Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices and Their Association with Dental Caries in Children Aged 5–9 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Ecuador

María Saquicela-Pulla (), Mónica Dávila-Arcentales, Eleonor Vélez-León, Ana Armas-Vega and María Melo
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María Saquicela-Pulla: School of Dentistry, Hemisferios University, Quito 170527, Ecuador
Mónica Dávila-Arcentales: Comprehensive Oral Health Research Group (GIISO), Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Cuenca 170527, Ecuador
Eleonor Vélez-León: School of Dentistry, Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca 010107, Ecuador
Ana Armas-Vega: School of Dentistry, Hemisferios University, Quito 170527, Ecuador
María Melo: Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: Childhood dental caries remains a critical public health issue in rural areas, where caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) significantly influence oral health outcomes. This study assessed the association between parental KAP and the prevalence and severity of caries in children aged 5–9 years in Cayambe, Ecuador. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 229 schoolchildren and their caregivers, using a validated questionnaire and clinical examinations (ICDAS criteria). Caries severity was categorized as “obvious decay” (ICDAS 4–6) or “no obvious decay” (ICDAS 0–3). Results: Advanced dental caries affected 73.4% of children (ICDAS 4–6). While parental knowledge and attitudes showed no significant association, brushing teeth ≥2 times/day significantly reduced caries severity ( p < 0.05). Sociodemographic factors, such as parental education, were not significant predictors. Conclusion: Oral hygiene practices—particularly frequent toothbrushing—were the key protective factor against severe caries, highlighting the need for behavior-focused interventions promoting daily habits. Future research should evaluate long-term preventive strategies.

Keywords: dental caries; childhood oral health; caregiver practices; oral hygiene; Ecuador; ICDAS; cross-sectional study; health promotion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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