DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP, DENTAL AND SURGICAL ANXIETY IN INDIVIDUALS UNDERGOING DENTAL TREATMENT

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out to examine the extent to which the doctor-patient relationship influences dental and surgical anxiety in individuals undergoing dental treatment. The sample (N = 110) comprised individuals from dental clinics and surgical departments in Lahore and Gujranwala, recruited via public sector oncology units and social media channels. Assessment was done using the Surgical Anxiety Questionnaire (SAQ), the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and the Patient-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9). The findings revealed that most individuals (M = 26.21, SD = 9.37) with a positive perception of their doctor-patient relationship reported moderate levels of dental anxiety (M = 13.36, SD = 5.02) but did not significantly predict surgical anxiety (M = 21.78, SD = 15.05). However, participants differed in self-reports of anxiety based on sociodemographic factors. Females reported higher levels of dental anxiety compared to males (M = 14.5, SD = 4.74 vs. M = 12.4, SD = 5.09). Additionally, younger individuals, those married, currently working, and with better financial conditions reported lower levels of surgical anxiety. Regression analysis revealed that gender and the quality of the doctor-patient relationship significantly predicted dental anxiety, while monthly family income was a significant predictor of surgical anxiety. The findings highlight the significance of sociodemographic factors that may make individuals more vulnerable to experiencing distress during dental treatments. Careful screening, assessment, and monitoring of vulnerable populations may reduce psychological distress and improve health outcomes.