ANXIETY TOWARDS DENTAL TREATMENTS IN MUMBAI: A PSYCHOMETRIC STUDY

Priyanka Vairat; Trupti Naykodi; Aditya Shinde

Volume : IX, Issue : VII, July - 2020

ANXIETY TOWARDS DENTAL TREATMENTS IN MUMBAI: A PSYCHOMETRIC STUDY

Priyanka Vairat, Trupti Naykodi, Aditya Shinde

Abstract :

BACKGROUND: Dental treatments are usually associated with anxiety, fear and apprehension in the minds of the patients. Many patients tend to avoid or delay their dental visits because of these reasons, leading to aggravation of their dental problems. It is important to identify and analyze the patients‘ dental anxiety, which will improve the work quality and efficiency of the clinicians. AIM: The current study was conducted to assess and measure the anxiety generated across age and gender prior to general dental treatment and specifically, before endodontic treatment in Navi Mumbai, India. METHOD: Modified Dental anxiety Scale (MDAS) Questionnaire was given to OPD patients. Study sample of 230 adults was included. An additional question assessing patients‘ anxiety to endodontic treatment was included. Statistical analysis was done using Chi Square, ANOVA Test and independent t–test. RESULT: A total number of 125 males and 105 females took part in the survey. Mean value of anxiety according to score comparison was 8.65 in males and 7.97 in females which was not significant. There was no difference in anxiety levels in different age groups. Females showed slightly higher anxiety than males for endodontic treatment. However, there was no significant association between age and endodontic anxiety. CONCLUSION: All patients showed low level of anxiety to dental procedures. Slightly higher anxiety levels were observed prior to endodontic treatment. Gender and age did not affect anxiety levels. This issue of dental phobia needs to be addressed to make dental procedures comfortable for both patient and clinician.