Association Between Self-Reported Oral Health and Dental Fear Among Illicit Drug Users in Northern Finland

Abstract

Objectives

About 10% of adults in northern Finland have severe dental fear, but there is a lack of detailed knowledge about dental fear among illicit drug users. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental fear and its association with self-reported oral health and health behavior as well as background factors of the customers of substance abuse services living in the region of Oulu, Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland.

Materials and Methods

One hundred seventeen volunteers, either active or former illicit drug users, were interviewed face-to-face about their background factors, health and health behaviors, and use of illicit drugs. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to assess a situation-specific level of dental anxiety. For analyses, Pearson's χ² test, Fisher's exact test, ANOVA, and logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results

Three out of four participants had at least moderate dental fear (MDAS ≥ 10) and 24% had severe dental fear (MDAS ≥ 19), with the average MDAS being 14.0 (SD 5.7). Participants in drug rehabilitation reported significantly more dental fear than the rest of the participants. Severe dental fear was associated (adjusted) with previous painful experiences OR 10.8 (2.3–52.0) and poor behavior by dental personnel OR 4.1 (1.2–13.9).

Conclusions

Dental fear is common among illicit drug users, and it is, particularly, associated with previous painful experiences and poor behavior by dental personnel.