Satisfaction of Oral Health Education among Parents and Caregivers Regarding Children with Special Healthcare Needs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
AIM AND OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to evaluate the satisfaction of an oral health promotion program among parents and caregivers of children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
A digital survey using Google forms was used during an event to commemorate the World Disability Day. Stalls for oral health education and training were set up at Disabled Children Society, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Oral health education was carried out using written pamphlets, brochures, and videos. Live demonstration on dental models was used for tooth-brushing training using a powered toothbrush. Parents and caregivers were asked to complete a survey about oral health education during the event. An overall 189 parents and caregivers of CSHCN including 62 males and 127 females completed the survey. The responses were entered digitally prior to being evaluated.


RESULTS
The respondents were parents and/or caregivers of children mostly having cerebral palsy followed by autism. Females consisted of 67% of the respondents. Eight-one percent of respondents rated it as highly satisfied. Ninety-one percent of the respondents perceived that the information provided was new for them regarding oral healthcare for CSHCN. Ninety-eight percent of respondents were likely to attend a similar event in the future.


CONCLUSION
Majority of parents and caregivers of CSHCN were highly satisfied by the oral health education during the event. They felt that they can take better care of the oral health of their CSHCN after the oral health education and training.


CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Oral health among CSHCN is neglected when compared to children among the general population. CSHCN exhibit many barriers to oral health care. Oral health promotion among CSHCN is important as they have a high unmet oral health need.
['Shah|Altaf H|AH|', 'Refeai|Mohammad Al|MA|', 'Alolaywi|Faisal M|FM|', 'Gulzar|Shabnam|S|', 'Asiri|Faris Y|FY|', 'Jameel|Al Bandary Al|ABA|']
D017028:Caregivers D002648:Child D019988:Disabled Children D005260:Female D006267:Health Education, Dental D006297:Health Services Accessibility D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand D006801:Humans D008297:Male D010290:Parents D010549:Personal Satisfaction D012529:Saudi Arabia D014481:United States
Children Health promotion Disabilities Oral health Special needs.