Female Caregivers' Depression Risk Affects Children's Attendance to Dental Appointments: A Pilot Study.

Purpose: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the association between women's depression risk and their children's return for dental treatment. Methods: A total of 175 female caregivers of children presenting for an initial dental examination between May and October 2019 at a university clinic answered demographic questions and a validated survey on depression risk. An analysis of caregiver's depression risk relative to children's attendance at the next treatment appointment was made. Results: One hundred and eight female caregivers were included in the analysis. Average age was 33 years (standard deviation ± 6.5 years), and 52 percent were Hispanic. The rate of risk for depression was 17.5 percent. Most women at risk lived at least 20 miles away, had an income of less than $29,999, were unemployed or employed part-time, and had no help with childcare. White caregivers were more likely to fail to attend their child's appointment (chi-square [X²] = 7.80, P=0.02) while Hispanic women were more likely to return (X² = 4.10, P=0.04). Caregivers with low depression risk were more likely to return for the child's scheduled appointment (X² = 13.37, P<0.001). Thus, there was a positive association between high depression risk and failed appointments (r=0.474, P<0.01). Conclusion: Children of women at risk for depression are more likely to fail to attend their dental appointment.