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ABSTRACT
Background: Successful outcomes in patients’ management depend heavily on the expertise and knowledge of the clinician however, patient’s attitude and response play equally important role in achieving best outcomes. Aesthetics is considered a strong point of attraction for paediatric age group and can potentially influence response to dental care. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate colour preference and its influence on children emotions in relation to anxiety among pediatric dental patients in Ugbowo, Benin City. Methods: The study employs a descriptive cross-sectional approach using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire to assess children colour preference in relation to anxiety among pediatric dental patients. The study was conducted among students of Universty of Benin Teaching Hospital staff school aged 6 – 14years. Data received were analyzed and correlations were assessed at 95% confidence interval. Results: One hundred and eighty five (185) respondents were assessed of which a majority were between 9 – 12 years with almost equal male-female distribution. Over 80% of the respondents knew who a pediatric dentist is, and there was no correlation between this knowledge and the age or class of the respondents. Almost half of the respondents (47%) were anxious at their first visit to a dentist with the younger age group (6-8 years) more likely to be anxious than the older age group, 9 -12 years. Almost two-third of the respondents also preferred dentists on bright coloured clothes (e.g. white and yellow to those on dark colours, with about same proportion preferring wall painting mixed with cartoon characters to mere plain walls. Conclusion: Pediatric dental care should seek to incorporate this subtle but substantial determinant of patients’ receptivity to management; aesthetics (color combinations, cartoon designs etc) cannot be overlooked in pediatric dental management. x Keywords: Anxiety, Pediatric dentist, Emotion, Aesthetics.
