Dental Anxiety and Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life among Rural Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between dental anxiety (DA) and oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among rural community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 390 rural community-dwelling older adults attending outpatient clinics of the Damanhur National Medical Institute during the year 2021. Three instruments were used: a demographic and clinical data structured interview schedule, Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-5) questionnaire. All statistical analyses were considered significant at a p-value of ≤0.001. Results: The main results showed that the prevalence of DA among participants was 90.5%, and 66.9% of the studied elderly population were either extremely (phobic) or very anxious. Moreover, a significant association was found between older adults’ DA and their OHRQoL (p ˂ 0.001). Conclusions: It was concluded that DA represents a common problem among rural community-dwelling older adults and is a predictor for poor OHRQoL. Raising community awareness about the importance of oral health and implementing measures to avoid DA through specialized community campaigns is recommended, particularly in rural areas.

Association Between Dental Anxiety and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life

“…Our study's results align with existing global research demonstrating the adverse effect of dental anxiety on OHRQoL. This correlation has been observed in various countries, such as Canada (24) , the Netherlands (25) , Hong Kong (26) , Egypt (27) , Switzerland (28) , Sweden (29) and Malaysia (30) . However, it's worth noting that in Swedish study (29) on adults, the authors did not nd a statistically signi cant relationship between OHRQoL and dental anxiety, highlighting the need for further examination of cultural and regional variations in this relationship.…”

Dental anxiety and ageing anxiety: Moderated mediation roles of Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life and subjective accelerated ageing

“…Regarding the positive association between dental anxiety and ageing anxiety via OHRQoL as a mediator, no study to date has yet investigated such an association. However, previous studies related to the relationship between dental anxiety and OHRQoL, where high dental anxiety was associated with poorer OHRQoL 7,38–40 . In addition, dental treatment was found to reduce dental anxiety levels and improve OHRQoL measures in a dentally anxious population 41 .…”

“…However, previous studies related to the relationship between dental anxiety and OHRQoL, where high dental anxiety was associated with poorer OHRQoL. 7,[38][39][40] In addition, dental treatment was found to reduce dental anxiety levels and improve OHRQoL measures in a dentally anxious population. 41 Therefore, a plausible explanation may be that as dental anxiety is elevated, those persons will perceive their oral health as deteriorating and will become more anxious about possible oral health outcomes related to ageing processes.…”

Oral Health Among Elderly Population in India - A Review

“…In elderly adults who live in rural communities, dental anxiety [15] is a widespread issue and a strong indicator of low OHRQoL. Dental anxiety (DA) is a negative psychological response to [16] stress.…”