Psychometric Properties of Spanish-Language Dental Fear Measures
Author Information
Author(s): Coolidge Trilby, Chambers Mark A, Garcia Laura J, Heaton Lisa J, Coldwell Susan E
Primary Institution: University of Washington
Hypothesis
The study aims to assess the psychometric properties of Spanish-language measures of dental fear.
Conclusion
The Spanish versions of the dental fear measures demonstrated good internal reliability and validity.
Supporting Evidence
- The internal reliabilities of the Spanish MDAS ranged from 0.80 to 0.85.
- Values for the DFS ranged from 0.92 to 0.96.
- The test-retest reliabilities for the MDAS, DFS, and NS were 0.69, 0.86, and 0.94, respectively.
- Patients with higher scores on the measures were rated as being more anxious during dental procedures.
Takeaway
This study created and tested questionnaires in Spanish to help understand dental fear in Hispanic adults.
Methodology
The study involved administering Spanish versions of dental fear measures to various groups, including adults at cultural festivals and dental patients.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the convenience sampling method and exclusion of non-literate individuals.
Limitations
The study used convenience samples and some participants were excluded due to literacy concerns.
Participant Demographics
Participants included Spanish-speaking adults from cultural festivals, college students, and dental patients, with a mean age of 37.5 years for festival attendees.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = -0.03 – 0.77
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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