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Factors predicting a child's dental fear
M Majstorović1, I Skrinjarić, D Glavina
1Department of Pedodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
Collegium Antropologicum
|January 29, 2002
Summary
A child's dental fear is primarily linked to prior negative medical experiences, not socioeconomic factors or maternal dental anxiety. Early medical trauma significantly influences a child's anxiety levels in dental settings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Child Psychology
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Childhood dental fear is a significant issue impacting oral health.
- Understanding the etiology of dental fear is crucial for effective intervention.
- Previous research has explored various contributing factors, including parental anxiety and socioeconomic status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and assess the key variables contributing to the development of dental fear in children.
- To differentiate between children with varying levels of dental anxiety and associated factors.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 89 children (ages 5.5-12.5) and their mothers.
- Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) measured child (CDAS) and maternal (MDAS) dental anxiety.
- Broome's Child Medical Fear Questionnaire (CMFQ) assessed fear of medical treatment.
- Hollingshead Index of Social Position (ISP) evaluated socioeconomic status.
- Cluster analysis and linear regression were employed for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Cluster analysis identified distinct groups, including dentally anxious children with high maternal anxiety and low socioeconomic status.
- Extremely anxious children exhibited high fear of medical treatment and low socioeconomic status.
- Linear regression revealed a strong correlation between previous traumatic medical experiences and child dental anxiety (CDAS' = b0 + b1 x CMFQ).
Conclusions:
- Early negative medical experiences are the most significant predictor of a child's dental fear.
- Maternal dental anxiety and socioeconomic circumstances appear to have a lesser impact on childhood dental fear compared to prior medical trauma.
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