Authors :
Thongbam Rebika; Srishty Solanki; Anushka; Deepika Negi; Mahima Abraham; Mamata; Nikita Toppo; Sakshi Singh; Tenzin Tsetan
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/4t8ktjtm
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/5e6zaske
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan143
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Background: Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD) is a common yet preventable condition that primarily affects
infants and toddlers due to prolonged bottle feeding with sugary liquids. Parental awareness, particularly of mothers, is
critical in early oral health prevention. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP)
regarding BBTD among mothers of admitted children aged 1–3 years. It also sought to find associations between KAP and
selected demographic variables, and to examine the correlation between knowledge and practice. Methods: A descriptive,
non-experimental quantitative research design was adopted. The study included 40 mothers selected through purposive
sampling from a selected hospital in New Delhi. Data was collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire, a 5-point
Likert scale for attitude, and a practice checklist. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Results: 67.5%
of mothers had average knowledge, 27.5% had poor knowledge, and only 5% had good knowledge. Attitudes were mostly
neutral (67.5%), with 20% negative and 12.5% positive. Practice scores indicated that 60% had poor practice, 37.5% had
fair, and only 2.5% had good practice. A weak negative correlation was observed between knowledge and practice (r = -
0.0778, p < 0.05). Significant associations were found between KAP and demographic variables such as age, religion, number
of children, education level, and information sources. Conclusion: Most mothers had average knowledge, neutral attitudes,
and poor practices regarding BBTD. Structured awareness programs are necessary to improve preventive practices.
Keywords :
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Mothers, Oral Health.
References :
- Johnsen D, Nowjack-Raymer R. Baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD): issues, assessment, and an opportunity for the nutritionist. J Am Diet Assoc. 1989 Aug;89(8):1112-6. PMID: 2668384
- Rakash P, Subramaniam P, Durgesh BH, Konde S. Prevalence of early childhood caries and associated risk factors in preschool children of urban Bangalore, India: A cross-sectional study. Eur J Dent. 2012 Apr;6(2):141-52. PMID: 22509116; PMCID: PMC3327493. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3327493/
- Koya S, Ravichandra KS, Arunkumar VA, Sahana S, Pushpalatha HM. Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries in Children of West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, South India: An Epidemiological Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(3):251-255. https://www.ijcpd.com/doi/pdf/10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1372
Background: Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD) is a common yet preventable condition that primarily affects
infants and toddlers due to prolonged bottle feeding with sugary liquids. Parental awareness, particularly of mothers, is
critical in early oral health prevention. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP)
regarding BBTD among mothers of admitted children aged 1–3 years. It also sought to find associations between KAP and
selected demographic variables, and to examine the correlation between knowledge and practice. Methods: A descriptive,
non-experimental quantitative research design was adopted. The study included 40 mothers selected through purposive
sampling from a selected hospital in New Delhi. Data was collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire, a 5-point
Likert scale for attitude, and a practice checklist. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Results: 67.5%
of mothers had average knowledge, 27.5% had poor knowledge, and only 5% had good knowledge. Attitudes were mostly
neutral (67.5%), with 20% negative and 12.5% positive. Practice scores indicated that 60% had poor practice, 37.5% had
fair, and only 2.5% had good practice. A weak negative correlation was observed between knowledge and practice (r = -
0.0778, p < 0.05). Significant associations were found between KAP and demographic variables such as age, religion, number
of children, education level, and information sources. Conclusion: Most mothers had average knowledge, neutral attitudes,
and poor practices regarding BBTD. Structured awareness programs are necessary to improve preventive practices.
Keywords :
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Mothers, Oral Health.
