Psychosocial factors and oral health practices of preschool-aged children: a qualitative study with Hispanic mothers.

OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of Hispanic mother's parenting experiences and perceptions about select psychosocial factors. How psychosocial factors influence mothers' engagement in recommended oral health-related behaviors for their preschool-aged children (3-5 years) was explored. Psychosocial resources and barriers explored included maternal knowledge about children's oral health, beliefs such as perceived self-efficacy and health locus of control, and parenting experience and stress. DESIGN: Six focus groups and one individual interview with lower-income, Hispanic mothers of preschoolers (n = 36 total participants) were conducted in Spanish at a community health clinic on the California-Mexico border during summer 2010. A bilingual dentist led all sessions using a set of open-ended guiding questions. All sessions were audio-taped, translated and transcribed in English. Transcripts were coded and analyzed for common themes. RESULT(S): Six themes were identified around dental knowledge, the mothers' primary role in performing the child's oral hygiene among multiple caregiving priorities, parenting challenges, perceived self-efficacy, perceived future outlook for their child's oral health, and family influences. Mothers recognized the importance of caring for primary teeth. However, few were knowledgeable about preventive practices to promote young children's oral health, such as the recommended ages for brushing or first dental visit. Mothers that were more knowledgeable expressed feeling more efficacious about maintaining their child's oral hygiene. All mothers believed they were primarily responsible for their child's oral health, and most held positive future expectations for their child's oral health. CONCLUSION: These findings provide insight into how Hispanic mothers of young children perceive their role as caregiver. Maternal knowledge and perceptions affect their ability to care for their child's oral health and should be accounted for in future interventions.