The effect of Training of Preventing Methods of Early Childhood Caries on Awareness, Attitude and Performance of Pregnant Mothers

Background & aim: Tooth caries is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease, and its prevention is very important. Furthermore, early and successful training of mothers regarding oral health and early childhood caries can have a great effect on raising their awareness, attitude and performance and stabilize the healthy behaviors of their children in the future. The aim of the present study was to determinee the effect of training of preventing methods of early childhood caries on awareness, attitude and performance of pregnant mothers. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with before-after design. The statistical population included pregnant mothers with gestational age of 12-27 weeks who referred to Yazd health centers in 2017. Among them, 116 pregnant mothers were selected by cluster and random sampling. At the beginning of the study, a form of demographic characteristics and questionnaires of awareness, attitude and performance were completed by all subjects. Then, two one-hour training sessions about prevention of early childhood caries were held. One month after intervention, the subjects were re-evaluated by the same questionnaires. Data analysis was carried out using ANOVA analysis of variance and paired t-test and independent t-test. Results: The mean scores of awareness, attitude and performance of mothers before training were 0.99 (out of 9), 20.71 (out of 28) and 6.29 (out of 24), respectively. After training, all three parameters increased significantly (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated the positive effects of training program on enhancing awareness, attitude and short-term performance of pregnant mothers in preventing early childhood caries. Therefore, it is recommended that coherent training programs to be developed for pregnant mothers regarding oral and dental health of children.