Parents, children, and pacifiers in Portugal: use, beliefs, and evidence, a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of pacifier use in Portugal and its association with otitis media infections, speech sound disorders, dental problems, gastroenteritis, and breastfeeding difficulties and analyze parents’ knowledge and beliefs regarding pacifier use. Methods: Observational study using an online questionnaire destined to all parents’ resident in Portugal, enquiring parents’ perceptions regarding pacifier use and child health problems and language development. Results: Pacifier use was positively associated with increased risk of middle ear infections and sleep problems but not language development problems, gastroenteritis episodes, dental problems, or breastfeeding difficulties. Conclusion: This study outlines the importance of informing parents about the pros and cons of pacifier use supporting individualized and informed decision.

Keywords

• Children. Parents. Pacifier. Portugal.