Assessing change in the family impact of caries in young children after treatment under general anaesthesia

Abstract Objective. To examine the properties, validity and responsiveness of the Family Impact Scale in a consecutive clinical sample of patients undergoing dental treatment under general anaesthesia. Materials and methods. A consecutive clinical sample of parents/caregivers of children receiving dental treatment under general anaesthesia provided data using the Family Impact Scale (FIS) component of the COHQOL© Questionnaire. The first questionnaire was completed before treatment, the follow-up questionnaire 1–4 weeks afterward. Treatment-associated changes in the FIS and its components were determined by comparing baseline and follow-up data. Results. Baseline and follow-up data were obtained for 202 and 130 participants, respectively (64.4% follow-up). All FIS items showed large relative decreases in prevalence, the greatest seen in those relating to having sleep disrupted, blaming others, being upset, the child requiring more attention, financial difficulties and having to take time off work. Factor ...