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El-Yousfi S, Marshman Z, Albers PN, Watt S, Kipping R, Williams JG. Health visiting teams and children's oral health: a scoping review. BMC Oral Health 2022; 22:594. [PMID: 36496377 PMCID: PMC9741786 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02611-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent policies have recommended early-life interventions to prevent caries. The four nations of the UK each have a national universal children's health programme, through which health visitors and their wider team (HVTs) promote health in the early years. HVT visits offer an opportunity to support parents to improve their child's oral health. A scoping review was conducted to provide a descriptive synthesis of the current literature related to the role of HVTs in improving the oral health of children 0-5 years old and to identify significant gaps for future research. This review informed the feasibility study of the First Dental Steps Intervention, a targeted health visitor-led infant oral health intervention in England. METHODS Electronic database searches for peer-reviewed literature were performed using Medline via Ovid and Web of Science (1946-2021). The quality of included intervention studies was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. Additionally, a grey literature search was conducted (key organisations, bibliographic and thesis databases, forwards and backwards citation, Google). RESULTS Thirty-nine publications, published between 1980 and 2021, were included. The majority of included papers were from the UK. The quality of intervention studies (n = 7) ranged from weak to strong. Thematic analysis identified the following themes: (1) professional knowledge, education, and training; (2) involvement of HVs in the delivery of oral health interventions; (3) effectiveness of interventions; (4) perspectives of HVs providing oral health advice and acceptability; and (5) barriers and facilitators to promoting oral health. The grey literature search identified 125 sources. HVT involvement was reported in a variety of source types: reports, guidance documents, evaluations, reviews, and training resources. HVTs were involved in oral health by providing oral health packs, brushing and oral health advice, registration and attendance, oral health training, risk assessment, and referral to dental services. CONCLUSION The current literature suggests that HVTs are well placed to improve children's oral health. Facilitators and barriers are encountered by HVTs in promoting oral health which should be considered by commissioners. There is a need for future high-quality studies that address the inadequacies found and provide further evidence of the effectiveness of HVT's oral health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarab El-Yousfi
- grid.11835.3e0000 0004 1936 9262School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Zoe Marshman
- grid.11835.3e0000 0004 1936 9262School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Patricia N. Albers
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Samantha Watt
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ruth Kipping
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Joanna G. Williams
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Giles E, Wray F, Eskyte I, Gray-Burrows KA, Owen J, Bhatti A, Zoltie T, McEachan R, Marshman Z, Pavitt S, West RM, Day PF. HABIT: Health visitors delivering Advice in Britain on Infant Toothbrushing - an early-phase feasibility study of a complex oral health intervention. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059665. [PMID: 36216423 PMCID: PMC9557312 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conduct an early-phase feasibility study of an oral health intervention, Health visitors delivering Advice on Britain on Infant Toothbrushing (HABIT), delivered by Health Visitors to parents of children aged 9-12 months old. DESIGN A mixed-methods, early-phase, non-controlled, feasibility study. PARTICIPANTS Recruitment consisted of Group A-HABIT-trained Health Visitors (n=11) and Group B-parents of children aged 9-12 months old about to receive their universal health check (n=35). SETTING Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. INTERVENTION A multidisciplinary team co-developed digital and paper-based training resources with health visitors and parents of young children. The intervention comprised of two components: (A) training for health visitors to deliver the HABIT intervention and (B) HABIT resources for parents, including a website, videos, toothbrushing demonstration and a paper-based leaflet with an oral health action plan. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Recruitment, retention and intervention delivery were analysed as key process outcomes for Groups A and B. Group B demographics, self-reported toothbrushing behaviours, dietary habits and three objective measures of toothbrushing including plaque scores were collected at baseline, 2 weeks and 3 months post intervention. RESULTS HABIT intervention delivery was feasible. Although the intended sample size was recruited (Group A=11 and Group B=35) it was more challenging than anticipated. Retention of Group B participants to final data collection was satisfactory (n=26). Total compliance with toothbrushing guidelines at baseline was low (30%), but significantly improved and was maintained 3 months after the intervention (68%). Plaque scores improved post intervention and participants found video recording of toothbrushing acceptable. Dietary habits remained largely unchanged. CONCLUSION This feasibility study has demonstrated that HABIT is an appropriate oral health intervention. Adaptions to the study design are recommended to maximise recruitment and data collection in a definitive study. These quantitative findings have demonstrated an early signal of impact for improved oral health behaviours for young children at high risk of decay. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN55332414.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Giles
- School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Faye Wray
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ieva Eskyte
- School of Law, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Jenny Owen
- School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Amrit Bhatti
- School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Tim Zoltie
- School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Rosemary McEachan
- Born in Bradford, Bradford Institute of Health Research, Bradford, UK
| | - Z Marshman
- University of Sheffield Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sue Pavitt
- School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Robert M West
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Peter F Day
- School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Community Dental Service, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
