The Evaluation of Dental Anxiety in Primary School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study from Romania

Bibliographic Details
Title: The Evaluation of Dental Anxiety in Primary School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study from Romania
Authors: Ramona Vlad, Anca Maria Pop, Peter Olah, Monica Monea
Source: Children, Vol 7, Iss 10, p 158 (2020)
Publisher Information: MDPI AG, 2020.
Publication Year: 2020
Collection: LCC:Pediatrics
Subject Terms: dental anxiety, cortisol, saliva, child health, Pediatrics, RJ1-570
More Details: Current data report that high levels of dental anxiety in children have a negative impact on oral health. The aim of this study was to measure dental anxiety, based on the Abeer Children Dental Anxiety Scale (ACDAS) used as a self-reported measure and to correlate its values with the salivary cortisol levels. The study was conducted in 2019 and included 389 children aged 6–9 years old; evaluation of dental anxiety and saliva sampling were performed. The influence of gender on the presence of dental anxiety was analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, the salivary cortisol level was compared between anxious and non-anxious children and was further correlated with the ACDAS score (p < 0.05). Girls had higher odds of experiencing dental anxiety (odds ratio: 1.533, p = 0.041). Salivary cortisol levels were higher in anxious compared to non-anxious children (median 1.251 vs. 1.091 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and showed a positive moderate correlation with the ACDAS score (r = 0.411, p < 0.001). Children aged 6–9 years have a high prevalence of dental anxiety, with girls being more susceptible to this condition. Salivary cortisol levels are higher in anxious children and correlate positively with the ACDAS score, proving that ACDAS can be used for the detection of dental anxiety.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2227-9067
Relation: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/7/10/158; https://doaj.org/toc/2227-9067
DOI: 10.3390/children7100158
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/f075408e871943dfbdfa558d008598af
Accession Number: edsdoj.f075408e871943dfbdfa558d008598af
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:22279067
DOI:10.3390/children7100158
Published in:Children
Language:English