Impact of dental anxiety and fear on dental care use in Brazilian women

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between dental anxiety and fear, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and dental attendance patterns in a sample of women in Brazil.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of women in healthcare centers was conducted during an immunization campaign in the city of Pelotas in southern Brazil. Interviews were conducted to assess dental anxiety and fear, education level, family income, marital status, and the use of dental services. Data were analyzed by Poisson regression models, with estimation of the prevalence ratio and the rate ratio (RR).

Results: A total of 608 women aged 16-50 years (mean age 29.3 ± 7.2 years) were included in the study. Dental anxiety and fear scores (according to Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale) ranged from 4 to 20. Of the 608 participants, 59.5 percent displayed low dental fear, 18.1 percent had moderate dental fear, and 22.4 percent displayed high dental fear. A total of 60.2 percent of the women exhibited irregular dental attendance patterns, characterized by never visiting a dentist, or only visiting when experiencing pain. After adjustments, the presence of at least moderate dental anxiety and fear was associated with low education levels (RR 1.43; 95 percent CI 1.11-1.84), low family income (RR 1.33; 95 percent CI 1.06-1.68), and irregular dental attendance patterns (RR 1.83; 95 percent CI 1.41-2.37).

Conclusions: In this sample of Brazilian women, dental anxiety and fear were strongly associated with socioeconomic characteristics and dental attendance patterns.