Oral health knowledge, behaviors and parental practices among rural–urban migrant children in Guangzhou: a follow-up study

Abstract

Abstract Background Despite the growing number of rural–urban migrant children in China, follow-up observation on the oral health of migrant children is still scarce. This study described the changes of oral health knowledge, behaviors and parental practices in migrant children over a period of one year. Possible factors affecting changes were also investigated. Methods The study used purposive sampling to select five private schools of migrant children in Guangzhou. A total of 1900 students in Grades 3 and 4 were recruited. A self-administered questionnaire was used in November 2011 to understand their basic situations, including oral health knowledge, behaviors and parental practices. A final survey was conducted in April 2013 to detect any changes. Results The mean accuracy of oral health knowledge was 53.17% and 59.42% in 2011 and 2013, respectively (p 0.05) were observed. Conclusion Oral health knowledge, behaviors and parental practices among migrant children significantly improved at the follow-up assessment. However, the overall situation was still poor. Positive and effective health education and prevention programs tailored to rural–urban migrant children with varying levels of oral health knowledge, behaviors and parental practices will be needed.

Keywords

• Migrant children
• Oral health
• Knowledge
• Behaviors
• Parental practices