Title: Prevalence of dental anxiety and effect of school oral health education program on anxiety level among 10 to 15 years old school children in Lucknow, U.P
Abstract:
Background: Dental anxiety (DA) is a common, situation-specific form of anxiety that can lead to poor oral health due to avoidance of dental care. Globally, dental fear and anxiety (DFA) affects 5–33% of children, with wide regional variation in India. High levels of DA in children are linked to delayed treatment and uncooperative behaviour, making it a key barrier to effective oral healthcare. Schools offer an ideal setting for preventive interventions, yet limited data exist on DFA prevalence and the impact of school-based oral health programs, especially in Lucknow. This study aims to assess dental anxiety among 10–15-year-old schoolchildren in Lucknow and evaluate the effectiveness of a structured school oral health education program in reducing their anxiety using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS).
Methodology: A prospective interventional study was conducted in five randomly selected schools across different zones of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. A total of 500 schoolchildren aged 10–15 years were selected using multi-stage and systematic random sampling. Dental anxiety levels were assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), administered at baseline, 30 days, and 60 days. A structured oral health education program was delivered during each visit using audiovisual aids and printed materials. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire and analysed with SPSS software. Statistical tests included chi-square, paired t-test, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: Out of 500 school children surveyed, the majority exhibited moderate (65%) to severe (24.8%) dental anxiety at baseline. Significant associations were observed between dental anxiety and variables such as gender, residency, type of school, and history/nature of previous dental visits (p < 0.001). Female, urban residents, and private school students reported higher severe anxiety. Children with no prior dental visits or negative experiences showed greater anxiety levels. Following a regular school oral health educational program, low anxiety levels increased from 10.2% to 38%, while severe anxiety decreased from 24.8% to 4% (p < 0.001), demonstrating a substantial reduction in dental anxiety post-intervention.
Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of dental anxiety among schoolchildren aged 10–15 years in Lucknow, with significant associations observed with gender, residency, and prior dental experiences. The structured school-based oral health education program proved effective in significantly reducing dental anxiety levels over time. These findings highlight the importance of integrating regular oral health education into school curricula as a preventive strategy to improve both dental awareness and emotional readiness for dental care among children.
