Contra Caries: Acceptability of a theory-based, promotora-led educational program to prevent Early Childhood Caries among rural Latino children

Backgound: Latino children, particularly those in rural areas, have a disproportionately high burden of Early Childhood Caries. There is a shortage of culturally appropriate, theory-based interventions targeted towards Latino parents to improve children's oral health. This presentation describes the development of such an intervention. Methods: Twelve focus groups were conducted in Spanish during intervention development to determine acceptability of the educational curriculum. Guided by Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, data from existing research, and a childcare workers' oral health curriculum, a 4-session promotora led oral health education program was devised for low literate, low income Latino parents of children aged 1- 5 years in the rural town of Salinas, CA. Results: Presentation of four topics (cavity causes, oral hygiene, nutrition and snacking, and dental visits) by knowledgeable promotoras who had experience raising children, in weekly 2-hour sessions was acceptable. One key message was not embraced - stopping bottle use at age 1 year was rejected as participants felt that children that age are too young to understand why they can't have the bottle anymore. More detailed information about what happens in a dental office—about treatment especially (eg, what is a filling or a crown, what is involved with anesthesia, etc.) – was particularly requested. Conclusion: The proposed educational activities were generally acceptable but some things needed to be adjusted in response to parental feedback. More discussion was added to the curriculum surrounding weaning from the bottle, with the inclusion of intermediary behavioral goals, and what to expect at the dental office.