Higher Levels Of Fear Research Articles

Association between joint position sense, range of motion, pain-related anxiety, disability and deep neck muscles thickness in non-specific chronic neck pain patients with high and low levels of fear of pain: a cross-sectional study

Association between joint position sense, range of motion, pain-related anxiety, disability and deep neck muscles thickness in non-specific chronic neck pain patients with high and low levels of fear of pain: a cross-sectional study

Evaluation of Malpractice Fear, Burnout, and Spiritual Well-Being among Physicians in Turkey: A Descriptive Study.

This descriptive study was conducted with 406 physicians to evaluate fear of malpractice, burnout and spiritual well-being among physicians in Turkey. In our study, 81.5%, 11.6% and 6.9% of physicians experienced high, medium and low levels of fear of malpractice, emotional burnout, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment, respectively. However, physicians reported high levels of spiritual well-being and harmony with nature, moderate levels of transcendence and anomie. As spiritual well-being and transcendence increased, emotional burnout and depersonalisation decreased and personal accomplishment increased. In addition, as harmony with nature increased, depersonalisation decreased and personal accomplishment increased, and as anomie increased, emotional burnout and depersonalisation increased.

Responses of health professionals to coronavirus, coronavirus variants, and vaccines: Cross-sectional study.

COVID-19 has affected millions of people around the world since its first case in 2019. In this pandemic, health professionals have been among the most vulnerable groups to contracting the virus or spreading it to others; therefore, their appropriate response in line with health and safety is crucial and needs to be addressed. This study evaluated health professionals' behaviors and attitudes toward COVID-19. This includes testing, vaccination, history of infection, and fear of infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted among health professionals practicing in Sindh, Pakistan. A sample size of 400 was considered for the present study, including dentists and medical doctors practicing in Sindh's healthcare setups. According to the results, the response rate was 95.50%. 73.04% of participating health professionals reported a history of COVID-19 infection. The highest levels of fear and anxiety of getting infected with new COVID-19 variants were derived among junior medical professionals (RMOs). 98.69% of health professionals were reported to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 virus. 3% of participating health professionals revealed that they do not believe in testing. Although fear and anxiety towards new emerging COVID-19 variants were largely prevalent, negligible reluctance toward vaccination among health professionals of Sindh was reported in the study. More studies are required from other parts of Pakistan to address health professionals' response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to aid health policymakers in establishing precise SOPs for health professionals, and to manage COVID-19-related negative psychological and corporal effects on them.

Survey of fear and compliance of Insulin Degludec and Insulin Aspart injection in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and analysis of influencing factors.

This study aims to investigate the fear and compliance of Insulin Degludec and Insulin Aspart (IDegAsp) injection in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and study the factors influencing patient compliance. A total of 120 patients with T2DM treated from February 2019 to March 2022 were investigated and analyzed for fear and compliance on the Diabetes Fear of Injecting and Self-testing Questionnaire of diabetic patients and were divided into compliance and noncompliance groups according to the results to analyze the factors affecting patient compliance. The study found a high level of fear of IDegAsp injection among the 120 T2DM patients, with an average Diabetes Fear of Injecting and Self-testing Questionnaire score of (39.19 ± 4.59) points. Scores for medication compliance, dietary compliance, blood sugar monitoring, and lifestyle changes were (10.48 ± 1.52) points, (12.18 ± 2.27) points, (0.84 ± 0.12) points, and (9.13 ± 2.21) points, respectively. There was no significant difference between the compliance and noncompliance groups in terms of gender, age, lifestyle, educational level, occupation, current treatment method, family monthly income per capita, and medical payment method (P > .05). However, there were significant differences influenced by disease duration, complications, cognitive level, self-efficacy level, comorbidity count, and living status (P < .05). Multifactorial analysis showed that educational level, disease duration, complications, cognitive level, self-efficacy level, comorbidity count, and living status all affected patient compliance (P < .05). Educational level, disease duration, complications, cognitive level, self-efficacy level, comorbidity count, and living status are important factors affecting the fear and treatment compliance of IDegAsp injection in T2DM patients. These findings have implications for improving patient compliance and alleviating treatment fear.

