{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: A software-based observational coding approach for evaluating paediatric dental pain, anxiety, and fear.
{Author}: Bocklage C;Selden R;Tumsuden O;Nanney E;Sawicki C;Rapolla A;Cass K;Lee J;Ginnis J;Strauman T;Graves C;Divaris K;Hodges E;Jacox LA;
{Journal}: Int J Paediatr Dent
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jul 12
{Factor}: 3.264
{DOI}: 10.1111/ipd.13227
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Dental practitioners desire non-pharmacological methods to alleviate anxiety, fear, and pain in children receiving dental care; high-quality evidence, however, is required to evaluate methods' efficacy.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This study aimed to develop and validate an observation-based coding approach (paediatric dental pain, anxiety, and fear coding approach [PAFCA]) to evaluate non-pharmacological behavior management techniques for anxiety, fear, and pain.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Objective (video-based) and subjective (self-reported) anxiety, fear, and pain data were collected from a pilot clinical trial evaluating animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in paediatric dentistry, in which 37 children aged 7-14 were assigned to AAT or control before dental treatment (restorations or extractions). A coding approach utilizing a codebook, a gold standard calibration video, and a user training guide was developed. Trained examiners coded the gold standard video for inter-rater agreement, and masked, calibrated examiners analyzed videos using the Noldus Observer XT software.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A novel, software-based coding approach was developed, with moderately high inter-rater agreement. Using PAFCA, we found children reporting higher levels of pain, fear, and anxiety exhibited treatment-interfering behaviors, including crying/moaning, attempts to dislodge instruments, and more upper and lower body movements.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>PAFCA shows promise as a reliable tool for assessing anxiety, pain, and fear in behavioral research for paediatric dentistry.