Parental Knowledge and Attitude About the Emergency Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries and the Predictive Factors Affecting their Knowledge - A Cross Sectional Study in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background:Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are common dental problems among children worldwide. Some of these injuries occur at home, where parents are considered responsible for reporting them and taking the first action, which directly can influence the prognosis. The present study aims to quantify the level of parents’ knowledge and attitude towards emergency management of TDI and to predict the factors that affect their level of knowledge. Subject and Methods: 269 questionnaires were completed by parents who live in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was divided into three parts, including questions on demographic data, knowledge, and attitude about emergency management, and self-assessed knowledge and attitude toward further education on TDI emergency management. Results: The average knowledge score was 2 out of 9 (SD±1.9). More than 78% of the participants were enthusiastic about further free education and believed that they don’t have enough knowledge about TDI. A significant positive association has been predicted, using a multivariable Poisson model, between the parental knowledge score and their willingness to attend free lessons, having a previous idea about TDI, higher educational background, confidence, and higher socioeconomic class (SEC). However, the history of a previous TDI was predicted to have a significant negative influence on the knowledge score (p values <0.05). Conclusion: Parents of children in Makkah city show a weak level of knowledge about TDI emergency management. A concerning attitude was shown as parents tend to proceed to manage TDIs against the recommended managements rather than seeking professional advice. A specific dental educational program targeting parents is essential.