Psychosocial aspects of Noma (Cancrum Oris) in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

Onu, Justus Uchenna; Aluh, Deborah Oyine; Ononiwu, Charles N

doi:10.1177/00494755231175529

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 17 publications

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“…[4][5][6][7] Very few studies have been done on the psychological effects of living with Noma. 3,8,9 Noma survivors frequently experience discrimination and prejudice in their communities. The physical scarring leaves behind deep psychological wounds, such as feelings of guilt, embarrassment, and self-consciousness.…”

Section: Th E Soci a L A N D Psychologica L Consequ E Nce S Of Nom Amentioning

confidence: 99%

Facing stigma: The psychological burden of Noma survivors

Tripathy,

Mathur,

Mehta

2023

Oral Surgery

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Noma disease, commonly referred to as cancrum oris, is a fatal and little-known tropical disease that mostly affects malnourished or immunosuppressed children, especially those aged 2-7 years. Noma affects 140,000 children worldwide on an annual basis 1 and is generally prevalent in impoverished or underprivileged areas of developing nations, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa and some cases in Asia. 2 Known colloquially as "the face of poverty," Noma is a lifethreatening infection that begins as a simple gingival ulceration but quickly spreads, causing extensive damage of the soft and hard tissues of the face leading to permanent facial disfigurement and deformity. WHO estimates that there are presently 770,000 Noma survivors across the world 1 and most of them struggle with a variety of chronic health conditions, including trismus (temporomandibular spasm), trouble speaking, halitosis, oral incontinence, tooth loss, and feeding difficulties. 3,4 These concerns, which arise because of the facial deformities induced by Noma, make it a significant public health concern, impacting the quality of life and functional capacities of affected individuals. 3 While the physical effects are catastrophic, the hidden agony caused by Noma's psychological and social impact is equally severe and demands immediate attention.

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Section: Th E Soci a L A N D Psychologica L Consequ E Nce S Of Nom Amentioning

confidence: 99%

Facing stigma: The psychological burden of Noma survivors

Tripathy,

Mathur,

Mehta

2023

Oral Surgery

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Noma in the WHO's list of neglected tropical diseases: A review of its impact on undeveloped and developing tropical regions

Verma,

Zaheer,

Ahsan

et al. 2024

Preventive Medicine Reports

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Pattern of malocclusion in patients with noma sequelae: The need for orthodontic and orthognathic therapy

Bala,

Braimah,

Taiwo

et al. 2024

Saudi Journal of Oral Sciences

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Introduction: Noma is a gangrenous infection that destroys the orofacial structures and leaves the survivors with severe functional, psychosocial, and esthetic impairments. Malocclusion is one of the central sequelae that current Noma care often neglects. Aims: This study aimed to present the pattern of malocclusion in Noma survivors and highlight the role of orthodontic and orthognathic therapy in the management. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over 6 months. After obtaining institutional ethical approval, all noma survivors with permanent teeth, including complete upper and lower molars at least on one side, who presented for review were included in the study. Patients’ demographics, Angle class of malocclusion, and various malocclusions were recorded. Data obtained were analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences (IBM SPSS) version 25. Results: There were 35 (54.7%) males and 29 (45.3%) females in the age range of 12–36 years and a mean ± standard deviation of 22.52 ± 6.01 years. Most patients, 52 (81.3%), have Angle class 1 molar relation. Protrusion of anterior teeth was present in 34 (53.1%), posterior crossbite in 8 (12.5%), upper and lower teeth crowding in 11 (17.2%), isolated upper anterior crowding in 9 (16.7%), isolated lower anterior crowding in 4 (6.3%), and open bite in 5 (7.8%). Other dental malalignments, such as rotations and tooth displacement, were invariably present in 34 (53.1%). Conclusion: Malocclusion in noma survivors constitutes one of the most observable problems of noma sequelae. Orthodontic and orthognathic therapy could promote these patients’ surgical, esthetic, and psychosocial rehabilitation.

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Psychosocial aspects of Noma (Cancrum Oris) in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

Cited by 3 publications

References 17 publications

Facing stigma: The psychological burden of Noma survivors

Facing stigma: The psychological burden of Noma survivors

Noma in the WHO's list of neglected tropical diseases: A review of its impact on undeveloped and developing tropical regions

Pattern of malocclusion in patients with noma sequelae: The need for orthodontic and orthognathic therapy

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