Abstract
The aim of the present study was to analyze the intentions and knowledge of mothers in the postpartum period regarding the feeding habits and oral health of their children. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 286 mothers at a teaching hospital in Southern Brazil. The variables of interest were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Knowledge scores were analyzed numerically and dichotomized as adequate (score: >5) or poor (score: ≤5). Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses were performed and score ratios (SR) with respective confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Most respondents were less than 25 years of age (55.6%), first-time mothers (56.4%) and demonstrated positive intentions regarding the majority of the aspects addressed. However, 65.4% of the sample demonstrated poor knowledge. Younger mothers, those with a lower income, those with less schooling, first-timers and those who reported intending to use sugar demonstrated less knowledge. Gathering information from the internet was associated with higher knowledge. The multivariate model revealed significant associations with having a university education (SR=1.23; CI: 1.12 to 1.35), having a high school education (SR=1.10; CI: 1.03 to 1.19), gathering information from the internet (SR=1.18; CI: 1.07 to 1.30), having given birth more than once (SR=1.13; CI: 1.06 to 1.21) and intending not to use sugar (SR=1.14; CI: 1.03 to 1.26). Schooling, number of child births, means of information and the use of sugar were independently associated with the knowledge score. There is a need to provide oral health education for women during the postpartum period in order to benefit oral health for both the mother and the baby. Key words: Feeding behavior, infant, knowledge, mothers, oral health, postpartum period.
Highlights
Health behaviors are formed in the early years of life (Nourijelani et al, 2014)
Three hundred and ten women were asked to participate in the study, 24 of whom refused, leading to a total of 286 mothers interviewed
A greater number of incorrect responses were found for items related to the benefit of breastfeeding to the child’s facial formation and the association between bottle feeding and dental caries (Table 1)
Summary
Health behaviors are formed in the early years of life (Nourijelani et al, 2014). mothers play an important role in the nuclear family regarding their health and the health of their children by passing on information and performing actions that can preserve the wellbeing and quality of life of their families (Moimaz et al, 2014). Health education directed at women and children can have a positive impact during pregnancy and the postpartum period, which is a time of physiological, emotional and social transition for both mothers and infants (Chen et al, 2014). It is important for mothers to acquire adequate knowledge and positive health behaviors in this period (Mora and Nestel, 2007; Pentapati et al, 2013). Infants who were breastfed are at lower risk of developing autoimmune diseases, contracting infectious diseases and acquiring noncommunicable diseases, such as obesity and chronic conditions (Verduci et al, 2014). The premature introduction of complementary foods can be harmful to the child due to the greater risk of excess weight, obesity and chronic conditions in subsequent stages of life (Castro et al, 2014). If complementary foods are introduced too late, the child’s growth and development can be compromised and there is an increased risk of malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies (UNICEF, 1998)
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