Is Individual deprivation measures associated with dental anxiety and socioeconomic status of patients visiting dentists

Abstract

Aim: To assess the association between Individual deprivation measure with dental anxiety and socioeconomic status among patients visiting dentists in Chennai city, Tamil Nadu. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 patients aged 18-70 years who visited a private dental institution. Data on socio-demographics and detailed history about dental visits were obtained. Dental anxiety was measured using Corah Dental Anxiety Scale along with Individual deprivation measure questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS package 20. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 50 patients were enrolled in the study, 38% belonged to 31-40 years of age, 56% were male, 16% postponed dental visit due to dental anxiety, 54% belonged to upper middle class and 64% of the subjects had moderate anxiety. In all, 71.9% of the subjects with moderate anxiety were not deprived and 88.9% of upper middle class subjects were not deprived. Significant association was found between socioeconomic status and dental anxiety with Individual deprivation measure with a P < 0.05. Increasing socioeconomic status was associated with more deprivation and dental anxiety was higher among less deprived patients. Conclusion: Individual deprivation measure was associated with dental anxiety. Less deprived and higher socioeconomic class population had a significant higher dental anxiety.

Keywords

• deprivation
• dental anxiety
• socioeconomic