevention strategies.Materials and methods: This was a preliminary cross-sectional pilot study, descriptive and analytical in nature, conducted from April 21 to 31, 2026, in the indigenous community of Mombénzélé (Impfondo district, Republic of Congo). The study assessed adults. Convenience sampling was used. Data were collected via a questionnaire in Lingala and face-to-face interviews, with secure data entry on tablets. Analysis using SPSS, including socio-demographic profiles, KAP variables, and chi-square tests (p < 0.05), was conducted in strict compliance with ethical principles and anonymization guidelines. Results: The population studied is predominantly male (60%) and without formal education (92%). Cholera is largely unknown to 92% of individuals, who believe exclusively in mystical causes. Hygiene practices are dangerous, with a complete lack of water treatment (100%) and systematic recourse to traditional healers (60%). Vulnerability is exacerbated by open defecation (56% in the river) and a refusal to use chlorinated water (88%). Sociodemographic factors significantly influence behaviors, notably age, which impacts funeral practices (p = 0.033), and educational level, which determines access to the river (p = 0.0033). The main activity influences the consumption of treated water (p = 0.0218) and determines (p = 0.000026) funeral practices. Household size impacts the perception of cholera lethality (p = 0.009) and guides the choice of funeral practices (p = 0.045).Discussion: A cholera epidemic has struck the Mombénzélé village, affecting 96% of adults and exacerbated by a complete lack of awareness of the symptoms and a rejection of chlorinated water. The health crisis has driven 76% of the population to traditional medicine. Conclusion: To contain the health crisis in Mombénzélé, it’s essential to deploy a strategy combining the training of bilingual mediators and the improvement of water infrastructure, in order to overcome the lack of information on the transmission of cholera and to adapt prevention to the realities and cultural barriers of the indigenous community.