Distraction: A game changer-A comparative interventional study in children aged between 4-7 years

Abstract

Nowadays, various novel techniques have been documented to modify behaviour of the child and reduce dental anxiety in paediatric patients. Recently developed distraction methods have advancements that involve intellectual distraction games. This approach enables the clinicians to treat children with minimal resources and is readily accessible in the market. Several studies have also evaluated the productiveness of virtual reality (VR) as an audio-visual distraction aid in guiding anxious children. The aim of the present study was to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality eyeglasses vs intellectual colored game as a distraction aid to reduce anxiety of children undergoing dental procedure.This was an in vivo interventional comparative study. A total sample of 90 children was selected aged between 4-7 years. They were randomly divided by chit method into three different groups with 30 children in each group: Group I (Control), Group II (VR) and Group III (ICG). Child’s anxiety level was assessed using a combination of physiological parameter (pulse rate and oxygen saturation) and behavioral measures including subjective assessment (Venham’s anxiety rating scale) and objective assessmemt (Facial Image Scale). Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21, IBM Inc.The study displayed a high statistically significant reduction in anxiety with VR & ICG Group when compared to Control group (p<0.001)Mental distraction (Intellectual coloured game) was proven to be a more promising distraction aid due to certain limitations of Virtual reality distraction.