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KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICE AND DETERMINANTS ASSOCIATED WITH TEETHING SYMPTOMS IN INFANTS AMONG MOTHERS ATTENDING VACCINATION CLINIC IN AL-NAWARIYAH PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTER IN MAKKAH AL-MUKARRAMAH IN 2018- CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Dr. Orjuwan Khaled Bosaeed

Background: Teething is a natural physiological phenomenon, which usually occurs without complications. However, there are several symptoms and beliefs that has been linked to teething and these had led to many unnecessary interventions which may be harmful to the infant in many of cases. Aim of the Study: To estimate the level of knowledge and asses the current practice of mother towards teething signs and symptoms in infants among mothers as well as the factors affecting it. Methodology: A cross-sectional study involving 152 mothers attending vaccination clinic for their children in Al-Nawariyah PHC in Makkah al Mukarramah. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Variables such as demographic and knowledge, attitude towards symptoms and practice used to manage the symptoms of teething Results: A total of 152 respondents participated in the study. Majority of the respondents belonged to 26 – 35 years of age, college level of education, have 2000 – 15000 SR family monthly income, 2-4 number of children, and majority are housewife. There are 65.1% - 78.3% of the respondents have high level of knowledge on teething. Majority [75%] of the respondents have misconception that diarrhea is a sign of teething symptoms and 42.8% don’t believed on the necessity of medical attention during teething episodes. Symptoms such as desire to bite [69.1%], increase salivation [59.2%], gum irritation [58.6%] and loss of appetite [50.7%] were also identified. Statistical analysis revealed that among the different demographics, only the number of children is a significant factor that affects the level of knowledge [p-value = 0.042] and practice towards teething [p-value = <0.001] of mothers attending vaccination clinic. Conclusions: There is an average level of knowledge and practice on teething of the 152 mothers attending vaccination clinic in Al-Nawariyah primary healthcare center in Saudi, Arabia. The level of knowledge on teething of mothers as well as the practices in managing teething problems was significantly associated with the number of children. Education efforts of adults with regards to teething of infants in Saudi Arabia is still encouraged. c radiographs, etiological factors.

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