Effect of Caregiver's Race and Ethnicity on Acceptance of Passive Immobilization for Their Child's Dental Treatment

J Dent Child (Chic). 2019 Jan 15;86(1):3-9.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if caregivers' race and ethnicity impact their willingness to accept passive immobilization for their child's dental treatment and to determine if a detailed description of passive immobilization will make caregivers more likely to accept the technique.<br/> Methods: Caregivers of one- to 11-year-old patients were recruited in a university pediatric dental clinic. They completed two surveys and reviewed a written and pictorial description of passive immobilization.<br/> Results: A total of 266 caregivers participated. Subjects were willing to accept passive immobilization at the following percentages by race/ethnicity: Hispanic (84 percent); African American (66 percent); Asian (50 percent); and non-Hispanic Caucasian (24 percent). There was a significant association between a caregiver's race and ethnicity and the willingness to consent to passive immobilization (P =.000), and in willingness to accept passive immobilization after reviewing its detailed description (P =.000).<br/> Conclusion: Differences in acceptance of passive immobilization were observed based upon race and ethnicity. African American and Hispanic caregivers were more willing to accept the technique than their Asian and non-Hispanic Caucasian counter- parts. Caregivers were more likely to accept the use of passive immobilization after they were given more information about the technique. (J Dent Child 2019;86(1):3-9) Received May 30, 2018; Last Revision August 3, 2018; Accepted August 7, 2018.

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers* / psychology
  • Caregivers* / statistics & numerical data
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dental Care for Children* / methods
  • Ethnicity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immobilization* / methods
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Surveys and Questionnaires