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Literacia em saúde oral dos cuidadores de crianças com dentição decídua residentes em Portugal
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Introdução: A cárie dentária é uma doença com elevada prevalência na infância e uma das condições crónicas mais comuns a nível mundial. A literacia em saúde oral dos tutores legais aliada à prática adequada de hábitos de higiene oral é essencial para a saúde oral das crianças. Em Portugal, a escassez de dados epidemiológicos atualizados reforça a necessidade de estudos que explorem esta relação e apoiem estratégias de promoção de
saúde oral.
Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre o conhecimento em saúde oral dos dos tutores legais com a condição de saúde oral de crianças com dentição decídua de uma população residente em Portugal.
Metodologia: Estudo exploratório, observacional e transversal realizado em quatro instituições de ensino do concelho de Almada (duas públicas e duas privadas). A amostra incluiu 222 pares tutor-criança (6 meses–6 anos). Aplicaram-se questionários aos dos tutores legais para aferir o seu conhecimento e os hábitos de saúde oral das crianças.
Posteriormente foi realizada a observação clínica destas, com registo do índice cpod. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente com recurso aos testes Qui-Quadrado, Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis (α= 0,05).
Resultados: A média global do índice cpod foi 0,58 (±1,4), revelando baixa prevalência de cárie na população estudada. Verificaram-se diferenças significativas na relação com a idade da criança, escolaridade do tutor legal, alimentação e amamentação. Não se observaram associações significativas entre cpod e os hábitos de escovagem (frequência, autonomia na realização da escovagem, uso de dentífrico fluoretado e concentração de flúor).
Conclusão: Os resultados confirmam que a literacia parental influencia a saúde oral infantil e é determinante na prevenção da cárie dentária. Reforçar programas de educação em saúde oral dirigidos a dos tutores legais e atualizar os dados epidemiológicos nacionais, em conformidade com as recomendações da OMS, é essencial para criar e sustentar políticas públicas eficazes.
Introduction: Dental caries is among the most prevalent chronic conditions in childhood worldwide. Caregivers’ oral health literacy, combined with appropriate hygiene practices, is crucial for children’s oral health. In Portugal, the lack of updated epidemiological data highlights the need for studies exploring this relationship to support health promotion strategies. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between caregiver’s oral health knowledge and the oral health status of children with deciduous dentition living in Portugal. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional, and exploratory study was conducted in four educational institutions in Almada (two public and two private). The sample comprised 222 caregiver–child pairs (6 months–6 years).assessed caregiver’s oral health knowledge and habits. Clinical observation of the children was performed, and the dmft index was recorded. Statistical analysis included Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests α=0,05. Results: The mean dmft index was 0,58 (±1,4), indicating a low prevalence of caries. Significant differences were associated with child’s age, caregiver’s education, type of school, diet, and breastfeeding. Breastfed children presented lower dmft values than those never breastfed. No significant associations were found between dmft and toothbrushing habits, including frequency, timing, use of fluoridated toothpaste, and fluoride concentration. Conclusion: Findings confirm that parental oral health literacy influences children’s oral health and is a key factor in preventing dental caries. Although brushing habits did not show a significant association, literacy remains decisive, particularly through education level and dietary choices. Strengthening oral health education programs directed at caregivers and updating national epidemiological data, in line with WHO recommendations, are essential to support effective public health policies.
Introduction: Dental caries is among the most prevalent chronic conditions in childhood worldwide. Caregivers’ oral health literacy, combined with appropriate hygiene practices, is crucial for children’s oral health. In Portugal, the lack of updated epidemiological data highlights the need for studies exploring this relationship to support health promotion strategies. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between caregiver’s oral health knowledge and the oral health status of children with deciduous dentition living in Portugal. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional, and exploratory study was conducted in four educational institutions in Almada (two public and two private). The sample comprised 222 caregiver–child pairs (6 months–6 years).assessed caregiver’s oral health knowledge and habits. Clinical observation of the children was performed, and the dmft index was recorded. Statistical analysis included Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests α=0,05. Results: The mean dmft index was 0,58 (±1,4), indicating a low prevalence of caries. Significant differences were associated with child’s age, caregiver’s education, type of school, diet, and breastfeeding. Breastfed children presented lower dmft values than those never breastfed. No significant associations were found between dmft and toothbrushing habits, including frequency, timing, use of fluoridated toothpaste, and fluoride concentration. Conclusion: Findings confirm that parental oral health literacy influences children’s oral health and is a key factor in preventing dental caries. Although brushing habits did not show a significant association, literacy remains decisive, particularly through education level and dietary choices. Strengthening oral health education programs directed at caregivers and updating national epidemiological data, in line with WHO recommendations, are essential to support effective public health policies.
Descrição
Dissertação para obtenção do grau de Mestre no Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz
Palavras-chave
Saúde oral infantil Nutrição Cárie Odontopediatria