142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

Annual Meeting Recordings are now available for purchase

311852
Dental Fear and Anxiety in American Indians/Alaska Natives

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Monday, November 17, 2014 : 9:30 AM - 9:50 AM

Ashley Tuomi, DHSc , American Indian Health and Family Services, Detroit, MI
Delight Satter, MPH , Tribal Support, OSTLTS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC/ATSDR), Atlanta, GA
Mary Beth Kaylor, PhD, MPH , A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ
Mark Johannsson, DHSc, MPH, FRIPH , A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ
Background:

            The American  Indian/Alaska Native population experiences decreased oral health care access and utilization. Previous studies have shown that dental anxiety is a major concern and can decrease utilization of dental care.  However, previous studies have not looked specifically at dental anxiety in the American Indian/Alaska Native population.

            This study describes the level of dental anxiety in American Indians/Alaska Natives and assesses the procedures and experiences at the dentist office that produce the highest level of anxiety.

Methods:

            The survey relied on internet advertisements through Facebook and Survey Monkey to collect data.  SPSS was used to complete a descriptive analysis of dental anxiety levels of participants and the specific factors that may cause anxiety in a dental patient.  Kruskal Wallis tests were also used to determine statistical difference among access or demographics and anxiety levels.

Results:

            The results showed a high prevalence of anxiety in  AI/AN participants with 61.8% of participants experiencing some level of dental anxiety and 24.9% of respondents experiencing severe anxiety. Income, age, nor education made a significant difference in anxiety levels, but anxiety levels did increase for those without a usual dentist and those who avoided care even when they needed it. Dental procedures associated with pain or fear of pain produced the highest levels of anxiety.

Conclusion:

            This study illustrated the importance of addressing and understanding dental anxiety in the AI/AN population or any other group.  Dental providers need to be educated about dental anxiety and treatment in order to increase oral health utilization.

Learning Areas:

Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
Identify Dental Anxiety in the American Indians/Alaska Natives

Keyword(s): Oral Health, Minority Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principal or co-principal of multiple federally funded grants involving the American Indian/Alaska Native Community. As a part of my doctorate program, I studied the impact of Dental Anxiety in many populations, but specifically the American Indian/Alaska Native Community.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.