This study aimed to assess the level of dental anxiety and its effect on the utilization of dental services by adults in Honiara, . Furthermore to investigate the causes of dental anxiety as perceived by participants and secondly to assess the prevalence and level of anxiety of patients, using the Corah’s dental anxiety scale (DAS) and thirdly to assess the level of utilization of dental services by the participants.
Method:
200 adults aged 18 to 50 were selected from three (3) settlements in the Eastern, Central and Western parts of Honiara, Solomon Islands. Participation information sheet was provided to explain the purpose of the study before obtaining consent. The participants were invited to complete a structured questionnaire on anxiety level, level of anxiety of dental procedures and utilization of oral health services in Honiara, Solomon Islands. For those who were unable to read and write and an interview was conducted in the local language and responses recorded by the main investigator.
Result: 172 (86%) of the participants reported having dental anxiety on the DAS scale of greater than 9 (DAS ≥9), and the other 28 (14%) were considered as mild or no anxiety (DAS ≤8). Of the 172 anxious participants, 66% reported moderate level of anxiety (DAS: 9-12), 21% high anxiety (DAS: 13-14) and 13% reported severe anxiety levels (DAS: 15-20).,
Conclusion:
The study showed high levels of dental anxiety among 18 to 50 years adults seeking oral health services in Honiara, Solomon Islands.