Knowledge and Perceived Practices on Traumatic Dental Injury (TDI) Management among Primary Caregivers in a Selected Elementary School in Silang, Cavite

Zarah Gem B Asis; Rhynette Joyce C. Borromeo; Joy Bernadette B. Cortado; Ralph Jan D. Rodelas; Nathalya Bmay Subido; Deborah Cynthia Gatchalian; Vicky Mergal; Beryl Ben Mergal

Zarah Gem B Asis Adventist University of the Philippines
Rhynette Joyce C. Borromeo Adventist University of the Philippines
Joy Bernadette B. Cortado Adventist University of the Philippines
Ralph Jan D. Rodelas Adventist University of the Philippines
Nathalya Bmay Subido Adventist University of the Philippines
Deborah Cynthia Gatchalian Adventist University of the Philippines
Vicky Mergal Adventist University of the Philippines
Beryl Ben Mergal Adventist University of the Philippines

Abstract

Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDI) are unpredictable occurrences and are considered a health problem in a child’s life because of their negative impact. Most TDI incidences happen when a child is at home or school; thus, it is essential that those who are in close contact with them know how to properly manage it. A selected College of Dentistry Clinic at a private sectarian university in Cavite conducted a study to assess primary caregivers' knowledge and perceived practices of primary caregivers on TDI management. The research study included 120 primary caregivers of pupils enrolled in Grades 1-6 in a private Elementary School in Cavite. This quantitative descriptive research design, correlational, and comparative design. A dichotomous scale was used to determine the level of knowledge, and a 4-point Likert scale for the extent of perceived practices. The statistical treatments used included the mean and standard deviation, Mann-Whitney Test U Test, Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner test, and one-way non-parametric ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis). Results led researchers to come up with the following conclusions: (1) the level of knowledge of the primary caregivers are high; (2) the extent of the perceived practices of the primary caregivers are good; (3) knowledge and perceived practices on TDI management are significantly correlated, which means that the practices of the primary caregivers are dependent on the prior knowledge they acquired on TDI management; (4) a significant difference was found in the knowledge of primary caregivers considering their sex; (5) a significant difference was found in the knowledge of primary caregivers that have a Masters or Doctoral Degree.

Keywords: Traumatic dental injury, TDI management, primary caregivers, avulsion, reimplantation