THE INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL DENTAL ANXIETY ON ORAL HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF THEIR CHILDREN

Ashish M. Warhekar*, Shilpa Warhekar and Surendra B. Patil

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Oral health-related quality of life refers to impact of oral health or disease that has on an individual’s daily functions. Child health status is usually measured by proxy reports from the parents or caregivers. Parents and caregivers are often the main decision makers regarding a child’s health. Aim: Therefore, the present study is carried out with a research hypothesis that parental anxiety would influence the oral health related Quality of life of their children. Materials and Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted on 442 children aged 6-13 years old and their parents. Stratified random sampling technique was employed. A structured proforma was used to record the demographic data. Modified dental anxiety Scale (MDAS) and Parental Caregivers Perception Questionnaire (P-CPQ) was administered on parents. Non-parametric tests like Mann-whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were employed. Logistic regression and Spearman’s Correlation analysis was performed. Results: The mean score of parental perception of quality of life score was significantly varying among age groups, income groups and the treatment need groups. Regression analysis showed that oral symptom domain was significantly associated with dental anxiety. Spearman’s correlation coefficient analysis showed modified dental anxiety score showed a significant positive correlation with Oral symptoms(r = 0.264), emotional wellbeing(r = 0.355) and social wellbeing(r = 0.396). Conclusion: A significant positive correlation was observed with Parental MDAS scores and child’s quality of life scores. The children of lower parental dental anxiety exhibited better oral health related quality of life compared to children of higher parental dental anxiety.

Keywords: Parents; Dental anxiety; Oral health; Quality of life, Questionnaire.