Abstract

Background: This study investigates parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding oral hygiene for children aged 0-5 years at the Molyko Integrated Health Center in Cameroon. Oral hygiene is essential for preventing dental diseases, yet many parents lack adequate understanding and effective practices, leading to high rates of dental caries among young children. The research aims to assess these factors to identify gaps and inform targeted interventions that can improve oral health outcomes.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining surveys and interviews with 106 parents attending the Molyko Integrated Health Center. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative insights and thematic analysis for qualitative insights. A cross-sectional survey assessed knowledge and attitudes using structured questionnaires, complemented by in-depth interviews to explore practices and barriers.

Results: The study’s most significant findings are; Parental Knowledge Only 40% of parents knew the correct age for the first dental visit (by age 1), highlighting a significant gap in knowledge about early dental care, Parental Attitudes 85% of parents agreed that oral hygiene is important but only 50% prioritized it over other health issues, Parental Practices 40% of parents never visited a dentist, indicating a critical need for increased access to professional dental services.  Conclusion: In conclusion, the study highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance parental knowledge and attitudes, ultimately improving oral hygiene practices among children aged 0-5 years in the Molyko community. By addressing these gaps, the study contributes to the development of culturally sensitive health education programs aimed at reducing the prevalence of dental caries and promoting better oral health outcomes. This research underscores the importance of parental involvement in shaping children’s oral health habits and provides valuable insights for healthcare providers and policymakers seeking to improve dental health in this region.

Recommendation: Healthcare providers should offer counseling to help parents prioritize oral hygiene amidst competing health concerns.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Oral hygiene refers to the practices and behaviors aimed at maintaining the cleanliness and health of the mouth, teeth, and gums. This includes regular brushing and flossing, dietary management to limit sugar intake, and routine dental check-ups. Effective oral hygiene is essential for preventing dental diseases such as caries (tooth decay) and periodontal disease (gum disease), which can significantly affect overall health and quality of life (WHO, 2024).

According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, oral diseases affect approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide, making them one of the most common noncommunicable diseases (WHO, 2024). Dental caries is particularly prevalent among children, with untreated cavities leading to pain, discomfort, and impaired quality of life. The economic burden associated with oral diseases is substantial, with treatment costs reaching billions globally (FDI World Dental Federation, 2023). Despite being largely preventable, oral diseases remain a neglected public health issue in many regions.

In Africa, the burden of oral diseases is significant, with a rising prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases among both children and adults. Factors contributing to this situation include increased sugar consumption, inadequate exposure to fluoride, and limited access to dental care services (WHO, 2024). Studies indicate that oral diseases are exacerbated by a lack of awareness regarding proper oral hygiene practices among parents and caregivers (Pereira et al., 2021). This knowledge gap often leads to poor dietary choices and insufficient preventive care.

Cameroon faces considerable challenges regarding oral health. A study conducted in Douala revealed that while mothers had moderate knowledge about their children’s oral health, there were significant gaps in practices such as regular tooth brushing and dietary management (Tanga et al., 2022). The prevalence of dental caries among children remains high due to limited access to dental services and insufficient public health initiatives focused on oral hygiene education. Furthermore, cultural beliefs may influence parental attitudes towards dental care, often prioritizing traditional remedies over professional treatment.

Sub-Saharan Africa exhibits a similar trend concerning oral health challenges. Many countries in this region report high rates of untreated dental caries among children due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure and lack of awareness about preventive measures (NHS, 2022). In Uganda, for example, a significant percentage of parents reported not visiting dental services for routine check-ups due to financial constraints or lack of awareness about the importance of preventive care (WHO, 2024). Early childhood is a critical period for establishing healthy habits. Children aged 0-5 years are particularly vulnerable to dental issues due to their developing teeth and dietary habits. Parents play a crucial role in shaping these habits through their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding oral hygiene.

Parents knowledge about oral hygiene significantly influences their attitudes toward it, which in turn affects their actual practices regarding their children’s oral care. Understanding these relationships is essential for developing effective interventions aimed at improving children’s oral health outcomes. The knowledge, attitude, and practice surrounding oral hygiene among parents with children aged 0-5 years are critical determinants of children’s oral health outcomes. In Cameroon and sub-Saharan Africa, it is essential to investigate these factors comprehensively. This study aims to assess the current state of parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding oral hygiene at the Molyko Integrated Health Center. By identifying gaps in knowledge and areas for improvement in attitudes and practices, this research seeks to inform targeted interventions that can enhance children’s oral health within this community.

1.2 Problem Statement

Oral hygiene is a fundamental aspect of overall health, particularly for children aged 0-5 years, as it establishes the foundation for lifelong dental health. Despite its importance, many parents lack adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and effective practices related to maintaining their children’s oral health. This gap in understanding can lead to detrimental outcomes, including a high prevalence of dental caries and other oral diseases among young children, particularly in developing countries like Cameroon.

Globally, the burden of oral diseases such as dental caries remains significant, affecting approximately 3.5 billion people (WHO, 2024). Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common chronic diseases in young children and is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene practices among caregivers (Menoufia Medical Journal, 2020). In Cameroon, where access to dental care is limited and public health initiatives focused on oral hygiene education are often insufficient, parents may not prioritize or effectively implement recommended oral hygiene practices. Studies indicate that while some parents possess moderate knowledge about the significance of oral hygiene, this knowledge does not always translate into consistent practices such as regular tooth brushing or dietary management (Tanga et al., 2022; Eze et al., 2022).

The Molyko Integrated Health Center serves as a crucial point of contact for families seeking healthcare services in this region. However, there is a lack of empirical data assessing the specific levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding oral hygiene among parents utilizing these services. Understanding these factors is essential for identifying barriers to effective oral health promotion and designing targeted interventions to improve outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents regarding oral hygiene among children aged 0-5 years at the Molyko Integrated Health Center. By identifying gaps in parental understanding and behavior, this research seeks to inform strategies that will enhance oral health education and promote better practices within this community.

1.3 Rational

This study is crucial because good oral hygiene in children aged 0-5 lays the groundwork for lifelong dental and overall health. Poor oral health during these years can lead to preventable dental issues, negatively affecting a child’s development, learning, and well-being. Parents are key in establishing good habits, but gaps in their knowledge and practices often exist. This study aims to assess parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices, identify areas for improvement, and address health disparities, ultimately informing healthcare providers and policymakers to promote better oral health practices for young children.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the level of knowledge regarding oral hygiene among parents having children from 0-5 years of age?
2. What is the level of attitude regarding oral hygiene among parents having children from 0-5 years of age?
3. What is the level of practice regarding oral hygiene among parents having?

Read More: Nursing Project Topics with Materials