Sociodemographic Factors and Oral Health Knowledge and Practices of Parents of Primary School Students

Abstract

Background: Enhancing parental education on oral health can lead to better hygiene practices and a decreased incidence of dental issues in children.

Objective: To evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors of parents with their oral health knowledge and practices.

Methods: The cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Tarhuna, Libya's central area from September 2023 to March 2024. Data (sociodemographic traits, dental health awareness, and attitudes toward oral health) were collected from 380 parents of primary school students using a structured questionnaire. SPSS v.26 was used for data analysis.

Results: Most respondents were aged 29–40 years (43.4%), followed by 18–28 years (35.5%). A smaller proportion were aged 41–55 years (17.6%), and only 3.4% were above 55 years old. Male respondents made up 71.6% of the sample, while female respondents constituted 28.4%. Majority of respondents (32.9%) reported monthly incomes between 500 and 1000 Libyan dinars, with 1500–3000 dinars being the second most common range (31.6%). Awareness generally increased with age, with higher proportions in the "high awareness" category among the 29–40 and 41–55 groups. The parents had different views and substantial knowledge gaps on dental health, which were influenced by variables including income and educational attainment.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of culturally appropriate health communication strategies and educational programs that cater to the particular needs of the Libyan population.