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Objectives The influence of the administration method used to collect oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether the OHRQoL information obtained using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) differed with different methods of data collection (face-to-face interview, telephone, or self-administered questionnaire). Materials and methods The OHRQoL of 38 preschool children, aged 1 to 5 years, was measured using the German version of the ECOHIS. The instrument was administered to the caregivers of these children using three different methods, with an interval of 1 week between each administration. Test-retest reliability for the repeated ECOHIS-G assessments across the three methods of administration, agreement, and convergent validity was determined. Results Kappa coefficients for agreement between two different methods of administration, respectively, ranged from moderate to substantial (0.47 to 0.65). Test-retest reliability was moderate (ICC 0.65–0.79). Conclusion In conclusion, the three methods of administration (face-to-face interview, telephone interview, or self-administered questionnaire) of the ECOHIS-G were comparable in 1- to 5-year-old preschool children. Clinical relevance All three methods of administration can be used to obtain valid and reliable OHRQoL information in German speaking countries.

The cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.) has a long history as a recreational drug, but also as part of traditional medicine in many cultures. Nowadays, it is used by a large number of patients worldwide, to ameliorate the symptoms of diseases varying from cancer and AIDS to multiple sclerosis and migraine. The discovery of cannabinoid-receptors and the endocannabinoid system have opened up a new and exciting field of research. But despite the pharmaceutical potential of cannabis, its classification as a narcotic drug has prevented the successful development of cannabis into modern medicine. Although a huge number of scientific papers has been published on cannabis, there is currently no scientific consensus on the usefulness of medicinal cannabis. In 2004, The Netherlands became the first country to make herbal cannabis available as a prescription drug. The phytochemical research presented in this thesis has been possible because of the availability of these high-grade cannabis plants. This thesis has a specific focus on the cannabinoids and on analytical problems that currently obstruct advanced study of the cannabis plant. Furthermore, it deals with much needed methods for quality control and with administration forms of medicinal cannabis. In general, it may be considered a general guidebook, covering all the basic phytochemical aspects of medicinal cannabis.