Dental fear/anxiety among children and adolescents. A systematic review

Authors

  • S Cianetti Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Perugia, Perugia
  • G Lombardo Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Perugia, Perugia
  • E Lupatelli Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Perugia, Perugia
  • S Pagano Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Perugia, Perugia
  • I Abraha Regional Health Authority of Umbria, Health Planning Service of Perugia, Perugia
  • A Montedori Regional Health Authority of Umbria, Health Planning Service of Perugia, Perugia
  • S Caruso Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila
  • R Gatto Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila
  • S De Giorgio Department of Philosophy, Social and Human Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Perugia
  • R Salvato Department of Philosophy, Social and Human Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Perugia
  • L Paglia Department of Paediatric Dentistry , Istituto Stomatologico Italiano (Isi), Milan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2017.18.02.07

Keywords:

Children/adolescents, Dental fear/ anxiety, Prevalence

Abstract

AIM: The aim of this paper was to review the published scientific literature to quantify the prevalence and mean score of dental fear/anxiety (DFA) in children/adolescents and its variation according to several variables. METHODS: Cross-sectional and cohort studies published from 2000 to 2014, that measured DFA in children /adolescents (aged 0-19 years), in the general population, or visiting private or public dental services (general or pediatric) or attending school and kindergarten, were searched, with specific terms, in 3 electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Web Of Science). Primary data, collected with specific questionnaires of demonstrated reliability and/or validity, were extracted.