Parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malocclusion in preschool children

Abstract This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of parents regarding malocclusion in preschool-aged children in Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, between January and July 2024. Data were collected via questionnaires to gather demographic information a...

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Main Authors: Xinrong Zhou, Jiao Wang, Qiutong Gou, Juan Luo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-99314-z
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author Xinrong Zhou
Jiao Wang
Qiutong Gou
Juan Luo
author_facet Xinrong Zhou
Jiao Wang
Qiutong Gou
Juan Luo
author_sort Xinrong Zhou
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of parents regarding malocclusion in preschool-aged children in Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, between January and July 2024. Data were collected via questionnaires to gather demographic information and assess parents’ KAP, with univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses used to explore the associations between demographic factors and KAP. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to investigate complex relationships among relevant factors. A total of 2811 valid cases were included, of which 61.2% were female. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 3.71, 26.50, and 40.98, respectively. Positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.491), knowledge and practice (r = 0.275), and attitude and practice (r = 0.336). SEM revealed that knowledge had a direct effect on both attitude (β = 0.509) and practice (β = 0.204), while attitude also directly influenced practice (β = 0.176). Knowledge indirectly impacted practice through attitude (β = 0.090). Parents showed inadequate knowledge and generally negative attitudes but positive practices. Educational interventions are recommended to improve parental knowledge and attitudes, which may lead to better malocclusion management practices.
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spelling doaj-art-3d8080f39f2d4621901d376b8721df792025-08-20T02:11:10ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111210.1038/s41598-025-99314-zParental knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malocclusion in preschool childrenXinrong Zhou0Jiao Wang1Qiutong Gou2Juan Luo3Beijing Anzhen Nanchong Hospital, Capital Medical University & Nanchong Central HospitalBeijing Anzhen Nanchong Hospital, Capital Medical University & Nanchong Central HospitalBeijing Anzhen Nanchong Hospital, Capital Medical University & Nanchong Central HospitalBeijing Anzhen Nanchong Hospital, Capital Medical University & Nanchong Central HospitalAbstract This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of parents regarding malocclusion in preschool-aged children in Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, between January and July 2024. Data were collected via questionnaires to gather demographic information and assess parents’ KAP, with univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses used to explore the associations between demographic factors and KAP. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to investigate complex relationships among relevant factors. A total of 2811 valid cases were included, of which 61.2% were female. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 3.71, 26.50, and 40.98, respectively. Positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.491), knowledge and practice (r = 0.275), and attitude and practice (r = 0.336). SEM revealed that knowledge had a direct effect on both attitude (β = 0.509) and practice (β = 0.204), while attitude also directly influenced practice (β = 0.176). Knowledge indirectly impacted practice through attitude (β = 0.090). Parents showed inadequate knowledge and generally negative attitudes but positive practices. Educational interventions are recommended to improve parental knowledge and attitudes, which may lead to better malocclusion management practices.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-99314-zKnowledgeAttitudePracticeParentMalocclusionPreschool-aged children
spellingShingle Xinrong Zhou
Jiao Wang
Qiutong Gou
Juan Luo
Parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malocclusion in preschool children
Scientific Reports
Knowledge
Attitude
Practice
Parent
Malocclusion
Preschool-aged children
title Parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malocclusion in preschool children
title_full Parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malocclusion in preschool children
title_fullStr Parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malocclusion in preschool children
title_full_unstemmed Parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malocclusion in preschool children
title_short Parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding malocclusion in preschool children
title_sort parental knowledge attitudes and practices regarding malocclusion in preschool children
topic Knowledge
Attitude
Practice
Parent
Malocclusion
Preschool-aged children
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-99314-z
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AT juanluo parentalknowledgeattitudesandpracticesregardingmalocclusioninpreschoolchildren