A Reliable and Valid Survey to Predict a Patient's Gagging Intensity

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Psychometrics

Background:

• The gag reflex can significantly impact dental procedures, leading to patient anxiety and reduced treatment success.
• Accurate assessment of gag reflex intensity is crucial for effective patient management and treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a reliable survey instrument for predicting gag reflex intensity.
• To create a tool that quantifies gag reflex strength based on individual experiences and behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A 10-question Predictive Gagging Survey was developed and administered to 59 undergraduate participants.
• Survey reliability was tested via test-retest administration on 17 participants over 3 weeks.
• The survey's validity was assessed by comparing its results to the Fiske and Dickinson Gagging Intensity Index in 25 dental patients.

Main Results:

• The Predictive Gagging Survey demonstrated moderate positive correlation with the Fiske and Dickinson Gagging Severity Index (r = +0.64), confirming its validity.
• High test-retest reliability was observed (r = +0.96), indicating the survey's consistency.
• The survey effectively captured gag-related experiences and behaviors.

Conclusions:

• The 10-question Predictive Gagging Survey is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing gag reflex intensity.
• This survey provides a practical tool for clinicians to anticipate and manage patient gagging responses.
• The findings support the use of this survey in dental settings to improve patient care and procedural outcomes.