The relationship of mothers' coping strategies and health behavior with oral health care for children

Abstract

ObjectivesIn the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, coping strategies and presence of social support influence health behavior. This study aimed to reveal relationships between mothers' coping styles, self-health behavior, children's oral health care, and social support from dental professionals. MethodsA total of 313 mothers participated in this study from all elementary schools in 2 cities in Japan. We classified participants into high and low groups with reference to self-health behavior and oral health care. To examine the associations of mother's coping styles, health behavior, and the presence of social support, logistic regression analysis was conducted. ResultsThere were significant differences in mother's coping styles associated with self-health behavior, oral health care, and presence of social support. In logistic regression analysis, the good self-health behavior group was more likely to use coping strategies of obtaining information and positive interpretation, to have fewer children, and less frequent use of avoidance-like thinking. The good oral health care group had a higher probability of obtaining information and using problem focused coping, and a lower probability of evading one's responsibility. Those who consulted dental offices used more positive interpretation, while mothers who did not consult dental offices used evading one's responsibility more frequently. ConclusionsMother's coping styles had different associations with self-health behavior and children's oral health care. We may be able to use behavioral modification strategies effectively according to whether a mother consults with dental professionals. Future intervention studies based on this research are expected.