Construct Validity of Children's Experience of Caries Reported by Mothers

Objective: Few studies have examined the validity of mothers' answers about their children's dental health status using a questionnaire. The present study describes determinants of caries experience reported by mothers of children, aged 45 to 56 months, followed in the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development 1998-2010 (QLSCD).

Methods: 2120 babies and their immediate families were initially included in the ongoing QLSCD cohort study from birth to age 12, coordinated by the Institut de la statistique du Québec, and 1944 mothers were asked by interviewers whether their children had at least one decayed, missing or filled tooth. Data were also collected on characteristics of mothers, families, children and parenting habits related to child dental health. To study the construct validity, already known socioeconomic factors and oral health habits associated with caries were examined.

Results: According to mothers, 13.8 % of children have at least one decayed, missing or filled tooth due to caries (dmft³1). Compared with the mothers of children perceived as being caries free (dmft=0), these mothers are more likely reporting a less than excellent general health status, under 25 years of age, without a high school diploma, not working at the time of interview or living in a family with insufficient income. Significant correlations are observed between children with caries and eating at least two daily sugary snacks and having already visited the dentist. However no association is seen with mothers' immigrant status, type of family and children's characteristics, mainly sex, birth rank, low birthweight, general health or toothbrushing frequency.

Conclusion: Results demonstrate the construct validity of mothers' answers about their children's experience of caries for QLSCD children aged 45 to 56 months. Interview survey could be helpful to estimate young children's carious status when no clinical data are available since no examination or screening could be performed.

Research supported by RSBO, FRSQ.