M Al-Sane1, A Koerber2, M Montero3, J K Baskaradoss4, E Al-Sarraf5, M Arab6. 1. Department of Developmental and Preventive Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University, Safat, PO Box 24923, 13110, Kuwait City, Kuwait. muna.alsane@ku.edu.kw. 2. Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, 801 Paulina Street, Room 563D (MC 838), Chicago, IL, 60612-7213, USA. 3. Pediatric Dentist in Private Practice, Chicago, USA. 4. Department of Developmental and Preventive Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University, Safat, PO Box 24923, 13110, Kuwait City, Kuwait. 5. Residents at the Advanced Education in Prosthodontics Program, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, California, USA. 6. Resident at the Department of Orthodontics, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston University, Boston, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a highly prevalent disease in Kuwait. It poses health, economic, and social implications affecting patients, their families and communities. ECC awareness campaigns targeting expectant mothers hold a promising potential as primary prevention tools. Understanding the baseline of ECC knowledge (ECC-K) is an important foundational step in planning such interventions. The aim of this study was to assess the level of ECC-K in a sample of expectant mothers, and to identify the sociodemographic and behavioural determinants of that knowledge. METHODS: A multiple-choice questionnaire was distributed to 430 expectant women from one maternity hospital in Kuwait. The questionnaire gathered information on the demographics, ECC-K, and the oral health behaviours of the participants. Bivariate analysis assessed the relationship between ECC-K scores and the different socio-demographic variables and oral health practices of the participants. A multiple linear regression model was developed to identify the predictors of ECC-K scores RESULTS: The response rate was 94% (n = 405). The mean ECC-K score was 6.4 [standard deviation (SD) = 2.5] out of a maximum score of 14. Age, education, number of children, frequency of dental visits, and flossing frequency were significantly associated with ECC-K levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ECC-K among this cohort of expectant mothers was inadequate. Educational interventions are needed to foster better ECC preventive practices.
PURPOSE: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a highly prevalent disease in Kuwait. It poses health, economic, and social implications affecting patients, their families and communities. ECC awareness campaigns targeting expectant mothers hold a promising potential as primary prevention tools. Understanding the baseline of ECC knowledge (ECC-K) is an important foundational step in planning such interventions. The aim of this study was to assess the level of ECC-K in a sample of expectant mothers, and to identify the sociodemographic and behavioural determinants of that knowledge. METHODS: A multiple-choice questionnaire was distributed to 430 expectant women from one maternity hospital in Kuwait. The questionnaire gathered information on the demographics, ECC-K, and the oral health behaviours of the participants. Bivariate analysis assessed the relationship between ECC-K scores and the different socio-demographic variables and oral health practices of the participants. A multiple linear regression model was developed to identify the predictors of ECC-K scores RESULTS: The response rate was 94% (n = 405). The mean ECC-K score was 6.4 [standard deviation (SD) = 2.5] out of a maximum score of 14. Age, education, number of children, frequency of dental visits, and flossing frequency were significantly associated with ECC-K levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ECC-K among this cohort of expectant mothers was inadequate. Educational interventions are needed to foster better ECC preventive practices.
Entities:
Keywords:
Early childhood caries; Infant oral health; Knowledge; Pregnancy; Prenatal oral health care