Caregivers’ oral health knowledge of children with disability

Abstract

Background: The oral cavity is the basis for good health and plays in one’s daily activities in terms of pronunciation and functions of respiratory system. Any disorder in these organs are directly related to one’s quality of life. People with disorder have declined mental and physical functions which often result in social isolation. Maintaining oral hygiene for children with disability is complicated and caretakers eventually reduce the repetitive process which forms or aggravates existing oral diseases. Aim: Aim of our study had been determine caregivers’ oral health knowledge children with disability. Materials and Methods: Based on the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry of School of Dentistry, cross sectional study was conducted a survey of 110 children with disability aged 2-18 from School No. 55 in Bayanzurkh District and Kindergarten No. 7 in Darkhan-Uul Aimag. The questionnaire survey was interviewed by a single investigator. A questionnaire, which was consisted of total 30 closed questions that related to evaluate oral health knowledge and practice. The correct answer was evaluated by scoring system. Included: the correct answer is more than >15 “good”, 8-14 “medium”, and <7 were “bad”. Results: In total 110 caregivers were examined for the analysis of the caregivers oral health knowledge of children with disability. In study group 13.6% were males, 86.4% were females. Caregivers’ educational attainments were grouped into four categories, “Middle school degree or below” were 19.1%, “High school degree” were 20.9%, “College degree” were 16.4%, “Undergraduate degree or above” were 43.6%. Comparison of oral health knowledge and attitude scores among different education levels of caregivers yielded statistically significant differences (P<0.01). Caregivers’ favorable oral health behavior was found to be significantly associated with a higher education level, better knowledge and positive attitude. The determining factor of caregivers’ preventive behavior was attitude. Education level influenced the caregiver’s knowledge. Knowledge is positively associated with attitude. Discussion: The positive attitude originates from participants’ knowledge. To improve caregiver’s knowledge through education would be helpful to increase their positive attitude and encourage practice to maintain and promote their children’ and their own oral health. Conclusion: Based on the scoring criteria as described earlier, 17.3% “Bad” 51.8% “Medium” and 30.9% “Good” knowledge.