Knowledge, attitude, and practice on dental caries prevention and associated factors among parents of three-year-old children at public kindergartens in Ha Nam province in 2020

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitude, and practice in preventing dental caries for children and associated factors among parents of 3-year-old children studying at some public kindergartens in Phu Ly city, Ha Nam province in 2020. A cross - sectional descriptive study was performed at four public kindergartens on 430 parents of children, using structured questionnaires for knowledge – attitude - practice interviews. Research results showed that the highest percentage of correct knowledge was about the age of brushing teeth (77.2%) and causes of tooth decay (73.8%). The percentage of parents with the right attitude about the role of dental care was 38.6%. Overall, there were 47.6% of parents who had satisfactory knowledge, 19.1% having positive attitude
and 31.3% having good practices. The study highlighted the need for supportive interventions for parents and carers to increase knowledge, attitude and practice on oral care for children.