Oral Health Awareness and Practices of Special Needs Caregivers in Qatif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Adequate oral health awareness and practices of special needs caregivers play a pivotal role in maintaining the optimal oral health of their dependents. Objectives: The current study aimed at assessing the level of oral health awareness and practices of special needs caregivers in Qatif, the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: The current cross-sectional descriptive study collected information by a self-administered questionnaire about awareness and practices of oral health in caregivers. The questionnaire consisted of four parts covering the caregiver demographic information, the awareness of oral health habits and conditions, awareness of dental visits and treatments, and knowledge and sources of information. Statistical analyses included descriptive and bivariate analysis using the Chi-square test, where P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: There was an overall response rate of 27% (n = 186 out of 700). The majority (64.5%, n = 120) of the caregivers were female, 70.4% (n = 121) were educated up to a minimum of high school level. Up to 81.2% (n = 151) of the caregivers reported that dependents routinely brushed their teeth. Also, 84.9% (n = 158) of the caregivers knew about fluoride, and 77.8% (n = 123) understood that it helps prevent tooth decay. About three-quarters of the caregivers (n = 142) had taken their dependents to the dentist; 35.9% (n = 51) reported dental visits within the last six months. The most predominant information resources were dentists (54.6%, n = 83), TV and media (47.4%, n = 72), and the Internet (46.1%, n = 70). Caregivers' level of education was the only factor that had a significant relationship with oral health awareness (P = 0.018). Conclusion: The majority of the caregivers have a good awareness of proper oral health practices. Given the significant influence of the educational level of caregivers in oral health awareness, it is essential to ensure that they have any relevant education to improve their dependents’ oral health.