Prevalence of dental anxiety and its relation to age and gender in coastal Andhra (Visakhapatnam) population, India

Abstract

Background:Dental fear, anxiety and phobia have consistently been reported as widespread problems that persist despite the technological advances that have made dentistry less painful and less uncomfortable. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental anxiety (DA) and its relation to age and sex among Coastal Andhra (Visakhapatnam) population.Materials and Methods:A randomized controlled study was designed among 340 individuals at GITAM Dental College and Hospital, Visakhapatnam. The sample for the study consisted of 180 female and 160 male subjects between 15 and 65 years of age; all were supplied with two questionnaires (Corah DA scale [CDAS] and Clarke and Rustvold dental concerns assessment scale describing anxiety provoking stimuli. The Mann-Whitney U-test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were applied (significance level P < 0.05). The correlations between the two questionnaires were calculated using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.Results:Two questionnaires were collected from all 340 individuals and the Indian translation of both instruments was found to be internally reliable with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.093. Overall prevalence of DA was high (77.4%) but severe (22.6%) anxiety (phobia) was low. Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant relation between age and DA. The mean CDAS scores were high in 25-35 (11.08) and low in 55-65 (9.45) year age groups. Mann-Whitney U test showed significant relation between sex and DA. Mean CDAS score levels were significantly higher in females (10.88) than in males (9.96) (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:Patients anxious about dental procedures are often more difficult to treat. If Dentists become aware about the level of DA among their patients, they can anticipate patient's behavior and can be prepared to take behavioral/pharmacological measures to reduce anxiety levels.

Dental anxiety in patients with borderline intellectual functioning and patients with intellectual disabilities

“…1). These statistically significant data are consistently with findings by Armfield et al [12], Firat et al [10], Tunc et al [11], Liddel et al [18], Mohammed et al [1], Majstorovic et al [17], and Appukuttan et al [14]. …”

“…In their Indian study, Mohammed et al [1] examined a sample of 340 individuals, 180 females and 160 males, 15–65 years old. Results from DAS questionnaire showed high levels of anxiety in the age range 25–35, and low levels of anxiety in the age range 55–65.…”

“…A higher prevalence of anxiety in females was found in Turkey, in the studies by Firat et al [10] and Tunc et al [11], and in India in the study by Mohammed et al [1]. In Australia as well, Armfield et al [12] found that the fear of the dentist was prevalent in females and correlated with the age of the sample.…”

“…Despite the continuous evolution of dental technologies, dental anxiety has been consistently reported for long time [1]. Dental anxiety, fear and phobia are subcategories of overall anxiety [2].…”

Are Technology-Based Interventions Effective in Reducing Dental Anxiety in Children and Adults? A Systematic Review

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7] Much higher rates are seen in some non-western countries (up until 77%). 8 When apprehension towards dental situations is a transitory affective response that follows confrontation with specific dental situations, it is referred to as 'state anxiety'. In contrast, 'dental trait anxiety' 9 is the general tendency of an individual to experience anxiety towards dental objects and situations .…”