How natural disasters and environmental fears shape American climate attitudes across political orientation

Climate change remains a polarizing issue in the United States, with conservatives expressing greater skepticism regarding its risks. We investigate how fear shapes climate attitudes across political orientations. Utilizing data from a 2023 online survey, results support hypotheses that conservatives demonstrate lower climate concern and that fear of natural and environmental disasters increases climate concern. Interaction results show that fear of anthropogenic environmental disasters elicits greater climate concern amongst conservatives. At high levels of ecological fear, the political divisions diminish as all orientations converge on higher levels of acknowledging climate risks and causes. Practically, this relationship highlights messaging opportunities by focusing on relevant environmental threats that aid in influencing conservatives to build collective support across political divides. Theoretically, these findings challenge expectations of dominant paradigms related to threat perception and political orientation, contributing to the ongoing development of new models that more thoroughly represent the relationship between these multifaceted constructs.

Policy Improvement for Local Governments by Analyzing Demands for Safe Environments by Vulnerable Groups: Focusing on Daejeon Metropolitan City

This study highlights the importance of improving safety environments for vulnerable groups, especially individuals with disabilities, in the face of the disasters and accidents that frequently occur in modern society. People with disabilities are more likely to suffer greater harm due to physical and environmental limitations during disasters, necessitating systematic response measures. This study proposes practical and tailored support measures to improve safety environments for vulnerable groups. To this end, a survey and in-depth interviews were conducted, focusing on disabled individuals, the elderly, and children in Daejeon, to analyze their perceptions and needs regarding safety environments. The research findings show that individuals with disabilities have a high level of fear of disasters and safety accidents, and their ability to respond in emergency situations is very low. Elderly people experience difficulty responding during emergencies due to social isolation and limited access to information, whereas children lack awareness of risks, making it challenging for them to respond appropriately when accidents occur. Based on these findings, this study emphasizes the need for tailored educational programs, expanded safety infrastructure, and the development of IoT-based support systems to provide comprehensive measures for vulnerable groups. In conclusion, this study proposes tailored policies and support measures that consider the characteristics of vulnerable groups. By doing so, it is intended to strengthen the disaster response capabilities of vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities and the elderly, and contribute to creating a safer social environment.

Cancer-related Fear and Worry in Patients with Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Little is known about how patients' emotions impact the choice between hemi- and total thyroidectomy (TT) for low-risk thyroid cancer (LR-TC) and how these emotions change after treatment. To investigate thyroid cancer-specific fear and worry both before and after treatment of LR-TC with hemi- or TT. This prospective cohort study enrolled adults with confirmed or likely LR-TC at 15 institutions. Participants completed measures of thyroid cancer-related fear and worry at the time of their treatment decision and 9-months later. Participants were categorized as having low, medium, or high levels of fear and worry in accordance with the literature. Those choosing hemi-thyroidectomy were compared to those choosing TT. Of 177eligible patients, 125 (70.6%) enrolled and 114 completed both surveys (91.2% retention). Overall, 41 (36.0%) participants chose hemi-thyroidectomy and 73 (64.0%) chose TT. Across all participants, thyroid cancer-related fear and worry both decreased significantly after surgery (fear 25.8±6.4 to 23.1±7.4; worry 8.2±2.4 to 5.4±2.1, p<0.001). The proportion of participants with high fear decreased from 64.9% to 50.9%, while the proportion with high worry decreased from 75.4% to 41.2% (p<0.001 for both). At both time points, no differences existed between those choosing hemi- and TT in levels of worry or fear. Patients with LR-TC report lower levels of fear and worry 9-months after surgery regardless of the extent of surgery, suggesting that both surgeries provide an emotional benefit to some patients. Thyroid cancer-related fear and worry do not appear to influence patients' decisions to undergo hemi- or TT.

