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A qualitative analysis of caregiver perceptions of pediatric dental surgery under general anesthesia
Author(s) -
Lee Helen H.,
LeHew Charles W.,
Avenetti David,
Cory Molly,
Buscemi Joanna,
Koerber Anne
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of paediatric dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.183
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1365-263X
pISSN - 0960-7439
DOI - 10.1111/ipd.12684
Subject(s) - medicine , anxiety , psychological intervention , intervention (counseling) , thematic analysis , perception , behavior management , qualitative research , early childhood caries , nursing , family medicine , oral health , psychiatry , developmental psychology , psychology , social science , neuroscience , sociology
Background Dental surgery under general anesthesia (GA) is a common treatment for severe childhood caries and thus may serve as an event to motivate behavior change. The frequency of recurrent caries, however, indicates opportunities within current practice to change a child's oral health behaviors. Aim To assess caregiver experiences related to their child's dental surgery to inform development of a behavioral intervention. Design Semi‐structured interviews with caregivers of children receiving GA for dental surgery. Transcripts (n = 19) were analyzed using qualitative thematic methods. Results Children were 2–5 years of age, mean 3.8 years. Limited access to GA services was a source of caregiver frustration and a barrier to caries treatment. Surgical events elicited emotional reactions including guilt, anxiety, and a sense of caregiver accountability for development of severe caries. There was variation in caregiver awareness and/or motivation to change oral health behaviors. Conclusions A child's dental surgery under GA is an emotionally challenging event yet may inspire hope and expectations for improvement. Surgery offers an opportunity to implement interventions at a time when caregivers may be open to assistance with behavior change, though stress and anxiety may create barriers. Behavioral interventions should be tailored to individual caregiver needs/barriers and stage of developmental readiness.