SRM Journal of Research in Dental Sciences (Jan 2016)
Dental anxiety levels and factors associated with it among patients attending a dental teaching institute in Himachal Pradesh
Abstract
Background: Dental anxiety is often reported as a cause of irregular attendance, delay in seeking dental care, or even avoidance of seeking dental care, resulting in a poor oral health-related quality of life. Aim: To assess the dental anxiety levels and factors associated with it among patients attending a dental teaching institute in Himachal Pradesh. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on a sample of 246 subjects. The dental anxiety was measured by Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. (MDAS). The questionnaire consisted of questions on various demographic factors, experience about dental treatments, and various questions as mentioned MDAS. Data were analyzed by SPSS package 16. Tests used were t-test and analysis of variance. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of dental anxiety was 29.2%. The mean dental anxiety score was 9.22. ± 4.5. Females, those residing in villages, those who had past negative dental history, and students were significantly associated with dental anxiety. On multiple logistic regression analysis, only gender and residence were the strong predictors of association. There was a strong association between dental anxiety and postponement of treatment. Conclusion: The anxiety levels are low among the present population as compared to other states of India. However, we should try to prevent the dental anxiety among patients as dental anxiety leads to postponement of treatment, which ultimately affects the oral health-related quality of life.
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