Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Parents Regarding Prevention of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in Brunei Darussalam: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Dental caries is widespread health alignment that effects the overall health and general well-being of both adult and children. Dental caries can be classified into many types based on aetiology, progression, anatomical site, extend, path of spread and involvement of surfaces. This study provides insight parents understanding regarding ECC as well as revealing any misconceptions concerning the disease.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of Bruneian parents regarding the information and prevention of early childhood caries (ECC)

Methods and Materials: The study was carried out as a cross-sectional survey targeted towards parents whose children are in Pre-school, primary 1 and Primary 2. Online surveys were used in place of hardcopy surveys due to the ongoing pandemic. The validated questionnaire used in this study was developed and used in a similar study in Malaysia. Statistical analysis was conducted using R-software version 3.6. 2

Results: 226 parents participated in the survey, the majority of which are mothers with 175 responses and 51 responses from fathers. Some questions were associated with education level. No association were seen in the results regards to the number of children or working status.

Conclusion: Parents showed good knowledge in certain areas of ECC prevention. However, good knowledge is not necessarily translated to better attitude or practices. Intervention should be given especially in areas of misconceptions especially those involving primary teeth as well as feeding/ dietary habits.