COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Behavioral and Attitudinal Changes in Caregivers.

Abstract

Purpose: To identify pandemic-related behavioral and attitudinal changes in caregivers. Methods: A 38-question cross-sectional survey was developed and distributed to English-speaking caregivers accompanying children for dental care in a hospital dental clinic. The questionnaire surveyed caregiver beliefs and behaviors regarding COVID19, whether the pandemic altered their use of medical and dental care or at-home health habits, as well as their attitudes toward medical and dental teams. Results: The 594 respondents varied in age, marital status, education and income level. Trust was high regarding medical and dental teams, government public health management and mask policies for children. However, those respondents who did not think children should be required to wear masks at school if the health department recommended it and respondents who did not think that government agencies would protect them if another pandemic happened were less likely to change perceptions on dental care, preventive dentistry, sugar intake and toothbrushing (P<0.05). No other strong and consistent relationships were found. Conclusions: In a safety-net dental clinic population, over half of caregivers changed dental behaviors and attitudes following the pandemic. Caregivers cynical of mask mandates and governmental pandemic management were not in the group to change their dental attitudes and behaviors. No other consistent pattern of demographic variables offered a clear profile of group beliefs and behaviors, suggesting the necessity of inquiring individuals and families about their oral health perceptions and behaviors.