Validity and reliability of an Arabic version of the modified dental anxiety scale in Saudi adults

To test the reliability and validity of an Arabic version of the modified dental anxiety scale [MDAS], and to correlate it with other demographic data. The original English version of the MDAS was translated into Arabic, and then translated back into English by experienced bilingual professionals. Four hundred and seventy-four patients referred to dental clinics for treatment at the Faculty of Dentistry Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from November 2012 to June 2013 participated in the study. The assessment tool included questions regarding demographic characteristics, frequency of dental visits, the Arabic version of the MDAS, and the patient's rating of their current level of anxiety using a visual analogue scale [VAS]. The Arabic version of the MDAS had excellent internal consistency and reliability [Alpha coefficients >0.90]. The scale was unidimensional, and the percentage of patients with dental anxiety was 48.3% [using a cutoff total score of >15] and with dental phobia was 2.5% [using a cutoff total score of >16]. Younger patients, females, and infrequent visitors to the dentist were more anxious than those who were older, male, and frequent visitors. Visual analogue scale scores correlated significantly with individual items on the MDAS questionnaire and total anxiety score, supporting the criterion validity. The Arabic version of the MDAS presented adequate internal consistency reliability, allowing its safe use to assess levels of dental anxiety in Arabic-speaking populations

Knowledge, attitude, and barriers towards the use of evidence based practice among senior dental and medical students in western Saudi Arabia

To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and barriers using evidence based practice [EBP] by future Saudi dentists and physicians. A questionnaire adapted from an EBP questionnaire was distributed to dental and medical final year students and new graduates at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia during the 2012 to 2013 academic year. The questionnaire consisted of 14 multiple-choice questions, and 2 open ended questions and was divided into 5 sections assessing different categories. Data were grouped as dental [DS] and medical [MS] students. Descriptive and group comparison statistics were conducted. Out of 400, 297 students responded [DS=207, MS=90] with a 74% response rate. The students' knowledge and attitude were low with no significant difference between the 2 groups. Students` knowledge and attitudes towards EBP were assessed: EBP course attendance [DS=40.1%, MS=13.3%; p=0.000], reading journals [DS=6.3%, MS=3.3%; p=0.313], awareness of EBP components [DS=7.7%, MS=0%; p=0.332], and awareness towards the strongest evidence for EBP [DS=58.9%, MS=53.3%; p=0.370]. More than half of the students in both groups did not use EBP in their treatment [DS=85%, MS=84.4%; p=0.842]. The greatest reported barriers were; "EBP is difficult to understand" [DS=88.9%, MS=72.2%; p=0.000], and no time [DS=54.6%, MS=46.7%; p=0.210]. The reported knowledge and attitudes among the junior health care physicians is considered below the required competency standards. These findings highlight the urgent need for changes in the current educational strategies to assure successful implementation of EBP in Saudi Arabia