Parental socioeconomic and perceptual determinants of early childhood caries amongst Myanmar preschool children.

PURPOSE: To assess the updated prevalence and severity of early childhood caries (ECC) amongst preschool children, and examine associations with parental socioeconomic characteristics, perceptions and knowledge.

METHODS

In 2024, 815 children aged 4-5 years from 8 preschools in Yangon were examined using ICDAS II criteria. Parents completed a structured questionnaire assessing socioeconomic status, perceptions of child health, and knowledge across three domains. ECC prevalence (ICDAS d1-6) and severity (d0, d1-2, d3-6) in relation to parental factors were analysed using Chi-square tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests and logistic regressions.

RESULTS

ECC prevalence was 96.2%, with 8.2% presenting non-cavitated and 88.0% cavitated lesions. Paternal education was significantly associated with both ECC prevalence (p = 0.030) and severity (p = 0.024) and remained the only significant associated factor in adjusted models. Parents who rated their child's oral health as "fair or poor" had children with higher ECC severity (p < 0.001). Parental perception was a significant factor in univariable models for both non-cavitated lesions (95% CI 1.03, 1.79) and cavitated lesions (95% CI 1.04, 4.48), although the association for cavitated lesions lost statistical significance after adjustment. Parental knowledge scores were not statistically significantly related to ECC outcomes.

CONCLUSION

ECC burden amongst Myanmar preschool children remains extremely high. Paternal education and parental perception of child oral health were key factors associated with ECC severity. Strengthening father-inclusive oral health education, enhancing parental awareness, and expanding preschool preventive programmes are recommended to address Myanmar's severe ECC burden.