Oral Health Considerations of Children: Grandparent Caregiver Perceptions, Behaviors, and Knowledge
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Oral Health Considerations of Children: Grandparent Caregiver Perceptions, Behaviors, and Knowledge Sarah E. Williams1 · Lori Rainchuso2 · Linda D. Boyd1 · Jared Vineyard1 Accepted: 7 November 2020 © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Introduction In the United States, approximately 2.7 million grandparents have permanent custody of their grandchildren. Prevalence of primary dental caries has remained steady for those living in poverty, and among children of color. Children in the care of their grandparents frequently live in socioeconomically disadvantaged households, where dental disparities continue to exist. Research regarding the grandfamily dynamic as it relates to oral health, is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate oral health perceptions, behaviors, and knowledge of grandparents raising/caring for their grandchildren; and explore how a grandparent caregiver’s oral health knowledge influences their perceptions/behaviors regarding their grandchild’s oral health. Methods This descriptive, cross-sectional survey research used non-probability sampling strategies to recruit grandparents who were the primary caregiver of their grandchildren, aged birth to eighteen years. A validated questionnaire was employed, both in-person and electronically. Results A total of 75 grandparents participated and answered 52% (SD = 27%) of oral health knowledge questions correctly. The study showed a correlation between low-income grandparents (M = 3.94, SD = 1.02) having higher pediatric oral health knowledge. Additionally, results indicated the greater the knowledge, the more positive intent to assist grandchildren with routine brushing and in checking their teeth for cavities. Conclusions This study demonstrated that regardless of socioeconomic status, grandparent caregiver’s oral health knowledge can positively affect their oral health-related behaviors and values, which could influence their grandchildren’s’ oral health. Further research regarding grandparent caregiver utilization of public health pediatric services and dental education programs, and the potential influence of these programs on pediatric oral health, should be explored. Keywords Children · Grandparent caregiver · Oral health
Significance Statement In the United States (U.S.), approximately 2.7 million grandparents have permanent custody of their grandchildren. These children often live in socioeconomically disadvantaged households, where dental disparities continue to exist. Limited research has been conducted to examine grandparents’ perceptions, behaviors, and knowledge of pediatric oral health. This is the first known study within the U.S. * Lori Rainchuso [email protected] 1
Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, MCPHS University, Boston, USA
School of Healthcare Business, MCPHS University, 19 Foster Street, Worcester, MA 01608, USA
2
to contribute to the overall body of knowledge regarding this relevant topic. This study highlighted how knowledge affects behavior and values. T
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