engleski

Physical aggression as a risk factor for repetition of dental injuries in children

Aim. The causes of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are complex and a range of psychosocial factors could be associated with increased risk for injury. The aim of this study was to examine the association between physical aggression and repeating of injuries among a cohort of children aged 9 – 17 years. Methods: The aggressive behaviour was analysed in the sample of 157 patients (103 males and 54 females) with TDI. The sample comprised children with single injury (SI) or one trauma episode and with repeated injuries (RI). The Overt Aggression Scale (OAS) was used to assess aggression in children. This scale includes verbal and physical aggression. Results: Males in all age groups displayed higher level of physical aggression than females. Males with RI displayed significantly higher aggressive behaviour than males with SI (x2 = 6.36 ; P = 0.012). Males aged 12-17 years with high level of physical aggression have 7 times higher risk for injury repetition than males with lower AS (OR = 7.00 ; 95% CI = 1.185 - 41.360). Females with RI in all age groups showed similar level of physical aggression. Conclusion: High level of physical aggression in boys increases risk for injury repetition. The use of OAS in children with TDI could be of help to identify individuals at risk for injury repetition. Using treatments to reduce aggression among boys during childhood could potentially help to decrease the risk for injury repeating in adolescence.

physical aggression ; injury repetition ; dental trauma

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