Logo image
A Qualitative Pilot Study to Investigate Caregiver Attitudes on Healthy Lifestyle Discussions During Dental Visits for Children Younger Than Six Years
Journal article   Peer reviewed

A Qualitative Pilot Study to Investigate Caregiver Attitudes on Healthy Lifestyle Discussions During Dental Visits for Children Younger Than Six Years

Micah Bovenkamp, Teresa O'Sullivan, Michelle Averill, Amy Kim, Estela Gomez Licea, Anna Mowell and Donald Chi
Pediatric dentistry, Vol.43(4), pp.301-306
07/15/2021
PMID: 34467848

View Online

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative pilot study was to investigate caregivers' attitudes about healthy lifestyles and weight-related discussions during dental visits. Methods: Twenty-one caregivers of children younger than six years old at two community dental clinics in Washington State-a rural community clinic serving children of seasonal farmworkers and an urban clinic primarily serving children with special health care needs-were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Interview data were analyzed inductively via thematic content analysis. Results: Three themes emerged from the data: (1) supporting conversations about healthy lifestyles in the dental office; (2) crafting the conversation and identifying next steps; and (3) ensuring that the dentist is perceived as a caregiver ally. Caregivers were supportive of healthy lifestyle conversations with dentists. Concerns about weight-specific discussions were expressed. Conclusion: Caregivers' attitudes indicated support for conversations on healthy lifestyles. A future workaround incorporating healthy lifestyle discussion into pediatric dental visits is warranted.
Obesity Oral Health Pediatric Dentistry

Details

Metrics

Logo image