Evaluating the relationship between fathers’ oral health literacy with children’s oral health: a cross-sectional study

fatherschr (chr(chr('39')39chr('39'))39chr(chr('39')39chr('39'))) low health literacy is one of the factors contributing to childrenchr (chr(chr('39')39chr('39'))39chr(chr('39')39chr('39')))s poorer oral health. The aim of this work is to evaluate the relationship between father’s oral health literacy and the children’s oral health in a sample of children with epilepsy.

The present research is a descriptive-analytical study carried out during 2017 in Ahvaz, Iran. One hundred pairs of 3-6 aged children with epilepsy and their fathers who referred to a specialized neurologic clinic were included to the study. Children’s oral conditions were evaluated by a dentist based on dmft and simplified oral hygiene (OHI-S) indices.  A valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire on oral health literacy was filled out by children’s fathers. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation tests using SPSS version 15

The mean OHI-S and dmft index were 2.75±0.95 and 3.51±1.97 respectively. Besides, the mean number of decayed, extracted and filled teeth of children was obtained to be 2.86±1.65, 0.31±0.48 and 0.19±0.41 respectively. Significant differences were observed between father’s oral health literacy and oral health condition of children; dmft value and OHI-S index, (p<0.005). Pearson correlations showed a weak relationship between the comprehension dimension of OHL and dmft and, a moderate relationship between performance dimension of OHL and dmft (p<0.001).

The study showed a significant relationship of father’s oral health literacy with dmft value and OHI-S score. Therefore, the results highlighted the importance of a family-centered approach to oral health promotion of children with epilepsy and their careers.