Analysis of Related Factors on Dental Fear of Some High School Students in Ulsan Area

This study explored the effects of personal characteristics on dental fear in some high school students in Ulsan, and studied the correlation and causal relationship between general fear and dental fear. Data collection was conducted with 401 students enrolled in three high schools from April 22 to May 30, 2024. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire tool were analyzed by applying exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis, and individual substrate types were classified through cluster analysis. Through t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Scheffe's post-test, the difference in fear related to dental treatment and general fear according to personal characteristics was compared, and the causal relationship between personal characteristics, general fear factors, and fear factors related to dental treatment was identified through path analysis. As a result of the study analysis, female students felt more fear in general than male students, and there was a significant difference between dental fear and general fear according to individual temperament, and as a result of studying the influence relationship between each factor through path analysis, the factor that has the greatest influence on the fear related to dental treatment was found to be the fear of physical threats. On the other hand, fear varies depending on temperament in all fear factors, so a customized approach is necessary to control dental fear.