Validation of Early Childhood Dental Anxiety Impact Scale among 3-5 Year Old Preschool Children in Chennai City

Abstract

Background: The early childhood dental anxiety impact scale (EC-DAIS) has been developed for
assessing dental anxiety related quality of life ( DAR-QoL ) in pre-school children, which is then
validated in the English language to confirm with their geographic locations.
Aim: The present study was undertaken to assess the validity of the English version among 3-5 year old
pre-school children of Chennai city.
Methodology: The English version of EC-DAIS was developed. It was tested for validity and reliability
among 469 parents and children after obtaining informed consent and assent.
Statistical Analysis : Construct validity was assessed by correlating EC-DAIS with FBRS-Frankl’s
Behavior Rating Scale. Internal consistency or reliability was determined by Cronbach’s alpha. Testretest reliability by ICC assessment was done and outcomes were measured.
Results: Construct validity was r=0.298.Reliability using Cronbach’s alpha was 0.873. Test-retest
reliability by Intra Class Correlation assessment was 0.91.
Conclusion: The English version of EC-DAIS is a valid instrument for assessing Dental Anxiety
Related-Quality of Life (DAR-QoL) in pre-school children.