Related Experiment Videos
[Patient views on dental amalgam. An exploratory questionnaire]
A H Schuurs1, M A Eijkman, J Hoogstraten
1Vakgroep Cariologie & Endodontologie, Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam (ACTA), Louwesweg 1, 1066 EA Amsterdam.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Tandheelkunde
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Approximately 17% of the Dutch population may consider dental amalgam potentially harmful. While non-response influenced results, phrasing did not, revealing public health concerns related to amalgam fillings.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Dental Materials Science
- Social Science Research
Context:
- Investigating public perception of dental amalgam safety in the Netherlands.
- Assessing the impact of non-response bias and questionnaire phrasing on survey outcomes.
- Understanding the relationship between dental amalgam and self-reported health issues.
Purpose:
- To quantify public opinion on the potential harm of dental amalgam.
- To determine the influence of non-response and survey methodology on public perception.
- To identify health concerns attributed to amalgam fillings by the general population.
Summary:
- A study surveyed the Dutch population regarding dental amalgam, employing different sampling and questionnaire methods to account for non-response and phrasing effects.
- Results indicated that non-response significantly impacted findings, whereas questionnaire phrasing did not.
- An estimated 17% of the population perceives amalgam as potentially harmful, with 4-5% expressing health worries and 2-3% attributing existing ailments to it, though the 'neutral' sample showed no spontaneous reports of amalgam as a cause of illness.
Impact:
- Highlights the prevalence of public concern regarding dental amalgam safety.
- Underscores the importance of addressing non-response bias in public health surveys.
- Provides data on specific health complaints, such as headaches and fatigue, anecdotally linked to amalgam fillings.