Okeke Azubuike Chukwubumnobi, Folaranmi Nkiruka, Obi Ifeyinwa
Department of Child Dental Health, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.
J Relig Health. 2024 Dec;63(6):4683-4695. doi: 10.1007/s10943-024-02104-6. Epub 2024 Aug 25.
Malocclusion refers to the departure from the normal relationship of teeth to other teeth in the same and opposing arch. It can negatively impact on facial appearance and the quality of life of a person. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of malocclusion on the role of priests as counsellors and preachers in Nigeria as perceived by church members. This was a cross-sectional survey of 112 church members who completed an electronic questionnaire. Thirty-five (31.3%) participants said unattractive dental appearance (malocclusion) will impact negatively on their acceptance of the priest's gospel message. Twenty-seven (24.1%) said dental appearance will influence the choice of priest that they go to for counselling while 71 (63.4%) said it will not. The study found that though unattractive teeth arrangement did not significantly affect the priest's duties as it pertains to sermons and counselling, awareness on the importance of orthodontic care among the clergy is necessary and should be encouraged among all spiritual leaders.
错颌畸形是指同一牙弓和对颌牙弓中牙齿之间偏离正常关系的情况。它会对一个人的面部外观和生活质量产生负面影响。本研究旨在调查尼日利亚教会成员所认为的错颌畸形对牧师作为顾问和传教士角色的影响。这是一项对112名教会成员进行的横断面调查，他们完成了一份电子问卷。35名（31.3%）参与者表示，不美观的牙齿外观（错颌畸形）会对他们接受牧师的福音信息产生负面影响。27名（24.1%）参与者表示，牙齿外观会影响他们选择去咨询的牧师，而71名（63.4%）参与者表示不会。研究发现，尽管不美观的牙齿排列对牧师在布道和咨询方面的职责没有显著影响，但神职人员对正畸护理重要性的认识是必要的，并且应该在所有精神领袖中得到鼓励。
