Evaluation of the Relationship between Parents\' Quality of Life and Early Childhood Caries

Abstract

Background: Early childhood caries is a disease that affects the quality of life of a child and his overall health; it can interfere with the child's daily activities and growth process. This disease is affected by various factors such as diet, oral hygiene, social health factors and psychological issues. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between early childhood caries in children and the parents’ quality of life. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 552 children aged 12 to 71 months in Ardabil city. The convenient sampling method was used and participants were patients who referred to Ardabil Dental Health Center. Dmft index (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) was assessed after examining the children. The World Health Organization questionnaire was used to evaluate the quality of life of the parents. The demographic information of children and parents was also determined. Statistical analysis included, kruskal-wallis, t-test and linear regression. Results: The average score of the quality-of-life questionnaire was 66.42±17.91. No significant correlation was found between the mean quality of life of parents and dmft index. (p=0.916, r=0.008) A significant difference was observed between the child's dental caries and the father's age and education. (p<0.05) There was no significant difference in the mean dmft index, 5.32±0.5 in boys and 5.85±4.7 in girls. (p=0.459) Conclusion: This study showed that the general quality of life of parents and its sub-branches such as the place where the child lives, the social and physical health of the parents are not directly related to early dental caries in children.

Keywords

• child
• quality of life
• dental caries
• oral health