Patterns of Parental Information Seeking Behavior on Early Childhood Caries: A Qualitative Exploration

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the information-seeking behavior patterns of parents with children receiving treatment for early childhood caries (ECC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 parents of children with ECC. A topic guide was developed, focusing on questions relating to (i) the timing of their seeking information on ECC, (ii) the types of EEC information they seek, and (iii) the resources used to seek information. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed, whereby the data were coded and categorized into themes and subthemes.

RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: the immediacy of seeking information, perceived information need, use of resources, and barriers to seeking information. Parents either sought information immediately after detecting changes to the appearance of their child's teeth, with some being aware of the changes after signs and symptoms developed. The types of information parents usually sought covered the disease, its prevention, and management. Common sources of information were friends, family, the internet, and healthcare professionals. Barriers to seeking information discussed by parents were lack of time as well as insufficiency and inaccuracy of the information they received.

CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the need for comprehensive, tailored early education on ECC for parents using reliable information sources. There is also a need to empower other nondental healthcare professionals to provide oral healthcare education for parents.