Analyses of children fear reasons in the medical institutions

Abstract

Previously it was found that that 6% to 22% of children have dental fear. The aim of this study was to analyze factors which cause children’s fear in different medical institutions. Study was provided in six medical institutions, data was obtained using quantitative research method - questionnaire and Vienna test system subtest for stress tolerance assessment. 223 parents with children aged 1 to 13 yrs, mean age 7.8±2.8 yrs participated. The main group of respondents - parents with children aged from 2 till 4 yrs. Differences according children gender weren’t stated. It was found that main factors for children fear in medical institutions are injections, pain and puzzlement, which directly connected with lack of information. The correlation between parents stresses tolerance level and their view about children's fear extent and reasons was stated. Future study is planned for comparing parent’s subjective view and children view point. Conclusions: The results emphasized the importance of collaboration between parents, professionals and children before and after medical institution attendance. This is essential factor for improvement of paediatric medical care.