Parental Knowledge and Practice Associated with Dental Carries in Thalassemia Children 6 -12 Years old Attending at Children Hospital, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

Abstract Background: Thalassemia is an inherited hematological disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin synthesis, which often leads to skeletal deformities, including those affecting the craniofacial bones and jaws. These structural changes can result in dental malocclusion, subsequently increasing the risk of dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontal inflammation. This study aimed to investigate parental knowledge and practices associated with dental caries indices (dmft and DMFT) among children aged 6–12 years with thalassemia at the Children’s Hospital in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted involving 375 children with thalassemia registered for daycare at the Children’s Hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews covering socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, and parental knowledge and behaviors regarding pediatric oral healthcare. Data analysis was performed using EpiData version 3.1 and STATA version 13. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were utilized. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to identify significant associations, with results reported as Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) and a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The study population was predominantly female (55.5%), with 63.7% of participants aged between 6 and 8 years. The prevalence of dental caries was notably high, affecting 86.9% of children with permanent teeth and 92.8% of those with primary (milk) teeth. Key factors significantly associated with oral health outcomes included the 9–12 age group (OR = 0.12; 95%, CI: 0.05 - 0.25, P < 0.001), parental oral health behaviors (OR = 2.66; 95%, CI: 1.28 - 5.52, P < 0.008), and parental practices regarding professional dental visits (OR = 0.45; 95%, CI: 0.23 - 0.89, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries is critically high among thalassemic children aged 6–12 years in both primary and permanent dentitions. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive oral health strategies and preventive programs tailored for children admitted to the hospital.