School-based comprehensive oral health services in north vallejo: Assessing oral health behaviors, beliefs and attitudes through a caregiver perspective

Background: Children of lower socioeconomic status have higher prevalence of untreated dental caries than the general population. Studies show School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) are effective at addressing health care access disparities and increasing the use of health services and satisfaction. The School-Based Comprehensive Oral Health Services Project at Elsa Widenmann Elementary School in Vallejo, CA serves low-income families with children aged 0 to 18 lacking access to quality oral health services.

Objective: This study examines the link between primary caregiver reporting of their child(ren)'s brushing behaviors and their own reported brushing behaviors. Additionally, we examine the effects of external social influences on caregivers' behaviors and socioeconomic influences on self-reported brushing frequencies.

Methods: The cross-sectional study data are from 326 surveys distributed to caregivers of children aged 0 to 18 at the SBHC. The previously validated survey instrument: Parenting, Social Determinants, Health Services, Quality of Life, and Outcomes Questionnaire is intended to collect data regarding behaviors, beliefs and attitudes regarding oral health.

Results: The median report for brushing frequency was 14 times per week for both caregiver and index child. A preliminary regression analysis shows a positive correlation between reported brushing behaviors of caregivers and children (R² = 0.3398, CI=95%, p=0.012). Preliminary analysis shows no correlation between external influences on brushing behaviors or socioeconomics and reported caregiver or child brushing.

Conclusion: A strong correlation between reported behaviors for caregivers and children provides data for the importance of instilling proper oral health behaviors, attitudes and knowledge in both caregivers and children.