Correlation of Digital Gaming Habit with Dental Anxiety and Cooperation of Pediatric Dental Patients

Abstract

Objectives: Using computers from a young age can affect cognitive development and social behavior of children. This study aimed to assess the effect of digital gaming habit on anxiety and behavior of children in a dental setting.

Materials and Methods: A total of 137 children between 4 to 6 years seeking their first dental treatment were selected for this cross-sectional study. In the first session, the children were familiarized with the dental setting. In the second session, the parents received a questionnaire regarding the digital gaming habit of their children to fill out. Then, the children underwent dental treatment. The behavior of children during the procedure was video-taped, observed, and scored according to the Frankl behavior rating scale (FBRS) and the Venham clinical anxiety scale (VCAS). Data were analyzed by the Pearson’s correlation coefficient at 0.05 level of significance, and multiple linear regression-backward method at 0.1 level of significance.

Results: The mean score of the gaming questionnaire was 44.21 out of 100. The coefficient for the correlation of VCAS and FBRS scores with the gaming questionnaire score was 0.556 and -0.496, respectively. The FBRS and VCAS scores had no significant correlation with demographic variables (P>0.1). But the gaming questionnaire score had a significant correlation with mothers’ occupation (P=0.072).

Conclusion: The present results revealed that digital gaming habit increased dental anxiety and negative behavior of children. It is imperative to educate the parents and children at the community level regarding selection of appropriate games and duration of playing.