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Alanzi A, Muhammad S, Faridoun A, Alterkait A. Pediatricians' Knowledge of Children's Oral Health: A National Survey. Int Dent J 2022; 73:463-469. [PMID: 36116980 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A high percentage of dental caries (∼70%) was reported amongst 4- and 5-year-old Kuwaiti kindergarten children. Parents contact paediatricians several times during the child's early life. Paediatricians can play an important role in improving the oral health of their patients. The objective of the study is to evaluate the knowledge level and awareness of paediatricians and paediatric residents regarding children's oral health in Kuwait. METHODS A national cross-sectional survey was distributed to paediatricians and paediatric residents practicing in Kuwait. Data concerning demographic variables, knowledge on dental caries preventive measures, current anticipatory guidance, and experience with dental problems and oral care were collected using online and paper-based surveys. RESULTS A total of 230 participants completed the survey, with a response rate of 50.1%. Most respondents (81%) had frequently noticed dental caries in children in their practice. Two-thirds of respondents felt confident in detecting dental caries. However, more than two-thirds were unfamiliar with preventive dental practices and the management of dental trauma. Only 16.5% of the respondents got a satisfactory knowledge score on the preventive measure questions, and nearly 51% had satisfactory knowledge on the recent anticipatory guidance questions. No significant correlations were found between gender or years of practice and knowledge scores. Respondents' confidence in detecting caries was significantly associated with the knowledge score of the anticipatory guidance (P = .003). Fewer than half of the respondents considered prescribing sugar-free syrup (47.4%) and counselled patients regarding the use of mouthguards during sports for schoolchildren (39%). CONCLUSIONS The majority of paediatricians have adequate knowledge of the current anticipatory guidance of oral health issues, but they have insufficient knowledge of oral preventative measures and dental trauma. Adequate education and training in oral health are highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Alanzi
- Department of Developmental and Preventive Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
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Oral Health Knowledge and Experience of Pediatricians and Pediatric Residents in Kuwait: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey Study. Int J Dent 2022; 2022:2339540. [PMID: 35706456 PMCID: PMC9192204 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2339540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the knowledge level and practice of pediatricians and pediatric residents regarding children's oral health in Kuwait. Subjects and Methods. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was distributed to pediatricians and pediatric residents practicing in Kuwait. Data concerning demographic variables, knowledge on dental caries preventive measures, current anticipatory guidance, and experience with dental problems and oral care were collected using online and paper-based surveys. Results A total of 230 completed the survey with a response rate of 50.1%. Most respondents (81%) had noticed dental caries in children more frequently. Two-thirds of respondents felt confident in detecting dental caries. However, more than two-thirds were unfamiliar with preventive dental practices and the management of dental trauma. Only 16.5% of the respondents got satisfactory knowledge score on the preventive measures questions, and nearly 51% got satisfactory knowledge on the recent anticipatory guidance questions. No significant correlations were found between gender or years of practice and knowledge scores. Respondents' confidence in detecting caries was significantly associated with the knowledge score of the anticipatory guidance (p=0.003). Conclusion Dental caries is an oral problem commonly encountered by many pediatricians and pediatric residents in Kuwait. The majority has adequate knowledge of the current anticipatory guidance of oral health issues, but they have insufficient knowledge levels on oral preventative measures. Adequate education and training in oral health are highly recommended.
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Bhatti A, Wray F, Eskytė I, Gray-Burrows KA, Owen J, Giles E, Zoltie T, Smith V, Pavitt S, West R, McEachan RR, Marshman Z, Day PF. HABIT (Health visitors delivering Advice in Britain on Infant Toothbrushing): a qualitative exploration of the acceptability of a complex oral health intervention. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:55. [PMID: 35346054 PMCID: PMC8962587 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01659-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the acceptability of the oral health intervention, HABIT (Health visitors delivering Advice in Britain on Infant Toothbrushing) to parents with young children aged 9-12 months and health visitors. METHODS Following the delivery of the universal oral health intervention called HABIT, qualitative semi-structured interviews with parents and focus groups with health visitors were undertaken. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Health visitors completed self-reported diaries after delivering the HABIT intervention with parents. The qualitative data was analysed using framework analysis (guided by a theoretical framework of acceptability). RESULTS Seventeen parents were interviewed, and five health visitors and three nursery nurses participated in two focus groups. Parents reported health visitors to be 'trusted' and valued the reassurance provided during the HABIT visit. Health visitors found the HABIT training and resources useful and valued the consistency and increased confidence in undertaking oral health conversations. There were, however, challenges in changing behaviour where families faced competing demands on time and resources. Both health visitors and parents described the importance of the intervention's timing and suggested that multiple visits may be needed to support optimal oral health habits. CONCLUSION The HABIT intervention was acceptable to parents and health visitors. Health visitors would welcome a further refinement to enhance intervention delivery that specifically achieves a balance between using a guided script and retaining the flexibility to adapt the conversation to suit the needs of individual families. This, in turn, will maximise impact and enable parents of young children to adopt and maintain optimal home-based oral health behaviours for their child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrit Bhatti
- University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, England.
