Avaliação do Conhecimento de Pais e/ou Cuidadores Acerca da Saúde Bucal de Seus Filhos: Estudo Transversal

Mara Augusta Cardoso Barreto; Victor Cavallaro Bottesini; Ikaro Daniel de Carvalho Barreto; Danilo Antonio Duarte

doi:10.36489/saudecoletiva.2025v16i102p17840-17863

Authors

Mara Augusta Cardoso Barreto Doutoranda em clínica odontológica. Departamento de Odontopediatria. Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic. Campinas; São Paulo; Brasil. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0978-9536
Victor Cavallaro Bottesini Doutorando em dentística. Departamento de Odontologia Restauradora. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). São José dos Campos; São Paulo; Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9904-9001
Ikaro Daniel de Carvalho Barreto Doutor em Biometria e Estatística Aplicada. Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisa em Avaliação e Seleção de Promoção de Eventos (CEBRASPE). Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. Recife; Pernambuco; Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7253-806X
Danilo Antonio Duarte Doutor. Departamento de Odontopediatria. Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic. Campinas; São Paulo; Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2291-5434

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36489/saudecoletiva.2025v16i102p17840-17863

Keywords:

Oral Health, Caregivers, Knowledge, Child

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate and discuss the level of knowledge of parents and/or caregivers regarding their children’s oral health. Method: This is a cross-sectional study assessing a population of 250 parents of children aged zero to three years, enrolled in public and private schools in the city of Aracaju, SE, Brazil. The CAP instrument, consisting of a structured and validated questionnaire, was applied to all parents. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of São Leopoldo Mandic School of Dentistry. Statistical analyses were conducted using a variety of statistical methods, including descriptive measures and hypothesis tests. Results: The results showed significant differences in the dimensions of knowledge, attitudes, and practices between parents and/or caregivers whose children attend public versus private schools, with higher scores observed among those using private services. Conclusion: Parents and/or caregivers whose children attend private schools possess greater knowledge regarding their children’s oral health. Furthermore, it is relevant to infer that the instrument used in this methodology proved to be a viable tool for public health managers to implement public policies aimed at children aged zero to three years.

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