scholarly journals Assessment of dental anxiety and dental phobia among adults in Lebanon

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiba Kassem El Hajj ◽  
Youssef Fares ◽  
Linda Abou-Abbas

Abstract Background Dental anxiety continues to be a widespread problem affecting adult populations. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Lebanese Arabic version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS-A) and to identify the optimal cut-off for assessing dental anxiety and dental phobia among adults in Lebanon. In addition, we sought to assess dental anxiety and phobia as well as their correlates among Lebanese adult patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 451 dental adult patients aged between 18 and 65 years old. Information about demographic characteristics, previous bad dental experience, trauma’s experience period, perception of a periodontal problem, sensation of nausea during dental treatment, the MDAS-A scale, and the Visual Analogue Scale for anxiety (VAS-A) were collected. Results MDAS-A exhibited evidence of adequate psychometric properties. The optimal cut-off was 12 for dental anxiety and 14 for dental phobia. Out of the total sample, 31.5% suffered from dental anxiety while 22.4% had a dental phobia. Multivariable analysis showed that the odds of dental anxiety and phobia were higher among females compared to males. Also, patients suffering from periodontal problem perceptions, bad dental experiences during childhood and adolescence, and the sensation of nausea during dental treatment were at a higher risk of developing dental anxiety and phobia compared to their counterparts. However, a higher level of education was found to be a protective factor against dental phobia among Lebanese adult patients. Conclusion The MDAS-A scale is a suitable tool for the routine assessment of dental anxiety and phobia among Lebanese adult patients. Identifying patients with dental anxiety at the earliest opportunity is of utmost importance for delivering successful dental care.

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Muhammad Nazir ◽  
Muhanad Alhareky

Objective. To report the prevalence of dental phobia and associated factors among pregnant women. Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study included pregnant women visiting hospitals in Dhahran, Khobar, and Dammam in Saudi Arabia. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to assess dental anxiety and phobia. The score of MDAS ranges from 5 to 25, and a cutoff value of 19 was used to identify participants with dental phobia. Results. The study analyzed data of 825 participants with mean age of 29.08 ± 5.18 years. The prevalence of dental phobia was 16.1%. About 46.9% of the sample believed that dental treatment should be avoided during pregnancy, and the importance of regular dental checkup was recognized by 16.4% of the participants. Dental phobia was associated with the perception of the health of teeth (P 0.004) and gums (P 0.016). Multiple logistic regression showed that being under the age of 30 years (OR 0.63, P 0.019) and updating knowledge about oral health (OR 0.49, P 0.006) were significantly associated with reduced likelihood of dental phobia. However, having bad dental experience (OR 2.13, P 0.001) and being in first trimester of pregnancy (OR 1.57, P 0.033) were significantly associated with increased odds of dental phobia. Conclusions. A considerable proportion of pregnant women reported dental phobia. The bad dental experience was associated with increased dental phobia. However, reduced likelihood of dental phobia was associated with updating oral health knowledge. Healthcare professionals may consider these factors to reduce dental phobia and improve oral health of pregnant women.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiba Kassem El Hajj ◽  
Youssef Fares ◽  
Linda Abou-Abbas

Abstract Background Dental fear is a prevalent problem that can lead to poor dental health. The Kleinknecht’s Dental Fear Survey (DFS) is one of the used scales to assess dental fear. The present study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Lebanese Arabic version of the DFS (DFS-A) and to determine the optimal cut-off to identify dental fear as well as the correlates of dental fear in a group of Lebanese adults dental patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among a group of 442 dental patients (18–65 years) recruited at 29 dental clinics from March to June 2019. Patients completed a questionnaire including questions about demographic characteristics, previous bad dental experience, trauma’s experience period, the sensation of nausea during dental treatment, the DFS-A scale, the Lebanese Arabic version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS-A), and a general question about dental fear. Results DFS-A revealed evidence of adequate psychometric properties. DFS-A scale demonstrated high internal consistency (cronbach’s alpha = 0.93). Test–retest reliability assessment demonstrated strong reproducibility of the DFS-A scale score (ICC = 0.92 with 95% CI (0.83–0.96), p value < 0.0001 (N = 30). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure of the DFS-A reflecting fear associated with specific dental stimuli and procedures, patterns of dental avoidance and anticipatory anxiety, and physiologic arousal during dental treatment. A significant correlation was found between DFS-A and the MDAS-A indicating a good convergent validity. The optimal cut-off point to identify patients with and without dental fear is 41. Considering this cut-off score, the prevalence of dental fear in our sample was reported at 33.8%. Multivariable analysis showed that having previous scary and painful dental experiences, a sensation of nausea during treatment, and having dental anxiety were identified as predictors of dental fear. Conclusion The adapted Arabic version of the DFS (DFS-A) is a valid tool to evaluate dental fear among Lebanese adult patients.


