Knowledge and beliefs about oral health among mothers of children and adolescents who attend a dentistry school

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate knowledge and beliefs about oral health among mothers of children and adolescents. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to mothers (n=210) of children and adolescents attending dental school clinics at a public university. The variables studied were socioeconomic, reported oral morbidity, use of services, knowledge about oral health, self-perception of oral health, personal beliefs, and values. The data were analyzed descriptively and using multiple logistic regression, with the following outcomes: knowledge and beliefs in oral health, adopting a significance level of 5%. Results: The average number of correct answers on oral health knowledge in the questionnaire was 16.9 (maximum correct answers=20), and on oral health beliefs was 5.3 (maximum correct answers=9). Mothers with higher education are twice as likely to have more accurate answers on oral health knowledge questions (OR=2.18; 95% CI: 1.12-4.27; p<0.05) and on belief questions in oral health (OR=2.38; 95%CI: 1.20-4.72; p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the mothers in the present study demonstrated, in general, satisfactory knowledge of issues related to oral health and a reasonable understanding of limiting beliefs, with a significant association with education. There are still learning gaps about specific beliefs and knowledge that must be addressed.