Developing an Instrument to Measure Maternal Knowledge and Attitude of Oral Health on Children Under 3 Years

Abstract

Objective Parental knowledge, belief, and attitude about oral health affect children’s dental cleaning behavior. Further research on maternal knowledge and attitude about early-age children’s oral health has been suggested to identify factors related to pediatric dental and oral health. For that purpose, a measurement instrument is needed. The research aimed to develop an instrument to measure maternal knowledge and attitude about under 3-year-old children’s oral health. Materials and Methods Using a validity-based approach, we held a series of basic consultation (workshops and interviews) to identify the conceptually different domains. Instrument items were derived from relevant theories. Cognitive interviews were conducted to ensure that the items were properly understood. The items were first tested among the population calibration samples (n = 150). All instrument items were analyzed for reliability and validity. Results In total, 15 items were derived from Bloom’s theory of learning and were developed for the knowledge instrument, while 10 others were developed for the attitude instrument. The reliability analysis yielded Cronbach’s α scores of 0.620 for the knowledge instrument and 0.565 for the attitude instrument. All items were considered valid based on Pearson’s correlation test results. Conclusion The instruments on maternal knowledge and attitude about under 3-year-old children’s oral health consisted of three dimensions, respectively. Both instruments have been tested and analyzed and therefore are applicable for use.

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