Barriers to dental care and parental attitudes toward oral health in children with haemophilia: a cross-sectional study in China
摘要
This study evaluated the dental care experiences and parental attitudes amongst children with haemophilia in China.
MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire surveyed parents of children with haemophilia A or B, covering demographics, dental experiences and attitudes toward dental care. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyse the data.
ResultsA total of 125 valid questionnaires were obtained. 45.6% (57 parents) reported that their children had experienced dental pain in the past year, yet 26.3% (15 parents) did not seek dental treatment. Of those without dental pain, 60.3% (41 children) had not visited a dentist. Common reasons included parents considering the dental issues not severe and believing that primary teeth would eventually fall out, making treatment unnecessary. Although 55.2% (69 children) had visited a dentist, 30.4% (21 children) of them had been denied dental care due to their haemophilia. Additionally, amongst the 125 surveyed parents, 18.4% (23 parents) chose to conceal their child’s haemophilia history when visiting a dentist, mainly due to concerns about being denied treatment. Even with standardised treatment guidelines, 40% (50 parents) of them distrusted dentists unfamiliar with haemophilia to provide appropriate dental care for their children based on the guidelines.
ConclusionSignificant gaps exist in oral health awareness and dental care access for children with haemophilia in China. Addressing the gaps requires educational efforts for parents and enhanced training for dental professionals.