Association between knowledge, attitude, barriers, and practice of parents regarding children’s malocclusion in Yangon, Myanmar

Abstract

dren and can lead to psychological impacts. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between knowledge, attitude, barriers, and practices of parents toward malocclusion in children. This cross-sectional study was conducted on parents, aged between 20 and 50 years, having children aged between 6 and 12 years, and living in Yangon, Myanmar. Parental socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, barriers, and practices regarding malocclusion in their children were surveyed and collected through an online validated self-administered questionnaire. A total of 388 participants aged from 21 to 50 years completed the survey questionnaire. The average scores of parental knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding malocclusion in children were 9.3, 18.7, and 7.6 respectively. Most of the parents (45.6%) had 6 barriers to malocclusion treatment. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that all three factors including parental knowledge (β = 0.647, p < 0.001), attitude (β = 0.187, p < 0.001), and barrier concerning with uncomfortable appearance of orthodontic brackets (β = -0.156, p < 0.001) significantly influence parents' practices regarding children's malocclusion. This study underscores the significance of parental knowledge, attitude, and barriers in influencing parents' practices concerning children's malocclusion in Yangon, Myanmar. Empowering parents with knowledge, fostering positive attitudes, and reducing the barrier of the uncomfortable appearance of orthodontic brackets can encourage them to take proactive steps in preventing and treating malocclusion in their children.