Assessing The Efficacy Of Audio-Visual Distraction On Behavior In Pediatric Subjects During Dental Treatment: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: Increased stress levels and avoidance of dental treatment are seen in subjects with dental anxiety with more pronounced effects in pediatric subjects and their caregivers posing adverse effects on the quality of the treatment.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of watching cartoons on videotape as audiovisual distraction aid on anxiety and behavior in child subjects undergoing dental treatment.

Methods: The study evaluated 60 pediatric subjects who had to undergo dental treatment. The subjects were randomly allocated to two groups of 30 subjects each comprising a control group where no distraction technique was used and a distraction group where audiovisual aid was used. Each subject underwent 3 treatment visits. Modified Venham’s clinical ratings of anxiety and cooperative behavior scale (MVARS) and FIS (facial image scale) were used to assess cooperative behavior and anxiety. The vitals were recorded for all the subjects.  

Results: It was seen that MVARS scores were significantly lower in an audiovisual group compared to the control group with p=0.27, and in AV groups these scores further decreased significantly with p=0.03. a significant increase in pulse rate was seen after administration of the local anesthesia with p=0.03 in the control group and such an increase was not seen in the AV group.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the use of audiovisual distraction in pediatric subjects, undergoing dental treatment, is an effective method for managing anxiety and fear. Also, the use of goggles display as a distraction modality helps in anxiety control and positive responses following the administration of local anesthesia proving it to be a useful tool in child subjects undergoing dental treatment.