Effect of Education on Parents\' Behavioral Intention Regarding the Prevention of Dental Caries on the First Permanent Molars in Preschool Children

Abstract

Introduction and purpose:The first permanent posterior molars begin to grow at the age of six, and the prevention of dental caries on these teeth assumes critical importance in oral health.‎ The present study aimed to assess the effect of ‎distance education on parentschr('39') behavioral intention regarding the prevention of dental caries on the first permanent molars in preschool children in Sanandaj. Methods: This experimental-interventional study was performed in Sanandaj in 2019. ‎According to statistical calculations, 120 parents of preschool children were selected via cluster-random sampling and assigned to two groups of intervention (n=60) and control (n=60). The data collection tool ‎was a researcher-made questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability‎. The intervention group received distance education. Data were analyzed in ‎SPSS software ( version 20) using chi-square and independent t-tests.‎ Results: Based on the results, no significant difference was observed between demographic variables ‎and constructs before the intervention (P>0.05).Nonetheless, following the educational intervention, a ‎significant difference was observed in the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, abstract norms, ‎perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention‎ (P<0.05).‎ Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, the implementation of distance educational intervention was effective in increasing ‎parentschr('39') behavioral intention regarding the prevention of dental caries on the first permanent molars in preschool children.

Keywords

• behavioral intention
• oral health
• parent education
• permanent teeth
• preschool children