Anxiety due to dental procedures and treatment among adult patients attending outpatient clinics in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: Anxiety is an emotion experienced by most of individuals at some time during their life. Oral health is an essential component of the overall public health, while dental anxiety can lead to deterioration of such health. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of dental anxiety among patients attending outpatient clinics of King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 231 adult patients who attended the outpatient clinics of KAUH, Jeddah, during the year 2013/2014. A standardized interviewing questionnaire was used and contained Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) was included. Results: The prevalence dental anxiety among participants was 50.6%. Females obtained a significantly higher mean DAS compared to males (Student's t-test = 3.78, p < 0.001). Dental anxiety was also higher among younger participants. Multiple linear regression model revealed that predictors of dental anxiety were the previous cancellation of dental appointment (t-test =2.998, p < 0.001, B = 2.998), followed by memorizing poor dental practice, gender and age. The highest percentage of severe anxiety was related to dental extraction (46.0%). Sweaty hands (56.1 %), fast breathing (21.5 %) & increased heart rates (13.6 %) were the commonest reported somatic manifestations accompanying visiting dentists. Conclusions: Dental anxiety represents a common problem among Saudi adults attending KAUH. Dental anxiety was predicted by cancellation of dental appointment(s), memorization of poor dental practice, gender and age. Enhancing awareness of the community about oral health and how to avoid dental anxiety through educational campaigns is recommended.