| 0719 Dental Fear and Negativity of Oral Health Problems | ||
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T.A. SMITH1, L.J. HEATON2, D.C. BURTON2, and T. RAYBOULD2, 1University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, USA, 2University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA Objectives: The importance and impact of specific oral health problems varies greatly among individuals. Health services must address problems perceived as negative by patients, not only those viewed as important by professionals. The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of oral health problems for individual dental patients. Methods: Adult patients (N=113; Mean age=40.5, 68% female) visiting the General Practice Residency dental clinic at the University of Kentucky completed a modified version of the 12-item General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and other dental fear and demographic items. Participants were asked to rate the frequency (always/often, sometimes/seldom, or never) and negativity (very, somewhat, or not at all) of various oral health problems, such as tooth sensitivity and dissatisfaction with oral appearance. Results: For 6 of the 12 oral health problems measured by the GOHAI, 47-81% of the respondents reported experiencing the problem to at least some degree. For these six items, 17-35% of those experiencing the problem indicated that the problems did not negatively impact their lives. Limiting food intake was the least negative (35%) while not being pleased with appearance was the most (17%) negative. After controlling for frequency of the problem, people with low dental fear rated limited food intake (r=.43, df=45, p<.01), worries about oral problems (r=.33, df=61, p<.01), and tooth sensitivity (r=.33, df=69, p<.01) as less negative than those with high dental fear. A total negativity score for the 12 items had a Cronbach Alpha of .82 and correlated with the total GOHAI score (r=-.47, df=100, p<.01). Conclusion: Oral problems do not necessarily have a negative effect on all patients' lives. Dental fear, however, increases the probability that a patient will perceive an oral health problem as a negative life factor. Supported by HRSA Grant 5 D30 HP 10144-05. | ||
| Seq #88 - Quality of Life, Dental Anxiety, and Use of Services 10:15 AM-11:30 AM, Thursday, 11 March 2004 Hawaii Convention Center Exhibit Hall 1-2 | ||
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