State, trait, and dental anxiety in caregivers of individuals with disabilities.
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to compare state anxiety, trait anxiety, and dental anxiety in caregivers of patients with special needs and caregivers of pediatric patients without special needs at dental clinics.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire. All respondents were older than 18 years of age. Individuals with cognitive impairment and those taking anxiolytics, antidepressants, or sleep-inducing medication were excluded from the study. The sample consisted of 55 caregivers of patients with special needs and 55 caregivers of pediatric dental patients. A questionnaire was administered to determine the sociodemographic profile of the patients based on the 2015 Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria. Anxiety regarding dental treatment was measured using the dental anxiety scale. The state-trait anxiety inventory was used to identify state and trait anxiety levels.


RESULTS
Caregivers of individuals with disabilities had a similar level of anxiety as caregivers of pediatric dental patients. Most caregivers of individuals with disabilities were mothers with an older age and a greater frequency of trait anxiety, especially when these mothers had health problems. State anxiety was associated with a lower education level.


CONCLUSIONS
Higher dental anxiety levels were found among caregivers with a higher level of trait anxiety, independently of the type of patient to which care was given.
['Pinho|Roberto Carlos Mourão|RCM|', 'da Silva Barbosa|André Cavalcante|AC|', 'Caldas-Júnior|Arnaldo de França|AF|', 'Vasconcelos|Márcia Maria Vendiciano Barbosa|MMVB|', 'Cimões|Renata|R|', 'Santos|Maria Teresa Botti Rodrigues Dos|MTBRD|']
D000328:Adult D001007:Anxiety D017028:Caregivers D002648:Child D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D016854:Dental Anxiety D019140:Dental Care for Children D003730:Dental Care for Disabled D003740:Dental Clinics D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
anxiety behavior developmentally disabled fear psychology