Objective: Anxiety is regarded as a major problem in children undergoing dental treatment. One of the physiological responses to anxiety is an increased pulse rate. Young children respond aggressively to anxiety and are in need of psychological intervention. Pop-up books can be used as an instrument to improve their interest and to help them understand the substance of dental health education.The objective of this study was to utilize pulse rate measurements to investigate the intervention of a pop-up book in reducing anxiety. A total of 78 children aged 4–6 years were divided into two groups: An intervention group with the pop-up book Aku dan Gigiku and a control group without intervention. The pulse rates of both groups were measured. This study comprised an experimental clinical research design. The independent t-test was used to measure comparisons of decreased pulse rate between the two groups.Result: The result showed that there was a statistically significant difference in decreased pulse rate with and without the intervention of the pop-up book Aku dan Gigiku. Pop-up books are often used as an educational medium for children because they present interesting illustrations and are easy to understand.Conclusion: As a medium of dental health education, pop-up books can contribute significantly to reducing anxiety in children.
THE EFFECT OF THE POP-UP BOOK AKU DAN GIGIKU ON PULSE RATE IN CHILDREN AGED 4–6 YEARS
