Oral care practices of caregivers for children aged 2–5 years at Kajjansi Health Center IV, Wakiso District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70572/agp.v3i7.128Keywords:
Oral care practices, children aged 2–5 years, supervised brushing, dental visitsAbstract
Background:
The study aimed to examine the oral care practices of caregivers for children aged 2–5 years at Kajjansi Health Center IV, Wakiso District.
Methodology:
This study used a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative design to assess caregivers’ oral care practices for children aged 2–5 years at Kajjansi Health Center IV in Wakiso District. A sample of 96 caregivers was determined using the Kish and Leslie formula and selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires translated into Luganda and pretested at Seguku Health Center III. Responses were coded and analyzed using SPSS to generate frequencies and percentages. Ethical approval was obtained, informed consent was secured from participants, and confidentiality was maintained.
Results:
A total of 96 caregivers participated in the study. Most respondents were aged 20–30 years (43.8%), followed by 31–40 years (31.3%), while 16.6% were aged 41 years or above, and 8.3% were below 20 years. Nearly half had secondary education (45.8%), while 25.0% had tertiary education, 22.9% had primary education, and 6.3% had no formal education. Regarding employment, 37.5% were unemployed, 31.3% were self-employed, 29.2% were employed, and 2.1% were retired. Concerning oral care practices, only 35.4% always supervised children’s tooth brushing, 41.7% sometimes supervised, and 22.9% never supervised. Daily sugary snack intake was reported by 33.3%, while 45.8% reported occasional intake. Fluoridated toothpaste was used by 56.3%, and 62.5% reported brushing with toothpaste. However, only 12.5% attended routine six-month dental visits, while 39.6% sought dental care only when pain occurred. Additionally, 41.7% brushed twice daily, while 8.3% did not brush their teeth.
Conclusion:
Caregivers’ oral hygiene practices were moderate, with only half showing good habits.
Recommendation:
Health workers and community teams should conduct regular demonstrations and counselling sessions to guide caregivers on proper oral hygiene practices for young children.
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