Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: October-December | Volume: 4 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 89-96
Oral Health Knowledge and Attitude among Caregivers of Special Children in Tribal Population
Tivanani Venkata Durga Mahendra1, Vyshnavi Mulakala2
1Postgraduate Student, Sree Sai Dental College and Research Institute, Srikakulam, India.
2Internee, Undergraduate Student, Sree Sai Dental College and Research Institute, Srikakulam, India.
Corresponding Author: Tivanani Venkata Durga Mahendra
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Disabled children are usually dependent on others for their care. Parents, siblings, or caregivers often render this care. Unfortunately, the majority among the caregivers lack the knowledge of properoral health care themselves and thus fail to recognize its importance resulting in not applying proper oral health behavior.
Aim: The study aims to assess the caregiver's knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral health-promoting factors towards special children in tribal population of southern India. Materials and methods: A total of 52 caregivers who are working in an institution for disabled children and 52 members from residential school as a control group.
Statistical Analysis: The obtained data are given for statistical analysis, and the results are subjected to the chi-square test to compare between demographical variables. Statistical significance was fixed at p-value <0.001.
Results: DMFT score of >3 is more in cases whereas, in controls, a score of ≤3 is highly seen and the level of knowledge and attitude of caregivers is reported.
Conclusion: In conclusion, many caregivers both in special child group and control group had good knowledge, but the same did not reflect in their attitude and practice.
Keywords: knowledge, Attitude, Oral health, Caregivers.