Effect of a Single-Session Mindfulness-Based Swinging Technique (MBST) Intervention on Emotional Distress in Cancer Patients Undergoing PET-CT Scan: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Undergoing complex diagnostic investigation of positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scans is associated with high levels of distress, fear, and anxiety in oncological patients. This study evaluated the effects of a single 20-min session of an innovative mindfulness-based swinging technique (MBST) intervention on emotional distress in cancer patients scheduled for PET-CT scans. Material and Methods: Adult cancer patients undergoing PET-CT scans (n = 57) were assigned to the intervention group (n = 27) or the control group (n = 30). The emotion thermometer (ET) was used to measure distress, anxiety, depression, anger, and need for help at baseline and after the PET-CT scan. Participants in the intervention group received a 5-min psycho-education followed by listening to an audio recording of the MBST intervention just before their PET-CT scan. The session included mindfulness-based visualization, imaginary swinging activity, and synchronized breathing. The control group participants received brief 5-min counseling. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in distress (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), anger (p = 0.002), and need for help (p < 0.001) in the intervention group compared with the control group. Safety: None of the participants reported adverse events caused by the MBST intervention. The intervention was well accepted by the participants. However, n = 3 participants could not complete the intervention due to mind wandering, inability to focus, difficulty complying with the guided instructions, falling asleep, and physical discomfort unrelated to the intervention. Conclusion: The findings suggest the potential role of MBST intervention in mitigating emotional distress in patients undergoing complex diagnostic imaging procedures. Integrating this with conventional care in nuclear medicine settings can provide patient-centered care that addresses their unmet requirements. There is a need for further validation with a larger sample size. Clinical Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2023/04/051243 (Registered prospectively on 03/04/2023).

Childbirth Fear and Birth-Related Mindset of First-Time Mothers Who Registered for Antenatal Care in Public Hospitals in Nigeria

INTRODUCTION:Globally, studies have reported that many pregnant women often dread the childbirth experience. Its prevalence is higher in developing countries than in the developed countries. It is a problem more common among primigravid women, with consequences for their health and implications for their labor, birth, and postpartum period. Hence, there is a need to assess the level of childbirth fear and birth-related mindset among primigravida attending antenatal clinics in selected hospitals in Ibadan.METHODOLOGY:This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design. Two hundred and four primigravid women were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected with the aid of a questionnaire, and the result was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.RESULTS:Findings of the study revealed that slightly above half (55.9%) of the respondents had a high level of childbirth fear. Also, majority (52%) of the respondents had a natural birth-related mindset. It further revealed that there is a significant association between age and childbirth fear with apvalue of &lt;.001. Also, there is a significant association between childbirth fear and birth-related mindset with ap-value of &lt;.001.CONCLUSION:The study concluded that there is a high level of childbirth fear among primigravida. It is recommended that there should be an increased focus on the fears of women of all ages toward childbirth. This should include providing tailored sensitive interpersonal care to them at all levels of care.

The fear of old age: a survey of adults in the UK

ABSTRACT Increases in life expectancy have contributed to the growing numbers of older adults in our society. There has been a corresponding increase in ageism with many people holding negative attitudes toward older adults and old age. This can result in poor outcomes both for older adults themselves and for those who espouse those attitudes. Older adults may be ostracized, whilst those who hold negative attitudes are more likely to experience poor physical and mental health as they age. This is detrimental not only to individuals but also to society. A survey of adults (n = 3252) aged between 35 and 75 in the UK was conducted to explore the prevalence of the fear of old age, attitudes toward it and factors that influence it. Results showed high levels of fear, influenced by the demographic variables of gender, age, health and parenthood as well as personality traits, religious faith and contact with older people. Previous research, suggesting that being a younger adult, being female, being high in neuroticism and being in poor health predicted high levels of fear, was supported. Other factors that were expected to mitigate the fear of old age – having regular contact with older adults, being a parent and holding religious beliefs – were found to increase it. It was concluded that further research is needed to explore these findings further.

The Importance of Mind-Body in Pilates Method in Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/Objectives: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a prevalent condition causing significant distress and healthcare costs globally. Despite various treatments, effective management remains challenging. Pilates, recognized for its focus on core strength and postural alignment, has emerged as a promising intervention. This study investigates the impact of mind-body in Pilates for directing participants on CNSLBP outcomes. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 67 participants, aged 18 to 65 years, suffering from CNSLBP. They were allocated into two groups: Pilates with mind-body cueing (n = 34) and Pilates without cueing (n = 33). Both groups underwent 60 min sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), functional disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire), fear of movement (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), and adherence (percentage of sessions attended). Statistical significance was determined through repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in pain reduction, functional ability, and kinesiophobia. However, the mind-body group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in kinesiophobia compared to the non-cueing group (p = 0.048), indicating the potential additional benefit of mind-body cueing in managing movement-related fear in CNSLBP. Conclusions: This study underscores the effectiveness of an 8-week Pilates intervention in managing CNSLBP, highlighting the added value of mind-body cueing in reducing fear of movement. These findings suggest incorporating mind-body cueing in Pilates could enhance the therapeutic benefits, particularly for patients with high levels of movement-related fear, potentially improving long-term adherence to physical activity and rehabilitation outcomes.

