Abstract
Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of a group of mothers with their children aged 6-12 years regarding their own and their children’s oral health and to evaluate its impact on their children oral health status in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A validated, and reliable Arabic questionnaire comprised four sections (demographic characteristics and socioeconomic status, Hiroshima University– Dental Behavioral Inventory; HU-DBI; for mother’ attitudes and behavior pertaining their own oral health, mothers’ knowledge, and mothers’ attitudes regarding oral health of their children) was used for this study. The questionnaire was completed by the mothers. A clinical oral examination was performed for the children, attending primary schools in Jeddah city, to detect the caries experience and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S). Results: A total of 1496 mother-child pairs completed the study. The mean values of dmft were 4.08 ± 3.47; DMFT was 1.82 ± 2.07; total dmft and DMFT was 5.65 ± 4.05; and the OHI-S was 1.17 ± 0.94. According to the questionnaire results, mothers in private schools had a more favorable attitude and behavior toward their own oral health, as well as a more favorable knowledge and attitude toward their children's oral health. The multiple linear regression model revealed that the children's dmft/DMFT scores were significantly related to mother education, mother questionnaire scores, and the OHI-S. Conclusion: Mother education, knowledge, and attitude all play a role in the development of dental caries. Overall, mothers need to improve their oral health attitudes and behaviors, as well as increase their level of oral health knowledge.
Parent's knowledge and attitude towards their children's oral health and timing of the first dental visit in AL-Madinah city
