Assessment of Mothers' Oral Health Knowledge: Towards Oral Health Promotion for Infants and Children
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2014
Authors
Oredugba, F
Agbaje, M
Ayedun, O
Onajole, A
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Scientific Research
Abstract
Aim: To assess the knowledge and oral health practices of a selected population of mothers in order
to develop appropriate oral health promotion program for children in the area. Method: A
cross sectional study was carried out among a convenient sample of mothers who attended two
well-baby clinics—a tertiary and a primary health care centre in Lagos, Nigeria. A questionnaire
requesting personal information, previous exposure to and source of oral health education (OHE),
knowledge of oral health, diet and oral hygiene practices was administered. Results: There were
104 participants, aged 21 - 46 years (mean 32.01 ± 4.85 years); 58.7% had received OHE, 23.1%
from electronic media, 22.1% dentist and 9.6%, doctor or nurse. Only 44 (42.3%) had attended
the dentist, 5 (4.8%) in <1 year and 10 (9.6%) within 1 - 2 years. Most younger mothers, compared
with older mothers had knowledge of fluoride (x2 = 8.51, p = 0.014). Only 44 (42.3%) and 20
(19.2%) respectively believed the type of baby food and supplement affect the child’s teeth. Conclusion:
Participants in this study showed inadequate knowledge of preventive oral health care.
Regular OHE is recommended for mothers at the well baby and immunization clinics where they
can be easily reached by health professionals.
Description
Staff Publications
Keywords
Oral Health Practices , Health Promotion Programmes , Children , Mothers , Research Subject Categories::ODONTOLOGY::Paedodontics
Citation
Oredugba, A., Agbaje, M., Ayedun, O., and Onajole, A (2014). Assessment of Mothers' Oral Health Knowledge: Towards Oral Health Promotion for Infants and Children. Scientific Research