Abstract
AimTo compare two groups of children with externalising behaviour problems, having low and elevated caries risk, respectively. Those parameters were assessed in relation to behavioural characteristics and family structure, and to compare the caries risk assessment and gender differences in relation to children in general in the Region of Västra Götaland, Sweden.MethodsFamilies (228) with children, aged 10-13 years, participating in parent training programmes, were recruited. Parents provided information through questionnaires regarding parental knowledge and monitoring, family warmth and conflict and family structure. Children’s behavioural characteristics, based on the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Disruptive Behaviour Disorder rating scale, were used as outcome. Data about caries risk assessment were obtained from dental records.ResultsChildren in the elevated caries risk group showed higher mean values for conduct problems as well as impulsivity. Parents of the children in the elevated caries risk group reported more parental solicitation and less family conflicts. Children with an elevated caries risk lived more often in households with more than two children and had more often a father from a non-Nordic country.ConclusionThere were statistically significant more children with an elevated caries risk in the study group compared to children in general in the Region of Västra Götaland, both totally and within gender. Differences were observed with regard to behavioural characteristics in externalising children with an elevated risk for caries. Increased knowledge regarding behavioural characteristics in externalising children is an important parameter to be considered in caries risk assessment.
Highlights
Aim To compare two groups of children with externalising behaviour problems, having low and elevated caries risk, respectively. Those parameters were assessed in relation to behavioural characteristics and family structure, and to compare the caries risk assessment and gender differences in relation to children in general in the Region of Vastra Gotaland, Sweden
There were statistically significant more children with an elevated caries risk in the study group compared to children in general in the Region of Vastra Gotaland, both totally and within gender
Children with externalising behaviour problems (EBP) constitute a heterogeneous group of children and refers to behaviour problems manifested in children’s outward behaviour and reflect the child negatively acting on the external environment
Summary
Children with externalising behaviour problems (EBP) constitute a heterogeneous group of children and refers to behaviour problems manifested in children’s outward behaviour and reflect the child negatively acting on the external environment. EBP includes attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) problems, as well as disruptive, oppositional, aggressive, and conduct disorder (CD) behaviour (Bloomquist and Schnell 2002). The development, maintenance and expression of externalising behaviour problems are related to parenting, parent–child relationship, and family structure Parental behaviour risk factors for EBP children are poor supervision and monitoring, lack of parental involvement with the child, as well as harsh and inconsistent discipline (Bloomquist and Schnell 2002; Blazei et al 2006). Good parental behaviour includes rules, expressed warmth, and knowledge about a child’s whereabouts, which in the long-term influences the child’s comfort in voluntarily sharing information (Wang et al 2011). The SDQ symptom scales contain 25 items divided into five subscales, namely emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity–inattention, peer problems, and prosocial behaviour. A high score on the Prosocial Behaviour subscale indicates a strength, while high scores on the other four subscales indicate difficulties
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