ASSESSING MATERNAL KNOWLEDGE GAPS AND RISK FACTORS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES IN SAUDI ARABIA
Abstract
Background: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a significant public health issue in Saudi Arabia, with prevalence rates ranging from 27.3% to 73% across various regions. Mothers play a crucial role in influencing children's oral health behaviors through their knowledge and attitudes, yet gaps in this knowledge can lead to inadequate preventive care and increased caries. Objective: This study aimed to assess maternal knowledge and awareness of ECC and its associated risk factors among mothers in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2024 and January 2025, involving 604 mothers of children aged 3-5 years living in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a survey assessing their knowledge of ECC, dental hygiene practices, and awareness of risk factors. Sample size was calculated to ensure representativeness, resulting in 384 respondents.
Results: The mean age of participants was 35.9 years, predominantly female (81.1%), with a significant representation from the Western region (73.5%). While 66.9% reported brushing their children's teeth twice daily, a notable 64.2% only sought dental visits in response to pain. Awareness regarding sugary drinks as a risk factor was high (69.2%); however, only 39.4% demonstrated a high knowledge level about ECC. Additionally, there was a concerning lack of awareness about the timing of tooth eruption (55.3%) and bacterial transmission (34.8%). Statistically significant relationships were found between knowledge and factors such as gender, residential region, occupational status, and educational level. Conclusion: Findings indicate significant gaps in maternal knowledge and awareness regarding ECC and its risk factors, highlighting the need for targeted educational initiatives. A majority of mothers expressed a desire for enhanced public awareness campaigns. Addressing these knowledge deficiencies is critical for improving preventive behaviors and ultimately reducing the prevalence of ECC in Saudi Arabia's children. Future efforts should focus on developing comprehensive educational programs tailored to the cultural context to foster proactive dental care habits among parents.