METHODS: Online focus group discussions were conducted among Malaysian parents to gather information about the content, layout and presentation of oral health information parents sought for the provision of oral health care for their children. Video recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was performed using an inductive approach.
RESULTS: In total, 24 parents participated in the discussions and 4 main themes were uncovered. The first theme was perceived information needs related to dental caries, oral health care and the importance of deciduous teeth. The second theme was parents' preferred information resources which were social media, dentists, mobile phone applications and medical personnel. Thirdly, information delivery format and specific characteristics were recommended. The final theme was challenges and barriers faced in maintaining oral health due to parental constraints, child behaviour and external factors.
CONCLUSION: Parents' profound feedback and experiential standpoint stipulate the need for the development and delivery of a comprehensible and visually engaging oral health education module by healthcare professionals via social media to enable access to evidence-based information consistently.
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.