Association between child and maternal anxiety at the first dental visit

Castañeda K.R.L.; de Taboada G.I.P. · Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (2026)

Resumen

Introduction: Anxiety during a first dental visit is common in both children and their mothers, which can affect the clinical experience and patient cooperation. Analyzing this association is important for planning strategies that promote safer and less stressful care. Objectives: To determine the association between infant and maternal anxiety during the first dental consultation. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 251 mother-child dyads attending their first dental appointment at the Jerusalem District Hospital in Trujillo, between April and July 2024. Infant anxiety was assessed using the Facial Image Scale (FIS) and maternal anxiety using the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), both validated and with adequate psychometric properties. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test of independence were used for the analysis, with a statistical significance level of 0.05. Results: 39.8% of the children presented moderate anxiety and 28.7% high anxiety. Among the mothers, 42.6% showed moderate anxiety and 24.3% high anxiety. A significant association was found between infant anxiety and maternal anxiety (p < 0.001). No association was found with the mother's age or the child's sex (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A positive association was found between child and maternal anxiety during the first dental consultation. These findings highlight the need for preventive strategies that address both child and mother in order to foster a more positive dental experience.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Trujillo