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The Effect of Environmental Factors on Dental anxiety and behavior in Children
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Mehdi Motevali   , Azadeh Majidian , Shahrzad J Javadinejad * |
| Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Isf.C, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran |
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Abstract: (78 Views) |
Background: The multifactorial etiology of children’s dental anxiety and behavior identifies the influence of many different risk factors in its development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between environmental factors on Dental anxiety and behavior in children.
Materials and methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study involved 239 children aged 6 to 10 and included their parents, who completed a questionnaire about family background, dental history, and the first dental visit. Children's anxiety and behaviour were measured, respectively, using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale and Frankel's scale. Cooperative behavior was defined as positive or completely positive, while uncooperative behavior was considered negative or completely negative. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, independent sample t-test, and Spearman correlation coefficient. (α=0.05)
Results: No significant differences were found in cooperation and anxiety levels between children with and without siblings (p = 0.31) or between first-borns and others (P = 0.52). However, children who had a pleasant first visit to the dentist had significantly higher cooperation and lower anxiety levels (P < 0.001). Cooperation was also notably lower in children from divorced families compared to those from intact families (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between children with and without a history of hospitalization (P = 0.62), and age and gender did not affect cooperation levels.
Conclusion: The history of hospitalization, the experience of the first visit to the dentist, and the unpleasant experience at the dental clinic can influence anxiety and fear levels. The level of cooperation is also associated with parental divorce status, the presence or absence of siblings, first visit experience with the dentist, and unpleasant experience in the dental clinic.
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Oral Medicine
Received: 2024/11/30 | Accepted: 2025/03/16 | Published: 2025/05/20
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