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Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Kannada Version of Modified Dental Anxiety Scale Among an Adult Indian Population
ZC34-ZC38
Correspondence
Dr. Gaurav Gupta,
Post Graduate Student, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Research Institute,
Bangalore- 560002, Karnataka, India.
E-mail: gauravbenu@gmail.com
Background: Dental anxiety is one of the most common barriers in seeking dental care. In order to overcome this barrier dentist need to screen patients to successfully help in treatment. A scale is thus needed to measure dental anxiety which is socially & culturally acceptable. Aim: This study aimed to assess the Cross cultural adaptation and validity of the Kannada translation of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS-K).
Materials and Methods: A test-retest was conducted on 30 patients visiting a dental institution to assess the reliability of MDAS- K. A cross-sectional survey of 301 patients was conducted in different departments at a dental institution to test the psychometric properties of MDAS-K. The assessment tool consisted of a proforma containing socio-demographic, non socio- demographic variables, MDAS-K and Visual analogue scale (VAS).
Statistical analysis: Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, inter-item Spearman’s correlation. Independent t-test, ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni were used to analyse dental anxiety in the psychometric constructs.
Results: The internal consistency of MDAS-K was good with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.83. The test-retest reliability for MDAS K had a good correlation of 0.901. The psychometric variables established the construct validity of MDAS-K.MDAS-K also showed good convergent validity with VAS score. The anxiety levels differed in patients visiting different dental departments.
Conclusion: The high reliability and validity of the MDAS-K supports its cross cultural adaptation and indicates that it can be a valuable tool for dental practioners in quantifying anxiety among patients and provide quality dental care.