Abstract
Objective: Anxiety is regarded as a major problem in children undergoing dental treatment. One of the physiological responses to anxiety is an increased pulse rate. Young children respond aggressively to anxiety and are in need of psychological intervention. Pop-up books can be used as an instrument to improve their interest and to help them understand the substance of dental health education.The objective of this study was to utilize pulse rate measurements to investigate the intervention of a pop-up book in reducing anxiety. A total of 78 children aged 4–6 years were divided into two groups: An intervention group with the pop-up book Aku dan Gigiku and a control group without intervention. The pulse rates of both groups were measured. This study comprised an experimental clinical research design. The independent t-test was used to measure comparisons of decreased pulse rate between the two groups.Result: The result showed that there was a statistically significant difference in decreased pulse rate with and without the intervention of the pop-up book Aku dan Gigiku. Pop-up books are often used as an educational medium for children because they present interesting illustrations and are easy to understand.Conclusion: As a medium of dental health education, pop-up books can contribute significantly to reducing anxiety in children.
Highlights
Dental anxiety is a major factor in dental practice
The present study provides information about the effects of an intervention using the pop-up book Aku dan Gigiku to check the pulse rate in children aged 4–6 years who are undergoing dental treatment
Our result suggests that the intervention of the pop-up book Aku dan Gigiku was an appropriate strategy in reducing children anxiety before
Summary
Dental anxiety is a major factor in dental practice. Children may become uncooperative due to anxiety or stress related to treatment, making the treatment difficult to perform [1]. The child’s perception of the dental environment is a significant factor causing the anxiety [2]. Several studies have suggested that dental procedures might induce patient stress and affect the cardiovascular system [3]. According to the National Institutes of Health, a rapid pulse or arrhythmia may occur during episodes of anxiety [4]. In children, the pulse is frequently found to increase in the dental environment due to anxiety [5]. If patients are not managed appropriately, it is quite possible to establish what has been referred to as a “vicious cycle of dental fear.”
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