1970 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Burkay YAKAR ◽  
Türkkan Öztürk KAYGUSUZ ◽  
Edibe PİRİNÇCİ

Background: Dental anxiety and fear make the dental operation and the treatment difficult. Beside that it causes the delays or absence in the dental appointments so it leads to problems for oral and dental health. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of dental anxiety, the factors affecting dental anxiety and the effects of dental anxiety on oral dental health of the participants.Methodology: We conducted a hospital-based, cross-sectional study among 342 patients attending the outpatient clinic of a tertiary dentistry hospital. Dental anxiety and trait anxiety levels of the participants measured using MDAS and STAI scales. Weconducted the student t-test, One-way Anova and Tukey’s post hoc for the analysis of our data. The Pearson’s correlation analysis has been used for the analysis of two different quantitative data obtain from MDAS and STAI scales.Results: The age average of 342 participant of our research was 34,41±11,78. 59,1% of our participants was women. (n=202) Dental anxiety was existing in the 42,1% of the participants (n=144). 56,4% of the participants have had a hard and painful dental treatment experiences. 15,2% of our participants (n=52) had MDAS 19 point or more.Conclusions: High and statistically significant dental anxiety scores have been detected for the patients who are women, housewives, who had uneasy and painful dental treatment stories who have personel inclinations to the anxiety. Examinations directed to the factors which would increase the dental anxiety, may prevent possible complications and also the risk carried by the patients related to the dental health may be estimated with the help of this kind of examinations. 


BJPsych Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 324-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Rezende-Pinto ◽  
Alexander Moreira-Almeida ◽  
Marcelo Ribeiro ◽  
Ronaldo Laranjeira ◽  
Homero Vallada

BackgroundAlthough many studies suggest that religiosity is a protective factor against drug use, there is little information on its effect on drug consumption patterns of those who do use drugs.AimsWe aimed to examine if there is any relationship between religiosity during childhood and adolescence, and drug consumption in adult crack users.MethodWe performed a cross-sectional study of adults addicted to crack cocaine. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio for the association between religious history in the age groups 8–11, 12–14 and 15–17 years and outcome variables.ResultsFrom a total of 531 respondents, religious involvement during childhood and adolescence was correlated to less frequent onset of drug consumption before 18 years (odds ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.98) and less craving (odds ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.91–0.99), mainly between the ages of 15 and 17 years.ConclusionsReligiosity provides some protection against drug consumption patterns in crack cocaine addicts.Declaration of interestNone.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1208
Author(s):  
Mojtaba Habibi Asgarabad ◽  
Morteza Charkhabi ◽  
Zahra Fadaei ◽  
Julien S. Baker ◽  
Frederic Dutheil

This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Academic Expectations of Stress Inventory (AESI) in terms of validity and reliability measurements among Persian students. A total sample of 620 high-school students (nfemale = 328, nmale = 292) was recruited to complete scales on academic expectations of stress, self-efficacy, and depression. The AESI was translated from English to Persian and its translation was further checked by three experts. We used a cross-sectional research design to collect data. The results approved the internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent, and construct validity of the ASEI. Additionally, confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure of the AESI, including the expectation of self and the expectations of parents/teachers. AESI was related to depression and self-efficacy in an empirically and theoretically expected direction. Moreover, configural and metric invariance were supported by gifted vs. non-gifted groups, but not scalar. No invariance was supported by gender groups. In conclusion, the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the AESI were confirmed to be used for educational, clinical, and research purposes in Iran.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristiano Scandurra ◽  
Roberta Gasparro ◽  
Pasquale Dolce ◽  
Vincenzo Bochicchio ◽  
Benedetta Muzii ◽  
...  