Ecosystem Barriers and Facilitators Linked to the Fear of Cancer Recurrence: An Umbrella Review.

The fear of cancer recurrence is an important topic in the healthcare field. In general, approximately 40% of survivors experience high levels of fear of recurrence. This study aims to fill this gap by synthesizing the findings of systematic reviews studies investigating ecosystems, correlates or predictors, and barriers and facilitators of fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors. An umbrella meta-synthesis was conducted using the following databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, CINAHL, Business source premier, and SOCindex, ending in April 2024 with PRISMA methods. A total of 24 systematic reviews, representing 729 articles, were included in the study. In total, six ecosystems were identified, including family, work, friends, the healthcare system, caregivers, and religion. As part of this umbrella review, 55 specific ecosystemic factors were identified that may contribute to fear of cancer recurrence. Furthermore, the umbrella review identified 12 facilitators and 12 barriers related to fear of cancer recurrence. This umbrella meta-synthesis contributed significantly to our review's strength in synthesizing the main ecosystem and its influence on fears of cancer recurrence. Understanding the interdependence of ecosystems should enable future research on intervention effectiveness or the development of interventions that could reduce the fear of cancer recurrence.

The language of belonging: The role of symbolic language in shaping social identity and public perceptions of police gender targets

AbstractGender‐targeted recruitment in policing has elicited varied public responses. This study explores public sentiment toward policing gender targets using a symbolic interactionist and social identity approach. A sentiment analysis was conducted on 5447 comments extracted from a Facebook recruitment campaign targeting women. The study revealed a nearly equal distribution of positive and negative language in the comments, with high levels of trust and fear, and notable expressions of anger and sadness. Positive sentiments utilised terms like “equality” and “merit” indicating support for gender targets as a means to promote gender equality and career opportunities for women. Conversely, negative sentiments centred on discrimination. Findings underscore how individuals construct meaning around gender and interpret gender‐target initiatives in policing through the sentiments expressed in online interactions. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of public discourse surrounding gender targets, highlighting the importance of tailored recruitment and educational campaigns to promote inclusivity and effective gender‐targeted initiatives.

Roles of parasocial relationship with eco-celebrities, motivation attribution, and message framing in virality of climate information on social media

Grounded in literature on attribution theory, framing, and information sharing, this study addresses the process and behavioral consequences of celebrity advocacy for climate change mitigation on social media. An experimental design (N = 693) examined how parasocial relationship (PSR) with celebrities was related to information virality of celebrity climate change messages on social media, as well as whether perceived motivations of celebrities' climate advocacy functioned as a mediator. The motivations examined were labeled affective (i.e., motivated by genuine environmental concern) and calculative (i.e., the ulterior motive of image promotion). In addition, the study explored how level of fear in message framing impacted information virality of celebrity climate messages. Social media users with higher PSR attributed higher levels of affective motivations for celebrities' advocacy, and stronger affective motivations were subsequently related to a greater likelihood of retweeting and replying to celebrities’ climate messages. Affective motivation attribution was a significant mediator in the relationship between PSR and message virality. Those with higher PSR attributed lower levels of calculative motivations for celebrity advocacy. However, perceived levels of calculative motivations were not related to likelihood of retweeting and replying behaviors. In addition, high fear messages were more effective than low fear messages in promoting the likelihood of retweeting and replying. These findings suggest that celebrity climate change tweets were more effective when the celebrities had a stronger bond with audiences and were seen as affective in their motivations, and when a higher level of fear was used to frame environmental topics.

The mediating role of psychological well-being on the effect of fear of future violent events at work on nurses' intention to migration.

