The role of psychological status in the incidence of traumatic dental injuries in schoolchildren

Abstract

Design: Cohort study.

Data analysis: Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structured Equation Modeling (SEM).

Results: Psychosocial status emerged as the main predictor of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). Better psychosocial status had a direct protective effect on the incidence of TDIs. The impact of increased overjet and lower parental schooling on TDIs was mediated through psychosocial status. Children residing in areas with poorer contextual socio-economic indicators faced a higher risk of experiencing new TDIs due to psychosocial factors.

Conclusions: Poor psychosocial status directly correlated to TDIs. Indirectly, psychosocial factors mediated the occurrence of TDIs through overjet, parental schooling and contextual residential area.