Mother^s Knowledge of Caries Risk Factors in Children With Stunting and Malnutrition
Rr. Asyurati Asia, Tiarma Talenta Theresia, Sri Lestari, Tri Erri Astoeti

Dental Public Health and Preventive Dentistry Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Trisakti

Abstract

Background: Parents^ knowledge of the health of toddlers, especially mothers^, is essential in sustaining the good growth of toddlers. The mother^s knowledge of toddlers^ nutritional factors and oral health is vital during pregnancy and after birth. Insufficient maternal knowledge can hurt the child^s health, causing disruptive growth such as stunting and malnutrition. Objective: This research aims to determine the mothers^ knowledge of caries risk factors in children with stunting and malnutrition. Method: This observational cross-sectional research was carried out by distributing a questionnaire of 17 questions to 125 mothers at Posyandu Hunduhon, Puskesmas Luwuk Timur. Respondents provided informed consent and filled out the questionnaires on paper. Based on their responses, the respondents^s knowledge was categorized as either good or poor. Results: The results show that 54% of mothers have good knowledge, while 46% have inadequate knowledge. Conclusion: The mother^s knowledge at the Posyandu Hunduhon Puskesmas Luwuk Timur was almost balanced between good and poor knowledge.

Keywords: dental caries, knowledge malnutrition, stunting

Topic: Epidemiology