Oral health literacy in mothers of children with microcephaly

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and literacy in oral health of mothers of children with microcephaly. Methods: It was used a sample consisting of 74 mothers of children with microcephaly, under multiprofessional monitoring at the rehabilitation center for special patients at the Microcephaly Clinic of CEIR. A validated questionnaire was used to assess the mothers’ degree of knowledge about oral health and the BREALD-30 to assess the level of oral health literacy. Results: It was observed that most mothers (63.5%) studied between 8 and 11 years old. In most interviewees, family income was 1 minimum wage. There was a significant difference in the association between the level of literacy in oral health and family income (p <0.05) with a high level of literacy in oral health of mothers who had a monthly family income greater than 01 salary. Therefore, the low prevalence and severity of caries did not have a negative impact on health-related quality of life. Conclusions: The previous knowledge of literacy in the studied population contributes to a better communication between the professional and the family nucleus. As well as guides health promotion actions directed to children with microcephaly.

Keywords

• child
• health literacy
• microcephaly
• oral health