Effects of psychological behaviour management programme on dental fear and anxiety in children: A randomised controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Aim A psychological behaviour management programme with information and communications technology was developed that includes symbolic modelling, tell-show-do, positive reinforcement and distraction, and provides real-time treatment information. We hypothesised that the programme would help patients feel less stressed and show less uncooperative behaviours and subjective pain. Methods Forty-eight paediatric patients were recruited from May 2016 to January 2017, and randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group. In the control, patients watched cartoon animations during the first and second treatments. The experimental group watched cartoon animations during the first treatment, and they used the programme during the second treatment. To measure stress, uncooperative behaviour and subjective pain, we recorded the heart rate, Procedure Behaviour Checklist (PBCL) and Wong and Baker's Faces Pain Rating Scale (FPRS). Results The experimental group resulted in a significantly lower mean heart rate, uncooperative behaviour and subjective pain in the second treatment than did the control group (p<0.001). The differences in heart rate and uncooperative behaviour between the treatments were also significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion The programme was effective in relieving fear and anxiety as well as learning cooperative behaviour.