| | - Faye Wray
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford, United Kingdom, England
| | - Ieva Eskytė
- University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, England
| | | | - Jenny Owen
- University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, England
| | - Erin Giles
- University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, England
| | | | - Victoria Smith
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford, United Kingdom, England
| | - Sue Pavitt
- University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, England
| | - Robert West
- University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, England
| | | | - Zoe Marshman
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom, England
| | - Peter F Day
- University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, England
- Bradford Community Dental Service, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, United Kingdom, England
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Zheng S, Zhao L, Ju N, Hua T, Zhang S, Liao S. Relationship between oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, practice, self-rated oral health and oral health-related quality of life among Chinese college students: a structural equation modeling approach. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:99. [PMID: 33676475 PMCID: PMC7936478 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01419-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to evaluate the associations among oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, practice (KAP), self-rated oral health and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Chinese college students. Methods Of the 2000 participants, 1751 (87.55%) students answered an online questionnaire between October 2019 and January 2020. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practice related to oral health, self-rated oral health, and OHRQoL. Structural equation modelling was applied to assess the associations among study variables. Results Among the total students, oral health-related knowledge and attitudes were satisfactory, while the oral health practice was not optimistic. The final model showed satisfactory fitness to the data. Oral health knowledge was associated with attitudes directly and positively. Attitudes toward oral health had a direct and positive effect on practice. Oral health knowledge had an indirect effect on practice through attitudes. Oral health practice was directly associated with self-rated oral health. Oral health knowledge, practice, and self-rated oral health all affected OHRQoL directly and positively, while attitudes had a direct negative impact on OHRQoL. Conclusions OHRQoL was influenced by oral health knowledge, attitudes, practice, and self-rated oral health. Our findings support the KAP theory. Limitations of the KAP model were also found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suge Zheng
- School of Medical Imaging, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China
| | - Lili Zhao
- Department of Stomatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Nianting Ju
- School of Medical Imaging, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China
| | - Tiantian Hua
- School of Medical Imaging, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China
| | - Shunhua Zhang
- School of Medical Imaging, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China.
| | - Shengkai Liao
- Department of Stomatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China.
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McGrath R, Marino R, Satur J. Oral health promotion practices of Australian community mental health professionals: a cross sectional web-based survey. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:85. [PMID: 33632192 PMCID: PMC7908706 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01438-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explored the oral health promotion practices of Australian community mental health professionals working with people living with severe mental illness (SMI). METHODS An anonymous cross-sectional web-based survey was distributed to all Community Rehabilitation and Support Workers (CRSWs) working at Neami National (n = 471), an Australian community mental health service. The validated questionnaire assessed participants' self-rated oral health knowledge and confidence (7 questions); their perceived barriers (9 questions) and attitudes (5 questions) to oral health promotion; and their oral health promotion practices (7 questions). Differences in responses between groups were analysed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney U tests. Logistic Regression Analysis served to explore the probability of providing oral health support to mental health consumers. RESULTS A total of 141 CRSWs were included in this study, achieving a response rate of 30 percent. Roughly two-fifths (39.0%) of participants had oral health training in the previous 12-months. The majority of CRSWs (89.3%) believed ('Agreed' or 'Strongly agreed') that mental health support workers have a role to play in promoting oral health. However, less than half (44.0%) of CRSWs practiced oral health promotion activities when working with mental health consumers. When asked about barriers to promoting oral health, 'lack of consumer interest' was the most prevalent issue. CRSWs who had oral health training were over three-times (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.25-9.83, p = 0.017) more likely to provide oral health support. Results showed the provision of oral health support was most strongly associated with self-rated knowledge and confidence (OR 4.089, 95% CI 1.629-10.263, p = 0.003) and attitudes to oral health promotion (OR 3.906, 95% CI 1.77-8.65, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that mental health support workers who have more positive attitudes to oral health promotion and who have higher self-rated oral health knowledge and confidence are more likely to provide oral health support in their professional role. Training for community mental health professionals is essential to build confidence and skills to promote oral health for mental health consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roisin McGrath
- The Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3053, Australia.
