PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DENTAL ANXIETY AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING BACHA KHAN MEDICAL COMPLEX (BKMC) AND DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS (DHQ) HOSPITAL, SWABI: A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Dental anxiety is a widespread psychological condition that adversely affects treatment, attendance at dental appointments, and overall oral health. Objective: To determine the prevalence of dental anxiety among the people attending the dental OPDs of Bacha Khan Medical Complex and District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, Swabi, and associated sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with dental anxiety. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dental Outpatient Department of BKMC & DHQ, Swabi, from February to April 2026. Data were collected using a validated and pre-tested questionnaire (Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS)). Descriptive statistics were computed; chi-square test and independent-sample t-test were used for inferential analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used as the cutoff value for statistical significance. Results: This study included 528 participants. Overall, 77.6% of the respondents were determined to be dentally anxious, among whom 58.5% were determined to have moderate dental anxiety, and 19.1% were determined to have high dental anxiety. The mean MDAS score was 13.08 (± 4.84). The injection of a local anesthetic was the most stressful stimulus. Sex, age, level of education, monthly income, marital status, occupation, previous dental experience, and reason for dental visits were significantly correlated with dental anxiety. A specific relationship existed among females, younger adults with negative or no prior dental experience, and those with lower socioeconomic status. There was a significant difference between the healthcare environments in terms of anxiety (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Dental anxiety is a common issue among dental outpatients in Swabi, and the factors that can lead to dental anxiety are diverse sociodemographic and experiential factors. A standardized screening protocol based on evidence-based instruments and tools and/or behavioral and clinical interventions (when indicated) can help reduce the anxiety experienced by patients and lead to more patient-centered oral health care.

Keywords: Dental Anxiety; Dental Fear; Dental Patients; Cross-Sectional Studies; Risk Factors; Pakistan