P-13 The knowledge, attitudes and practices of parents of adolescents, regarding public dental services in Trinidad and Tobago
Author(s):
J Bernard, C Stephens
Year of Presentation:
2026
Objective: In Trinidad and Tobago, free public dental services are provided for children aged 2-12 years and adults
over 18, but not to adolescents, creating burdens for parents
and neglecting this demographic group. The knowledge,
attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the parents of adolescents
in Arima, Trinidad, regarding dental health and public dental
health services were explored to determine their influence
on the pursuit of dental care for their children and whether
comprehensive policy reform should be pursued to ensure
the well-being of adolescents.
Methods: Self-administered, structured questionnaires were used to collect data from parents of adolescents children regarding dental services for adolescents in Trinidad and Tobago. The study population was 890, the sample size 87, from simple random sampling. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information on specific variables providing indicators/measurements of the variables. The questionnaire consisted of twenty-seven questions about biographical information, and their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding their children’s dental health. The responses were analysed statistically to test correlations between the variables and offer conclusions. Statistical analysis used Microsoft Excel and Google forms. The P value was considered significant when <0.05 (confidence interval 95%). Responses were submitted via hardcopy or online. The KAP Survey was used because it was reasonably easy to design, conduct, analyze and interpret, and provides valuable data for resource allocation in planning and implementing public health programs.
Results: 98.9% knew the benefits of professional dental care. 79.3% knew dental services were available at public clinics, but only 9.1% recognized they did not include adolescents. 100% agreed that adolescents should have access to free dental services with 91.3% prepared to access those services.
Conclusion: Good knowledge and attitudes need regular reinforcement to transition into healthy practices. Public programs need better promotion and parents would welcome the inclusion of adolescents in free dental clinics.