The aim of this monocentric cross-sectional study was to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Italian version of the Level of Exposure-Dental Experiences Questionnaire (LOE-DEQ) in an Italian sample of 253 dental patients ranging from 18–80 years of age. The LOE-DEQ assesses 16 potential dental distressing experiences and 7 general traumatic life events through 4 subscales: (1) dentists’ behaviour and patients’ emotions (DBPE); (2) distressing dental procedures (DDP); (3) other distressing dental events (ODDE); and (4) general traumatic events (GTE). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original 4-factor model had adequate fit to the data obtained from the Italian sample. Criterion validity was partially confirmed as only DBPE and DDP positively correlated with dental anxiety. Similarly, convergent validity was also partially confirmed as DBPE, DDP, and ODDE correlated with negative beliefs towards the dentist and the dental treatment. Discriminant validity was fully confirmed, as all correlations were below 0.60. Finally, DDP was the factor most associated with high dental anxiety. This study offers evidence of the reliability and validity of the LOE-DEQ in the Italian context, providing Italian researchers and dentists with a tool to assess dental and general distressing experiences in dental patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. e208127
Author(s):  
Hadi Esmaeili ◽  
Mohammad Malekzadeh ◽  
Davood Esmaeili ◽  
Farid Nikeghbal

Aim: The successful anesthesia is an essential factor for dental treatment. This study aimed at determining the effectiveness of local anesthesia and it’s relationship with dental Anxiety. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 256 dental patients, in 2017. Dental Anesthesia was administered after completing the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale by the patients. The level of anesthesia was recorded in one of three states (successful, difficult, and failed). Collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 and tests of, Chi-square, independent t-test, analysis of variance, and logistic regression model.  Results: About 60.5% subjects had moderate-severe dental anxiety. The mean of dental anxiety significantly was lower in the successful anesthesia group (P<0.01). Patients with elementary education had a significantly higher level of dental anxiety (P<0.01). Dental anxiety was significantly higher in the age group of ≥59 years, compared to the other age groups, except for 49-58 years (P<0.05). Subjects with a significantly higher level of dental anxiety more delayed their visits to the dentist. The logistic regression model showed that the dental anxiety (high anxiety) and literacy level (elementary) were the most important predictors of failed or difficult anesthesia. Conclusion: Informing patients about dental treatment procedures, regular and periodic visits to the dentist, using psychotherapeutic techniques to reduce dental anxiety before anesthesia, could play an important role in the success of anesthesia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-25
Author(s):  
Ankita Yadav ◽  
Shalini Garg ◽  
Ankita Srivastava ◽  
Anil Gupta ◽  
Shikha Dogra ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: Assessment of child’s anxiety is important in order to determine the success of dental treatment. Drawing, a nonverbal, self-report, projective and non-invasive technique may prove be helpful and needs to be explored in order to access anxiety in children requiring dental treatment.AIM: To investigate the applicability of children’s drawings as an indicator to measure their level of anxiety.MATERIALS & METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of hundred children between age group of 4-6 years. Children were asked to draw dental operatory on A4 sheet and colour it with basic set of 12 colours. The drawing was scored using Child Drawing: Hospital (projective scale) scale and the results were compared with pulse oximeter readings (physiological parameter) and Venham Picture Test scorings.RESULTS: Child Drawing: Hospital scale scoring had a positive correlation with pulse oximeter reading (involuntary) (p-value = 0.125) and a negative correlation with Venham picture test (p-value = 0.140).CONCLUSION: Drawing may be statistically significant projective tool significant to assess child anxiety in dental setting.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-32
Author(s):  
Misliah Ahmad ◽  
Wen Wu Tan

