Child Health Nurs Res.  2014 Jul;20(3):196-204.

Knowledge and Attitudes towards Infant Oral Health, and Related Health Behavior among Parents

• Cho H

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to examine levels of knowledge, attitude towards infant oral health, and related health behavior of parents.
METHODS
The sample consisted of 380 parents who were providing care for a child ranging in age from 11 to 16 months.
RESULTS
Participants obtained information on infant oral health via the internet, infant care books, and friends. While showing the correct attitude towards infant oral health, the parents were ill-informed regarding infant oral health and engaged in low levels of appropriate health behavior. There were statistically significant differences in infant oral health knowledge according to parents age, education, income, and age of infant. Attitude towards infant oral health was significantly different according to parents education and income. Also, there were significant differences in health behavior practice for infant oral health according to parents age, income, caregiver, and infant age. A significant positive relationship was found between knowledge and attitude to infant oral health.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study indicate that for maintenance and improvement of infant oral health, the parents and caregivers of infants should be provided with information and specific methods for infant oral health care.

Keyword

Oral Health; Infant; Knowledge; Attitude; Health Behavior

MeSH Terms

Caregivers
Child
Education
Friends
Health Behavior*
Humans
Infant Care
Infant*
Internet
Oral Health*
Parents*