| | - Rodrigo Marino
- The Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - Julie Satur
- The Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3053, Australia
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Eskytė I, Gray-Burrows KA, Owen J, Sykes-Muskett B, Pavitt SH, West R, Marshman Z, Day PF. Organizational Barriers to Oral Health Conversations Between Health Visitors and Parents of Children Aged 9-12 Months Old. Front Public Health 2021; 9:578168. [PMID: 33708755 PMCID: PMC7940188 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.578168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dental caries is the most prevalent preventable childhood disease and a major public health priority. Local authorities in England have a statutory responsibility to improve child health, including oral health, through the “Healthy Child Programme.” The “Healthy Child Programme,” which includes the provision of oral health advice is delivered by health visitors to parents of young children. To date, research has mainly concentrated on individual interactions between health visitors and parents, with less attention given to the broader context in which these oral health conversations between health visitor and parents take place. Objective: Our study explored the organizational factors that obstruct health visitors from engaging in meaningful conversations with parents about young children's oral health. Methods: Qualitative interviews and focus groups were held with health visiting teams (n = 18) conducting home visits with parents of 9–12-month olds in a deprived, urban area in England. Results: The study revealed the wide variation in what and how oral health advice is delivered to parents at home visits. Several barriers were identified and grouped into four key themes: (1) Priority of topics discussed in the home visits; (2) Finance cuts and limited resources; (3) Oral health knowledge and skills; and (4) Collaborative working with other professionals. It was evident that organizational factors in current public health policy and service provision play an important role in shaping oral health practices and opportunities for behavior change. Conclusion: Organizational practices and procedures play an important role in creating interaction patterns between health visiting teams and parents of young children. They often limit effective engagement with and positive change in oral health. For future oral health interventions to be effective, awareness of these barriers is essential alongside them being founded on evidence-based advice and underpinned by appropriate theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieva Eskytė
- School of Law, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jenny Owen
- School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Bianca Sykes-Muskett
- Occupational Health Department, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Sue H Pavitt
- Dental Translational and Clinical Research Unit, School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Robert West
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Marshman
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Peter F Day
- School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.,Bradford Community Dental Service, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, United Kingdom
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Assessment of Paediatricians' Oral Health Knowledge, Behaviour, and Attitude in the United Arab Emirates. Int J Dent 2020; 2020:7930564. [PMID: 33029145 PMCID: PMC7527949 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7930564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Paediatricians' oral health knowledge is essential for early detection of disease, appropriate advice, and proper referral. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, behaviour, and attitude of paediatricians practicing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding children's oral health. Study Design. Cross-sectional survey. Methods A questionnaire consisting of 16 questions was completed after piloting by a sample of randomly selected registered UAE paediatricians. Scores of knowledge (out of 9), behaviour (out of 4), and attitude (out of 3) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using Shapiro–Wilk, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Statistical significance was set as P < 0.05. Results A total of 185 surveys were completed. Nearly half of the paediatricians (95 (51.4%)) identified the appropriate age for child's first dental visit; while 88 (47.6%) believed that the appropriate age to start brushing was after the eruption of the primary molars (2-3 yrs), and 132 (71.4%) believed that the ideal time to give sugary snacks is in between meals. 123 (66.5%) participants said that they would prescribe antibiotics to treat local dental sepsis without fever. Experienced paediatricians and those trained in Western countries had significantly better knowledge about oral health (P values 0.040 and 0.031 consecutively). The scores of attitude, behaviour, and knowledge were correlated, and a positive relationship between the scores of knowledge and behaviour was found (r = 0.241, P=0.001) and between scores of attitude and behaviour (r = 0.197, P=0.007). Conclusions The results demonstrated a general lack of knowledge of oral health aspects by UAE paediatricians. Furthermore, continuous education in the subject is recommended.
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Lewney J, Holmes RD, Rankin J, Exley C. Health visitors' views on promoting oral health and supporting clients with dental health problems: a qualitative study. J Public Health (Oxf) 2020; 41:e103-e108. [PMID: 29924348 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdy107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inequalities in dental decay in young children persist, resulting in high admission rates for general anaesthetics for tooth extractions. Health visitors have the potential to improve dental attendance and oral health in families least likely to engage with dental services. There is little evidence on health visitor views on this. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 17 health visitors working in both affluent and deprived areas in a single UK city. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, anonymized and analysed following a constructivist grounded theory approach. RESULTS Knowledge of oral health was high and health visitors requested oral health education specific to the communities they worked in. Health visitors reported effective, formal referral processes to other health services but not to primary NHS dental services even when dealing with infants in pain. Health visitors interviewed were largely unaware of specific NHS dental services which reduce barriers to dental care including interpreting services and dental services for children with additional needs. CONCLUSIONS Health visitors interviewed were knowledgeable and enthusiastic about oral health but not about dental services. Inadequate links with NHS dental services may limit their effectiveness in oral health improvement and this needs to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lewney
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - R D Holmes
- School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - J Rankin
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - C Exley
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Greenshields
- Lecturer in Children and Young People's Nursing, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne
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