Knowledge and Attitudes towards Infant Oral Health, and Related Health Behavior among Parents.
- Author:
Haeryun CHO
1
Author Information
1. Division of Nursing Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea. 20006148@naver.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Oral Health;
Infant;
Knowledge;
Attitude;
Health Behavior
- MeSH:
Caregivers;
Child;
Education;
Friends;
Health Behavior*;
Humans;
Infant Care;
Infant*;
Internet;
Oral Health*;
Parents*
- From:Child Health Nursing Research
2014;20(3):196-204
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