To evaluate the effect of the fear of violence of nurses working in Turkey on their intention to migrate and to examine the mediating role of psychological well-being on this effect. Many countries are concerned about nurses' fear of violence and their intention to migrate. The fear of violence at work may influence nurses' intention to migrate. Additionally, psychological well-being may impact this process. However, the impact of the fear of violence at work on the intention to migrate, as well as the moderating effect of psychological well-being in a nursing context, is not well understood. We conducted this cross-sectional study on a sample of 221 nurses from two public hospitals. We collected survey data between November 2022 and January 2023 using three scales. We analyzed the data using SPSS, AMOS, and HAYES. We followed the STROBE statement guidelines for cross-sectional studies. Nurses reported a moderate intention to migrate and a moderate to high level of fear of violence and psychological well-being. Fear of violence is positively associated with the intention to migrate. Mediation analyses indicated that the association between fear of violence and intention to migration was mediated by psychological well-being. The fear among nurses of being exposed to violence increases their intention to migrate. However, high psychological well-being can reduce this intention. Nursing managers, policymakers, and decision-makers need to take serious precautions against the fear of violence in the future and make necessary improvements for nurses who witness violence. To achieve this, it can begin by paying attention to the high psychological well-being of each nurse.

"Just a knife wound this week, nothing too painful": An ethnographic exploration of how primary care patients experiencing homelessness view their own health and healthcare.

Community health needs assessments (CHNA) involving qualitative techniques help tailor health services to the specific needs of the population groups for whom they are designed. In light of increasing health disparities amongst people experiencing homelessness (PEH)-and to ensure the integration of their voices into a larger CHNA-this study used an ethnographic approach grounded in a social constructivist research paradigm to explore the perspectives of PEH attending a primary care and addiction service in Ireland on their priority health and healthcare needs. Participant observations and informal interviews were conducted with clients experiencing homelessness attending the service for three hours every Monday morning between October 2022 and April 2023. Field note data from active participant observation and informal conversations were collected, anonymised, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the researchers' institutional Research Ethics Committee. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: self-identified priorities, satisfaction with health services, and migrant health. Clients' priority concerns relate to their mental health and personal safety, strengthening ties with children and families, finding a sense of purpose, and feeling better physically. These challenges differ from those of the general population in terms of their severity observed both prior to and during experiences of homelessness, coupled with disproportionately high levels of loss, fear, pain, fatigue, social stigma and other barriers to accessing satisfactory housing. In terms of services, clients are satisfied with their ability to access primary care and harm reduction in a social environment where positive exchanges with friends and providers take place. Conversely, barriers to accessing mental health and addiction services persist including the internalised belief that one is beyond help, lack of access to information on available services and their entry requirements, and lingering stigma within a health system that treats addiction as separate to health. Moving forward, health practitioners may consider holding more regular and open conversations with clients experiencing homelessness about the care they are receiving, its rationale, and whether or not changes are desired that can be safely made. The health needs of migrants and asylum seekers entering homelessness in Ireland are urgent and should be prioritised in future research.

Investigating fear, depressive symptoms and coping mechanisms among Egyptian nursing students amidst the covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAmidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, nursing students' contribution to combating this global health crisis is becoming more significant. However, we need a more comprehensive understanding of the psychological impact of this crisis on these students. Therefore, this study holds immense importance as it offers valuable insights into the connection between COVID-19 pandemic fear, coping strategies, and depressive symptoms among nursing students.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect and analyze data from 319 undergraduate nursing students. They participated in the study by responding to an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of the Fear of the Coronavirus Questionnaire, Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II.ResultsThe study revealed that 45.5% of the participants had a severe fear of COVID-19, 21.9% showed severe depressive symptoms, and 64.6% used moderate coping mechanisms. A positive correlation (r = 0.160, p = 0.01) was found between the fear of COVID-19 and depressive symptoms. Interestingly, this correlation turned negative (r = -0.074, p = 0.01) when adaptive coping strategies such as religion, acceptance, planning, positive reframing, instrumental support, emotional support, active coping, and humor were used. However, when participants resorted to maladaptive coping strategies like venting, self-distraction, self-blame, behavioral disengagement, denial, and substance abuse, the correlation between high fear levels and depressive symptoms became positive (r = 0.352, p = 0.01).ConclusionThe study demonstrated that the fear of COVID-19 and depressive symptoms among nursing students are significantly correlated. However, the nature of this correlation is influenced by the type of coping strategies employed. Adaptive coping mechanisms can mitigate the impact of fear on depressive symptoms. In contrast, maladaptive coping can exacerbate the relationship between fear and depressive symptoms. Therefore, promoting adaptive coping strategies could be a crucial approach to managing the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dental anxiety and oral health in American Indian and Alaska natives.