Dental anxiety is common among people of all ages, which results in delay and avoidance of dental visit and eventually deterioration of oral health. The aim of this study is to assess the dental anxiety level among the community in Wisma Lincoln University College. A cross-sectional study was carried out from April to December 2018. A total of 186 participants were included in this study. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to assess participants’ dental anxiety level. The prevalence of participants with severe anxiety level was 16.7% (n=31), with Indian female being the highest number (n=6, 20%). Participants felt most anxious if they were to receive a local anesthetic injection, with a mean score of 2.04 for male and 3.76 for female. With regards to the aspects of dental treatment that make participants anxious, 74.7% (n=139) of the participants would feel anxious about extraction, followed by pain arising from treatment (63.4%, n=118) and fear of injury caused by dental instrument (60.8%, n=113). In conclusion, 16.7% of the community in Wisma Lincoln University College were highly anxious, with Indian female being most anxious (20%).  


e-GIGI ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uswatun Khasanah ◽  
Paulina Gunawan ◽  
Herdy Munayang

Abstract: One of the most chronic dental diseases suffered by children is caries. Child anxiety during dental care often becomes a hindrance for dentists in order to give the best or optimum care or treatment. Therefore, it is important for the dentists to have a good relationship with patients, especially children. Childern who have a positive interaction with their dentists could overcome their anxiety, so they will not be afraid to go to the dentist. This study was aimed to analyze the relationship between child anxiety during dental care and DMF-T index among children aged 10–12 years old at SDN 27 Manado (elementary school). Subjects were children aged 10–12 years old who had experienced tooth treatment. This was an analytical descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. Data were obtained by using Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) questionnaire and DMF-T examination. The data were analyzed with the Pearson simple correlation test. The results showed that of 40 subjects, 7 children (17.5%) were not anxious for dental care, 24 children (60%) were slightly anxious, 7 children (17.5%) were anxious, and 2 children (5.0%) were very anxious. The DMF-T score 3-5 was the most common, each of 6 children (15%), meanwhile the most rare was the DMF-T scores of 10 and 15, each of 1 child (2.5%). The Pearson test of the correlation between anxiety during dental treatment and DMF-T index showed a P of 0.472. Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between child anxiety for dental care and DMF-T index.Keywords: feeling of anxiety, dental care, DMF-T index Abstrak: Salah satu penyakit kronis yang paling sering diderita anak ialah karies. Kecemasan anak saat menjalani perawatan gigi sering menjadi penghalang bagi dokter gigi untuk memberikan perawatan yang optimal. Oleh karena itu, penting bagi dokter gigi menjalin hubungan yang baik dengan pasien khususnya pasien anak. Anak yang memiliki interaksi positif terhadap dokter gigi dapat mengatasi rasa cemasnya, sehingga mereka tidak akan takut ke dokter gigi dan memiliki kesehatan gigi dan mulut yang baik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan kecemasan terhadap perawatan gigi dengan indeks DMF-T pada anak usia 10–12 tahun di SDN 27 Manado. Subyek penelitian yaitu anak berusia 10-12 tahun yang sudah pernah menerima perawatan gigi sebelumnya. Jenis penelitian ialah deskriptif analitik dengan desain potong lintang. Pengumpulan data menggunakan pengisian kuesioner Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) dan pemeriksaan DMF-T. Analisis data menggunakan uji korelasi sederhana Pearson. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan dari 40 responden, 7 anak (17,5%) tidak cemas terhadap perawatan gigi, 24 anak (60%) cemas ringan terhadap perawatan gigi, 7 anak (17,5%) cemas sedang terhadap perawatan gigi, 2 anak (5,0%) cemas berat terhadap perawatan gigi. Skor DMF-T 3-5 merupakan jumlah terbanyak masing-masing 6 anak (15%), paling sedikit pada skor DMF-T 10 dan 15 masing-masing sebanyak 1 anak (2,5%). Uji Pearson terhadap hubungan antara perasaan cemas anak terhadap perawatan gigi dengan indeks DMF-T mendapatkan nilai P=0,472. Simpulan: Tidak terdapat korelasi antara perasaan cemas anak terhadap perawatan gigi dengan indeks DMF-T.Kata kunci: perasaan cemas, perawatan gigi, indeks DMF-T


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