title: [Patient views on dental amalgam. An exploratory questionnaire].
abstract: An introductory letter and a precoded questionnaire was sent to a large sample of the Dutch population in order to study their views on dental amalgam. Another sample was approached by interviewers to study the effect of non-response and a third sample was asked to complete a 'neutral' questionnaire so as to preclude any influence caused by the phrasing of the introductory letter and the questionnaire. It was found that the non-response did affect the results, while the phrasing of the letter did not. Based upon the comparison of the samples and taking the non-response into account, it is concluded that probably 17% of the Dutch population regard amalgam to be potentially harmful. At least 4-5% worry about their health because of amalgam fillings and 2-3% attribute existing health problems to amalgam. However, none of the respondents of the 'neutral' sample spontaneously reports amalgam as a causative factor for illness. The health problems mentioned by the respondents are diverse. Headache is mentioned most often, followed by fatigue and a metal taste.
authors.affiliation: Vakgroep Cariologie & Endodontologie, Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam (ACTA), Louwesweg 1, 1066 EA Amsterdam.
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Schuurs
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Eijkman
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hoogstraten
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D003723:Dental Amalgam