Tracy L. Finlayson, BS¹, Kristine Siefert, PhD, MPH², Keri Frisch³, and Amid Ismail³. (1) School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 S. Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, 734-709-6742, tfinlays@umich.edu, (2) School of Social Work, NIMH Reseach Center on Poverty, Risk, and Mental Health, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, (3) School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, 1011 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078

Background: The Detroit Dental Health Project (DDHP; NIDCR grant U-54 DE 14261-01) collected survey and dental exam data from 1,022 lower-income African American families on their oral health practices, health and parenting beliefs, social and environmental health determinants, and dental outcomes (from self-reported perceptions and clinical evaluations) in a study of intra-group oral health disparities. Supplemental focus group data further investigated caregiver-identified barriers to taking care of their young (age 0-5) children’s teeth and caregivers’ feelings of efficacy (confidence in ability to clean children’s teeth despite barriers).

Objective: To measure the magnitude and strength of caregivers’ efficacy beliefs, identify barriers to cleaning children’s teeth, and examine the relationship between efficacy beliefs, toothbrushing patterns, and oral health status.

Methods: Descriptive and regression analyses of DDHP survey data were conducted to quantify the relationships between (overall and extreme) efficacy scores with children’s dental outcomes. Two focus group sessions were held to discuss barriers to cleaning children’s teeth and aspects of efficacy beliefs.

Results: Children’s toothbrushing at bedtime was significantly positively correlated with caregiver efficacy scores (r=0.12, p=0.0002). Extreme efficacy scores predicted regular toothbrushing at bedtime and oral health status perceptions among 4-5 year olds. Caregivers reported not being confident about cleaning children’s teeth when they were tired (11.7%) and too busy (11%). These top two barriers were also most frequently cited in the focus groups.

Conclusion: Caregivers’ efficacy beliefs appear to be an important predictor of some young children’s oral health outcomes and practices.

Learning Objectives:

• 1)Describe the prevalence and correlates of dental caries in early childhood
• 2)Describe current research findings linking caregiver self-efficacy beliefs and African American children's oral health
• 3)Discuss intervention strategies aimed at caregiver efficacy beliefs to reduce the public health burden of oral health disparities.

Keywords: Oral Health, Child Health Promotion

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.