406 - Oral Health Knowledge among WIC Enrolled Pregnant Women

Abstract:

Purpose: Early childhood caries (ECC) disproportionately affects low-income children, partly due to gaps in maternal oral health knowledge. This study aims to evaluate mothers’ understanding of key concepts related to ECC.

Methods: This secondary analysis included 634 baseline survey responses from WIC enrolled pregnant women in a longitudinal the Birth to Three – Cavity Free study. Knowledge was assessed using a 32-item questionnaire scored from –2 (strongly incorrect) to +2 (strongly correct), summed to a total score. Univariable linear regressions examined associations between total knowledge score and demographics.



Results: Participants had a mean age of 27 years (SD = 5.7); most held a high school diploma/GED (64%), and nearly half were single (47%). Income was low, with 21% reporting $0–5,000 annually; 67% had Medicaid coverage. Higher total knowledge scores were associated with age [+0.383 points/year (95% CI: 0.24–0.53; P < .001)]; education [two-year college (+11.703; P=.004), four-year college (+13.315; P=.001) vs. ≤8th grade]; employment [full-time (+5.325; P < .001), part-time (+2.489; P=.031), and homemaker (+7.883; P < .001) vs. unemployed]; dental insurance [Medicaid (+4.589; P < .001) and private (+6.756; P < .001) vs. no insurance], income [≥$30,000 (+7.710; P < .001) vs. $0–5,000]. Single mothers had lower scores than married (–4.003; P < .001). Hispanic ethnicity and student status were not significant. Item-level analysis revealed persistent misconceptions about fluoride toothpaste and bedtime brushing, even among high-knowledge groups.

Conclusion: Maternal oral health knowledge is closely associated with socioeconomic factors. Targeted educational strategies for single, low-income mothers are essential to reduce ECC disparities.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by The National Institutes of Health and the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR UH3 DE029443) and Iowa WIC Programs