engleski

Host factors and traumatic dental injuries in children : the role of aggressive behaviour

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are widespread and represent a serious dental public health problem in childhood. The causes of dental injuries are complex and a range of psychosocial factors could be associated with increased risk for injury. Some previous studies have shown that conduct disorders and hyperactivity can be associated with increased frequency of TDI in children. Despite its importance, very few studies have analysed association of injury repeating and child’s aggressiveness. The aim of this study was to examine the association between aggression and repeating of injuries among a cohort of children aged 9 – 17 years. The aggressive behaviour was assessed in 114 patients (80 males and 34 females) with TDI. The group comprised children with single injury (SI) and with repeated injuries (RI). The Overt Aggression Scale (OAS) was used to assess children’s aggression and to obtain information about four types of aggressive behaviour (verbal aggression and aggression against objects, self, and others). Males with RI displayed significantly higher aggressive behaviour than males with SI (x2 = 7.36 ; P = 0.006). There were no significant differences between females with SI or RI. Aggressive behaviour in males with RI was significantly higher in age group 12-17 years. Males aged 12-17 years have 3.6 times higher risk for injury repeating than males with SI (OR = 3.626 ; CI = 1.421-9.258). Females with RI in both age groups showed similar level of aggressive behaviour. Aggressive behaviour and increased score of aggression against others are frequent symptoms of male patients with repeated injuries. The use of OAS in children with TDI could help to detect patients with increased risk for injury repetition. Referral of aggressive children to the child psychiatrist could contribute to the improvement of child’s behaviour and decrease a risk for further injuries.

traumatic dental injuries; aggressive behaviour; children

doi: 10.1111/j.1365-263X.2011.01138.x