American Indian and Alaska native (AI/AN) individuals report distrust of the healthcare system. This study explored associations between having either high levels of dental distrust or high levels of dental care-related fear and anxiety ("dental anxiety") and oral health outcomes in AI/AN adults. The 2022 State of Oral Health Equity in America survey included the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and asked to what extent respondents agreed with the statement, "At my last oral health visit, I trusted the oral health provider I saw", and asked about self-rated oral health and presence of a dental home. AI/AN individuals (N = 564) who reported low dental trust (n = 110) or with high dental anxiety (MDAS≥19; n = 113) reported significantly worse overall and oral health and were significantly less likely to have a dental home (p < 0.05 used for each analysis). Dental distrust and dental anxiety can significantly impact oral health and dental utilization in AI/AN communities and are important intervention targets to improve AI/AN oral health.

Diagnosis and Management of Knee Arthrofibrosis and Associated Pain-Related Fear Using Multidimensional Clinical Reasoning and Exposure In Vivo Concept: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: A plethora of treatment approaches are used to manage persistent pain, disability, and fear associated with restricted knee range of motion following knee surgery. We used the pain and disability driver model and exposure in vivo concepts to manage pain-related fear and disability. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old male who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy presented to physical therapy with a medical diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I and knee range-of-motion restriction. Despite extensive medical care and physical therapy for 3 years (202 visits), he continued to experience debilitating knee pain and demonstrated a high level of fear. To ambulate, he wore a knee brace and used a trekking pole. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW UP: Interventions to address the knee stiffness included combined tibiofemoral joint mobilization and high-velocity low-amplitude thrust manipulation targeting tibial internal rotation and low-load long-duration sustained capsular stretching using total end range time principle for extension. His fear was managed using techniques inspired by in vivo exposure concepts. Total knee range of motion improved 110 degrees and the patient was able to ambulate for 30 minutes (0.5 mile) without an assistive device with &lt;2/10 pain intensity. DISCUSSION: Outside-the-box clinical reasoning suggested that poor outcomes with previous interventions were likely due to hypervigilance and pain-related fear. This case delineates the value of nonreductionist clinical reasoning in diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions. It also outlines how the exposure in vivo approach helped the patient overcome his long-established avoidance behaviors. JOSPT Cases 2024;4(3):121-132. Epub 2 July 2024. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2024.0034

Prevalence of Dental Fear and Anxiety among School Children in Zawia City, Libya

Odontophobia, also known as dental fear and anxiety (DFA), is a type of phobia that can negatively affect the dental and oral health of people who experience it. This phobia has psychosocial characteristics that make it complex to address in dental practice. Dealing with dental fear is a challenging issue in dentistry for various reasons. Although this issue has been studied in children for quite some time around the world, no such studies have been conducted in Zawia, Libya. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) among pupils aged 5 to 12- years in public and private schools in Zawia City. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Zawia City over three months. In the survey, 205 students were randomly selected from several private and public schools. All participants were given a self-reported questionnaire containing ten closed-ended questions about DFA. After collecting the data, the results were analyzed based on gender and school type and entered into a Microsoft Excel sheet for further analysis. Results of the study showed that 31.71% of all pupils experienced dental fear and anxiety (DFA). Furthermore, the slight variations in fear levels based on school type indicate that the school environment may influence a pupil's perception of dental visits. Most private school students experienced DFA during physical contact with their dentists and upon seeing dental anesthesia injections. Whereas pupils attending government schools experienced DFA when hearing voices during treatment. Across all areas studied, female students reported slightly higher levels of anxiety than male students. Based on the survey results, it is evident that many pupils experience high levels of dental fear and anxiety (DFA). This highlights the need for intervention and attention in such situations, as DFA can significantly affect a pupil's dental experience and oral health outcomes. Therefore, it is essential to address these fears and anxieties to improve the overall dental experience of pupils and promote better oral health