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A qualitative evaluation of the views of Child and Family Health Nurses on the early childhood oral health education materials in New South Wales, Australia
Author(s) -
Arora Amit,
Bedros Dina,
Bhole Sameer,
Eastwood John,
Moody Gwen
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1071/he12112
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , disadvantaged , medicine , qualitative research , family medicine , nursing , health promotion , early childhood caries , public health , oral health , sociology , social science , political science , law
Issue addressed Health literacy is an important determinant of oral health. We explored the Child and Family Health Nurses' reflections on the usefulness of leaflets giving dental advice for parents of preschool children in New South Wales, Australia. Methods Child and Family Health Nurses (n=19) who recruited new mothers to an ongoing birth cohort study in South Western Sydney, Australia, were invited to take part in a qualitative study. A semi‐structured, in‐depth interview technique was used to explore their views on two leaflets designed by New South Wales Health, which gave dental advice to parents of preschool children. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using interview debriefing and a thematic coding. Results The nurses reported that the leaflets did not have clear consistent messages and had medical/dental jargon which could be confusing for parents from disadvantaged backgrounds. The advice on using a “pea‐sized amount of toothpaste” was considered to be culturally irrelevant. Some early childhood oral health issues were inadequately addressed and the use of pictures was strongly recommended. Conclusions Producers of paediatric oral health education materials in New South Wales, should reach a consensus on the key health promotion messages. Health authorities should consider re‐designing dental leaflets and tailor them to the needs of the parents from disadvantaged backgrounds. So what? Health literacy issues need to be solved for oral health promotion and the use of pictures may be useful tool as they help people to process, understand and make appropriate healthcare decisions.