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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Marc Orel Etienne, DDS, MPH1, Sheri Strasser, MSW, MPH2, Lucy Annang, MPH1, and Jessica Legge, MPH1. (1) School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ryals Building 320, Birmingham, AL 35294, (2) School of Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 105 Woodland Village, Birmingham, AL 35216, (205) 870-7536, metienne@uab.edu
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between caregivers’ dental practices and perceptions of care, as compared with prevalence rates of early childhood caries (ECC) among their children. The conceptual framework of the study was based on the Health Belief Model and a survey design was used. The study sample included 493 women enrolled in the Women Infant and Children’s program (WIC) within 5 Alabama counties. Questionnaire items soliciting caregiver’s current dental behaviors, perceptions, and previous experiences, as well as a composite of items regarding a child’s dental history, were analyzed using the Chi-square statistic to evaluate the research question. Statistically significant results indicated that greater perceived susceptibility was linked to decreased prevalence of ECC (p-value=0.000). The study findings provide support for the conceptual model. Recommendations for interventions addressing the problem of ECC in Alabama are made within the context of the Social Ecological Model, emphasizing comprehensive prevention measures. At session’s end, learners will be able to recognize behavioral risk factors of ECC, as well as how to assess caregiver perceptions relating with children’s dental experiences. With this information, attendees will be able to develop intervention approaches that address early childhood dental behavior on a spectrum of influential levels. The learner will be able to describe the cost-effectiveness afforded by improved ECC public health education partnerships—recognizing that the gap between clinical advances and behavioral strategies to minimize disease events can be lessened.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Public Health Education, Child Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.