ABSTRACT
Aim
This study aims at evaluation and discussion of differences in pain perception, anxiety and behavior of male and female dental patients and highlight its significance in treatment planning and management, in the clinical set ups in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia.
Material and methods
A comparative cohort study was carried out in 880 patients from various dental clinics in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. They were given a 23-question questionnaire based on extended DFAS(dental fear and avoidance scale) and DAS(dental anxiety scale). The variables included brief demographic data, medical history, pscychological assessment, pain catastrophe, previous dental experiences and avoidance of dental treatment. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the categorized study and outcome variables in male and female patients and comparing the differences in pscychology and pain perception.
Results and conclusion
Female subjects reported with less pain and phobiafor dental treatment compared to male subjects.91.6% femalesresponded positively for DFAS-1 score(not afraid) against 45.8% of male subjects and 50.6%male subjects agreed that they are terrified of dental pain against 25.7% female subjects for DFAS score 4(terrified of dental pain),which is statistically highly significant.
Prevalence of dental anxiety in two major cities in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia
