Authors
1 Professor of Oral Medicine, Department of Oral Medicine, Dental School, Kerman of University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, Oral and Dental Diseases Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2 Social Determinants on Oral Health Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran, 2 Private Practice, Dental School, Kerman of University of Medical Sciences,Kerman, Iran
3 General Dentist, Dental School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Several research works show that anxiety is more common in women,
low‑income classes, and middle‑aged and elderly populations. The present study aimed to investigate
the role of positive and negative memories in patients’ anxiety referred to the dental clinics, offices,
and schools of Kerman, Iran, in 2018–2019.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross‑sectional, descriptive, analytical study, the participants
were selected among individuals referred to the dental offices, schools, and clinics of Kerman, Iran.
In this study, 500 questionnaires were distributed among the participants (based on census method),
and of these, 482 of which were reviewed (response rate = 96.4%). The questionnaire used in this
study contained four categories of questions, including demographic information, general questions
about dentistry, Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale, and Autobiographical Memory Questionnaire. Analysis
of variance, t‑test, and Chi‑square test were used to analyze.
RESULTS: Overall, 281 participants were female, and 201 were male. Based on the findings, dental
visits were enjoyable and pleasant experiences for 154 participants, and 165 patients were anxious
while the dentist prepared for a restorative treatment. This study showed that people with negative
memories had more anxiety. Anxiety was also significantly associated with positive memories, higher
education, and gender (female) (P < 0.05). Also, the most negative memories of dental treatments
were associated with increased anxiety about dental treatments in adults (P < 0.05), while positive
memories did not have a relationship any with decreased anxiety (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The most negative memories of dental treatments were associated with increased
anxiety about dental treatments in adults, while positive memories did not have any expected inverse
relationship with anxiety.
Keywords
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