The relationship between Body Mass Index and dental anxiety among pediatric patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Studies suggested a relationship between anxiety and Body Mass Index (BMI). However, dental anxiety and BMI was not previously investigated. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the impact of BMI levels on dental anxiety and behavior among pediatric patients.

Methods

Children 6-11 years attending four-referral centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and their parents were interrogated. The BMI level scores, child's behavior (Frankel's classification) and dental-anxiety (Abeer Dental Anxiety Scale (ACDAS)) were evaluated.

Results

Out of 952 children participated in this study, 496 (52.1%) had normal BMI, 264 (27.7%) had high BMI (overweight), and 192 (20.2%) had low BMI (underweight). Regression analysis found that overweight was significantly associated with

SUBMITTER: Helal N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12010514 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature