Parents’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Prevention of Dental Caries among Five Year Old Children in Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

Dental caries affect 60-90% of school-going children globally, and the prevalence is rising steadily in developing countries. Its impacts reduce the quality of life in children; compromise their nutrient intake, enjoyment of food, growth and sleeping patterns. The purpose of this study was to determine parents’/caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes and practice behaviors regarding dental caries in 5-year old children. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 382 randomly sampled parents/caregivers who participated in the study using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of five items on knowledge, attitude and practices of dental hygiene related to prevention of dental caries. Dental caries assessment was carried out using the standard procedures described by World Health Organization. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21, 2014 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results showed that parents/caregivers have sufficient knowledge and a positive attitude towards oral health hygiene of the 5-year-old children. However, practices such as techniques of brushing teeth and reduction in the frequency of consumption of foods and snacks with refined sugar is not well implemented. In conclusion, parents’/caregiver’s knowledge, attitude and practices related to their children’s dental health is important in preventing dental caries. Therefore, more emphasis should be placed on educating the parents/caregivers on how to take care of their children’s teeth and to strengthen proper technique of brushing teeth.