KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF MOTHERS REGARDING THEIR CHILD’S ORAL HEALTHCARE: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY IN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL OF NORTH GUJARAT.

Dr. Kety Pilcher*, Dr. Rahul Patel, Dr. Hiren Patel, Dr. Rajesh Patel, Dr. Drashti Vaishnav and Dr. Pranav Kurup

ABSTRACT

Background: Children who develop caries often complain about having associated health problems such as oral pain and local infections that results in difficulty in sleeping, eating, psychological problem, reduced growth and increase in the risk of caries in permanent dentition. It has been documented that mother‟s knowledge regarding oral health affect maintenance and fate of their childrens‟ oral health by influencing their oral hygiene and healthy eating habits. Hence, this study was conducted with the aim to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers towards their child‟s oral healthcare. Materials and methods: A Cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted in the Gynaecology and Pediatric departments of a private hospital in Visnagar, North Gujarat. Data collected was entered into MS 2013 and SPSS was used to analyse the data. Chi Square test was applied. Results: Mothers who had completed their graduation / post graduation answered positively regarding the fluoride content of water having a role in caries prevention, poor oral health affecting the general health of individual. The result was statistically significant with the P- value being ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: The current study throws some light on the relation between the educational level of mothers and their knowledge and practices related to oral healthcare of their child. Healthcare professionals should educate the prenatal mothers regarding oral health of their child.

Keywords: Children, Mothers, Oral Healthcare.