Parental anxiety as a possible predisposing factor to child dental anxiety in patients seen in a suburban dental hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between parents' anxiety level and that of the child patient.

Methods: The Short Form of the Dental Anxiety Survey Schedule was administered to 81 children who were attending the dental clinic for the first time. The Dental Anxiety Scale was also used to collect relevant information from the parents.

Results: There was no statistically significant correlation between the anxiety level of the mother (r = -0.02, P = 0.82) or the father (r = -0.59, P = 0.62) and that of their child. However, bivariate analysis showed a closer association between the anxiety levels of the mother and the child (P = 0.055) compared to that between the father and the child (P = 0.475) although this was again found not to be statistically significant.

Conclusion: Assessment and management of the anxiety level of the mother may be needed in some cases, both to manage the child effectively and to break the cycle of dental care anxiety in families.