Infant oral health awareness among expectant mothers in Mangalore and influence of sociodemographic factors: A survey.

BACKGROUND

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant global health concern, particularly in areas like India with limited dental care. Maternal perinatal practices are crucial for infant oral health and caries prevention. This study assessed infant oral health knowledge among pregnant women in Mangalore, India, exploring the influence of socioeconomic and demographic factors.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey of 180 pregnant women assessed infant oral health knowledge using a prevalidated questionnaire covering various aspects of infant oral health care. Data were collected by a trained investigator. Descriptive and inferential (t-test, analysis of variance, Tukey's) statistical analysis was done with a 0.05 significance level. Knowledge scores were calculated and categorized as poor, fair, or good.

RESULTS

Majority of the participants were aged 25-30 years (62.8%), from joint families (70.6%) and belonged to the middle class (50%). Parity varied (46.1% primiparous, 37.2% secundigravida, 16.7% multiparous), and most women had undergraduate degrees (63.3%). Overall knowledge was poor (mean score 10.24/36). Parity significantly influenced knowledge regarding infant oral health care (P = 0.049), but family structure, education, and socioeconomic status showed no significant associations.

CONCLUSION

This study found that parity was a significant predictor of maternal infant oral health knowledge, while socioeconomic status, education, and family structure were not significantly associated with knowledge levels. The low overall knowledge underscores the critical need for targeted interventions to improve maternal understanding of infant oral health and ultimately reduce the burden of ECCs. Further research is needed to explore and analyze the underlying factors contributing to this persistent knowledge deficit.