Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice of Tabriz pediatricians regarding the children's oral health in 2009

Abstract

Oral health is one of necessary components for healthy life. Children are at risk for many oral and face disorders that could have negative effect on their quality of life. Having appropriate knowledge and practice in related (with children) medical group is important for preventing of dental problems. Pediatricians can play a major role in improving knowledge of the causes and prevention of common oral diseases because of their frequent contact with families in early years of children life. The aim of present study was evaluating of knowledge, attitude and practice of pediatricians regarding the childrenEs oral health. Methods: In a cross-sectional and descriptive study that performed in Tabriz city, with evaluation of 115 pediatricians about their knowledge, practice and attitude by using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Totally 93 of 115 pediatricians were filled study questionnaire, 58 (39%) of them were male and 57 (62%) were female. Mean age of pediatricians was 38.85 7.85 years. Mean and standard deviation of graduation time up to now (year), history of working in pediatric fields and number of visited patient in a day were 7.52, 6.53 and 7.04; 6.73, 6.34 and 12.19 respectively. The mean of knowledge scores 6.25 1.1, attitude scores 9.72 1.58 and practice scores were 10.26 2.69. There was a Significant difference between sex of pediatricians and mean of knowledge scores (p=0.018). There were significant core correlation between knowledge and practice scores (p=0.001) and between attitude scores and practice scores (p=0.026). Conclusion: In the present study we showed that knowledge, attitude and practice of pediatricians about childrenEs oral health were slightly good, but their answers in some of questions for example the effect of type of feeding and age of beginning of breathing inappropriate. Regarding to importance of these subjects to prevent of oral disease in children, awareness of pediatrician is a need.