Association Between Parental/Caregiver Oral Health Literacy and Dental Caries in Preschool-Aged Children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35699/2178-1990.2025.61655Keywords:
health literacy, oral health, dental caries, child, parentsAbstract
Introduction: Oral health literacy (OHL) refers to the ability of individuals to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services necessary for making appropriate decisions. Parents and caregivers form a critical group, as they influence both their own health and that of their children.
Aim: To assess the association between the OHL of parents/caregivers and the dental caries experience of their children.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved parents/caregivers and children aged 2 to 6 years attending a Higher Education Institution (HEI). The BREALD-30 and a socioeconomic questionnaire were administered to the parents/caregivers, and a clinical oral examination was performed on the children to assess dental caries according to the dmft index. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis and chi-square, Fisher’s exact, linear trend, and multivariate Poisson regression tests, with a significance level of 5%.
Results: A total of 27 parent/caregiver–child pairs participated. The mean age of mothers was 32.65 years (±6.61) and of fathers 36.67 years (±12.37). The predominant socioeconomic class was C (48.10%), and 44.40% of household heads had completed high school or had incomplete higher education. OHL was considered adequate in 85.20% of parents/caregivers. The children’s mean age was 4.33 years (±0.87), with 48.10% female and 51.90% male. The mean dmft score was 6.41 (±5.17). The prevalence of dental caries was 74.10%, with the same percentage presenting at least one untreated decayed tooth; 59.30% had no filled teeth.
Conclusion: No significant association was found between OHL and caries experience. However, the child’s age and low parental/caregiver OHL were associated with greater caries severity.
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