ASSESSMENT OF SCHOOL ANXIETY IN CHILDREN WITH MALOCCLUSIONS

Abstract

Introduction. According to recent studies, the number of school-age children with high anxiety is increasing. In the literature of recent years, there are studies devoted to the study of the relationship between the psycho-emotional state of children and their dental health. Toothache can affect the emotional stability of children, and malocclusion can be associated with a decrease in perceived attractiveness by others and social recognition. Therefore, the study of the psycho-emotional state of children with dental diseases, in particular, in the presence of maloocclusions, is a relevant problem, the solution of which will contribute to the development of effective approaches to the treatment and prevention of this pathology in children and ensuring a high quality of life. The aim of the study. To assess school anxiety in children with maloocclusions. Research material and methods. To assess school anxiety, we conducted a survey of 222 children aged 6-11 years: 119 children with maloocclusions formed the main group, the comparison group included 103 children without maloocclusions. The level of general school anxiety in the examined children was determined using the Phillips School Anxiety Test. Results. It was found that in children with maloocclusions, mainly an average (46,01±2,37%) and high (36,06±2,26%) level of general school anxiety was observed. With age, the number of children with maloocclusions with a low level of general school anxiety significantly decreased (from 26,92±2,13% in 6-8 years to 8,95±2,34% in 9–12 years, p<0,05), and with a high level – increased (from 28,84±2,21% in 6-8 years to 43,28±2,32% in 9–12 years, p<0.05). It was also found that a low level of general school anxiety was detected in 1,26 times fewer boys with maloocclusions compared to girls with orthodontic pathology (p>0,05), while the number of girls and boys with a high level of anxiety was almost the same (p>0,05). Conclusions. Thus, the results obtained indicate that children with maloocclusions mainly show medium and high general school anxiety. Thus, taking into account the psycho-emotional state of the child will serve as an important element in achieving the effectiveness of dental treatment and prevention, as well as in forming motivation to maintain dental health and improve the quality of life.