Prevalence and factors associated with dental anxiety among primary school teachers in Ngara District, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Dental anxiety has been associated with several negative effects on patients and communities’ oral health. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with dental anxiety among primary school teachers in Ngara district, Tanzania.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study utilized self-administered questionnaire to collect socio-demographic and behavioural details. A Kiswahili version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to assess dental anxiety.

Results: The Kiswahili version of MDAS showed good face validity and reliability with standardized Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.86. The prevalence of high dental anxiety (MDAS≥ 19) was 1.2%. A significant higher percentage of schoolteachers with dental anxiety was observe among those with low education; who visited a dentist at least once in the past two years; and those who visited the dentist when having a dental problem. Sex, age, marital status and perceived oral health status did not show a significant difference.

Conclusion: The Kiswahili version of MDAS showed acceptable psychometrics. The prevalence of dental anxiety among school teachers in a rural district of Ngara in Tanzania was low. To maintain the low prevalence of dental anxiety and subsequently reducing it, oral health education and promotion on preventive dental heath seeking behaviours is advocated.