Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Kannada Version of Modified Dental Anxiety Scale Among an Adult Indian Population

Abstract

Background: Dental anxiety is one of the most common barriers in seeking dental care. In order to overcome this barrier dentist need to screen patients to successfully help in treatment. A scale is thus needed to measure dental anxiety which is socially & culturally acceptable. Aim: This study aimed to assess the Cross cultural adaptation and validity of the Kannada translation of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS-K). Materials and Methods: A test-retest was conducted on 30 patients visiting a dental institution to assess the reliability of MDAS- K. A cross-sectional survey of 301 patients was conducted in different departments at a dental institution to test the psychometric properties of MDAS-K. The assessment tool consisted of a proforma containing socio-demographic, non socio- demographic variables, MDAS-K and Visual analogue scale (VAS). Statistical analysis: Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, inter-item Spearman’s correlation. Independent t-test, ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni were used to analyse dental anxiety in the psychometric constructs. Results: The internal consistency of MDAS-K was good with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.83. The test-retest reliability for MDAS K had a good correlation of 0.901. The psychometric variables established the construct validity of MDAS-K.MDAS-K also showed good convergent validity with VAS score. The anxiety levels differed in patients visiting different dental departments. Conclusion: The high reliability and validity of the MDAS-K supports its cross cultural adaptation and indicates that it can be a valuable tool for dental practioners in quantifying anxiety among patients and provide quality dental care.

Keywords

• assessment
• reliability
• validity
• visual analogue scale