Assessment of dental anxiety among the patients visiting a dental institution: a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey

Balachandrareddy Sapna; Afraa Nazish A. Tumminkatti; Afreen Kousar; Aaliyah T. Tumminkatte; Dontireddy Bhavana; D. S. Gazala Sulthana; Kadaramandagi M. Kavya

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20251383

Authors

Balachandrareddy Sapna Department Public Health Dentistry, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India
Afraa Nazish A. Tumminkatti Department Public Health Dentistry, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India
Afreen Kousar Department Public Health Dentistry, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India
Aaliyah T. Tumminkatte Department Public Health Dentistry, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India
Dontireddy Bhavana Department Public Health Dentistry, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India
D. S. Gazala Sulthana Department Public Health Dentistry, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India
Kadaramandagi M. Kavya Department Public Health Dentistry, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20251383

Keywords:

Dental anxiety, Modified dental anxiety scale, Self-perceived oral health, Dental treatments

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess dental anxiety among patients visiting a dental institution in Davangere, India.

Methods: This study included 400 participants aged ≥18 years. Demographic and non-demographic information were obtained through a questionnaire. Dental anxiety levels were determined using a language-translated version (Kannada) of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS-K). Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA, and Chi-square tests.

Results: The mean overall dental anxiety score for 227 female and 173 male participants, aged between 18 and 82 years was 16.6±2.6. The Anxiety score was slightly higher among Females, younger and early adults, and highly educated patients with lower incomes. However, this difference was not statistically significant. First-time visitors, those who had unpleasant dental experiences in the past (p=0.001), those who avoided dental treatment because of anxiety (p=0.000), and those who graded their oral health as poor to average (p=0.006), all had slightly higher mean anxiety scores. The degree of dental anxiety did not significantly correlate with any of the demographic or non-demographic factors (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The level of dental anxiety was found to be high (62.8%) and extremely high (22.5%) among the patients who visited a dental institution in Davangere City.

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