Evaluation of the knowledge of mothers visiting Sabzevar Health Centers on the importance of oral and dental health for their children from birth to 3 years and the relationship of this knowledge with demographic characteristics

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Abstract

Objectives: Educating mothers who visit the health centers on the importance of oral and
dental health can have a great effect on improving their knowledge and practice. The aim
of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of mothers of children from newborn to 3
years old visiting Sabzevar health centers on oral and dental health and its relationship with
their demographic characteristics, including age, occupation, number of children,
household income, level of education, and area of residence, as well as the presence of
previous education on this subject. Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical study on 190 mothers who had children
below 3 years of age. Convenience sampling was used and data were obtained by the
researcher using questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software
and included descriptive analysis (mean and standard deviation), Pearson correlation, and
Student t-test. Results: Poor knowledge was reported in 38.9% of mothers while 47.4% of mothers had
moderate knowledge and 13.7% had high level of knowledge. The mothers’ level of
knowledge was significantly correlated with age, number of children, level of education,
area of residence (rural vs. urban), and household income. Most of the mothers noted that
the services offered to them at the time of giving birth were not adequate, while most of the
mothers were willing to receive education for oral and dental health. Conclusion: The mothers’ level of knowledge was less than expected. They did not
receive enough education on oral and dental health of their children in their visits to health
centers.

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Beyhagh
Volume 16, Issue 1
April 2011
Pages 1-6

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