Investigate the role of positive and negative memories from dentistry in the anxiety of dental patients in Kerman, Iran

Several research works show that anxiety is more common in women, low‑income classes, and middle‑aged and elderly populations. The present study aimed to investigate the role of positive and negative memories in patients’ anxiety referred to the dental clinics, offices, and schools of Kerman, Iran, in 2018–2019.

In this cross‑sectional, descriptive, analytical study, the participants were selected among individuals referred to the dental offices, schools, and clinics of Kerman, Iran. In this study, 500 questionnaires were distributed among the participants (based on census method), and of these, 482 of which were reviewed (response rate = 96.4%). The questionnaire used in this study contained four categories of questions, including demographic information, general questions about dentistry, Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale, and Autobiographical Memory Questionnaire. Analysis of variance, t‑test, and Chi‑square test were used to analyze.

Overall, 281 participants were female, and 201 were male. Based on the findings, dental visits were enjoyable and pleasant experiences for 154 participants, and 165 patients were anxious while the dentist prepared for a restorative treatment. This study showed that people with negative memories had more anxiety. Anxiety was also significantly associated with positive memories, higher education, and gender (female) (P < 0.05). Also, the most negative memories of dental treatments were associated with increased anxiety about dental treatments in adults (P < 0.05), while positive memories did not have a relationship any with decreased anxiety (P > 0.05).

The most negative memories of dental treatments were associated with increased anxiety about dental treatments in adults, while positive memories did not have any expected inverse relationship with anxiety.