Female Religious Teachers and Prevention of ECC in Saudi Arabia

Objective: This qualitative study was conducted to assess whether Female Religious Teachers (FRT) are interested in playing a role in prevention of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA).

Method: Focus groups were organized with FRTs to examine their beliefs and knowledge about oral health and their willingness to play a role in the prevention of ECC. In 2007, there were 162 registered FRTs in the city. A sample of 40 FRTs was randomly selected. Twenty two participants (55%) participated in this study. Four focus group sessions were organized. The FRTs were asked to share their opinions about (1) factors related to ECC among young children; (2) perceived preventive methods; and (3) their potential role in preventing ECC. A trained facilitator conducted the sessions. The transcripts of the sessions were coded by the facilitator and findings were analyzed using SPSS. .

Results: The FRTs unanimously agreed that oral health of children is important but it has not a high priority relative to other health concerns. Participants reported that they never take their young children for regular dental examinations unless they were in pain(72.7%±0.17). The common risk factors of ECC identified by the FRTs were dentists' behaviors and training to manage very young children (100% ±0.21), and the practice of calming babies with “sweets” (90.8% ±0.15). Even though highly educated FRTs suggested more preventive measures, there was no statistically significant difference between high or low educated FRT in their readiness to help in preventing ECC. There was consensus that FRTs were willing to collaborate to prevent ECC.

Conclusions: Prevention programs of ECC in SA should engage the FRTs, who can play a positive role to promote preventive practices. The FRTs expressed concerns that dentists are not trained to manage young children.