| This qualitative case study used interviews with families of children with healthy dentitions to determine protective psychosocial factors and validate the use of a workable health behavior theory for early childhood caries (ECC). ECC is a severe form of dental decay that affects a disproportionate number of Hispanic children at all socioeconomic levels. Much is known about the clinical progression of the disease and about biological and psychosocial determinants. Parental attitudes, nutrition, oral hygiene, socioeconomic status, and access to dental services are common risk factors for ECC. Much less is known about the protective psychosocial factors. The researcher interviewed 8 families to determine common patterns of behaviors and attitudes across cases. Attitudes and behaviors reported by the families indicated that multiple sources of knowledge, physical resources, and support allowed families to construct a support system that encourages healthy habits. Families used these resources to develop strategies to adopt healthy practices. These findings indicate that multiple sources of ongoing support allow families to build a network of resources that support good health. The findings also indicate sense of coherence theory and self-efficacy fit patterns of behavior in families with good dental health and are appropriate theories with which to study ECC. |
