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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research

Understanding parental perspectives on young children’s oral health (≤ 4 years) growing up in a disadvantaged neighbourhood of Amsterdam, the Netherlands: an exploratory study

Authors: Awani Balasooriyan, Monique H. van der Veen, Clarissa Calil Bonifácio, Christine Dedding

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Families’ understanding towards oral health problems among young children is poorly studied. More insight into parents’ experiences, especially of those living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, is needed to address persistent oral health inequalities. This qualitative study aims to explore parental perspectives on children’s oral health (≤ 4 years) and the opportunities they see to improve children’s oral health.

Methods

Forty-seven mothers and five fathers with different migration backgrounds from a disadvantaged neighbourhood in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, participated in our study. Semi-structured interviews (n = 27), participant observations (n = 7) and one focus group discussion were conducted. A thematic data analysis was used.

Results

Parents describe their daily life with young children as busy, hectic and unpredictable. Parents seem to be most concerned about parenting. Mothers, in particular, feel fully responsible for raising their children and managing daily complexities. While most parents value their children’s oral health, they all experience challenges. Parents find it hard to limit daily candy intake and to handle unwilling children during tooth brushing. They feel limited support for these issues from their household, social network and professionals.

Conclusion

Parental struggles in children’s oral health are complex and interrelated as they occur across family, societal, community and professional levels. Given the complex daily reality of families with young children, establishing and maintaining healthy oral health habits seems not at the top of parents’ minds. They ask for advice in the upbringing of their children backed up by social support, increased attention to children’s oral health within the community and professional assistance. Collaborating with parents as knowledgeable partners might be the first step in acting upon the endeavour to address oral health inequality among young children.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Understanding parental perspectives on young children’s oral health (≤ 4 years) growing up in a disadvantaged neighbourhood of Amsterdam, the Netherlands: an exploratory study
Authors
Awani Balasooriyan
Monique H. van der Veen
Clarissa Calil Bonifácio
Christine Dedding
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18073-0

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