Pediatricians' Knowledge and Practices Regarding Infant Oral Health: A Pretest and Posttest Intervention Study.

BACKGROUND

In India, early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant public health issue affecting young children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The prevalence of ECC in India is influenced by factors such as dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, cultural norms, and access to oral healthcare services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ECC affects approximately 23% of children aged 2-4 years globally.

AIM: The study was conducted on pediatricians' knowledge and practices regarding infant oral health and ECC. It provides critical insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving oral health outcomes among young children, particularly in the context of Dwarka subcity, India.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional pretest and posttest study was conducted among pediatricians practicing in the Northern India. The study utilized pre- and posttraining questionnaires to evaluate pediatricians' baseline knowledge and measure changes following educational interventions. To ensure questionnaire reliability and internal consistency, questions perceived as challenging were rephrased, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α) was used to assess overall questionnaire reliability, demonstrating a high degree of internal consistency (α =0.95).

RESULT: An improvement in the knowledge of the clinicians were observed postintervention.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the importance of addressing gaps in pediatricians' knowledge and practices related to infant oral health and ECC through targeted educational interventions and collaborative efforts. By empowering pediatricians with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can enhance early intervention and preventive care measures, ultimately improving oral health outcomes for children in India and globally.