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Research Article Volume 16 Issue 2
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of physicians receiving children on early dental caries in 28 health facilities in Yaounde
Félicitée Nguefack, Vanessa Prudence Mbasama, Michèle Lowe, Félicie Cindy Dongmo Tsopfack, Fanny Mboringong Kwedi, Tatiana Mossus
Received: July 06, 2026 | Published: July 23, 2026
Citation: Nguefack F, Mbasama VP, Lowe M, et al. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of physicians receiving children on early dental caries in 28 health facilities in Yaounde. J Pediatr Neonatal Care. 2026;16(2):106-111. DOI: 10.15406/jpnc.2026.16.00628
Abstract
Background: dental caries in children can lead to pathologies of both temporary and permanent dentition. Its prevention and early detection depend on good communication between dental specialists and parents. Objective: to assess physicians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dental caries and its prevention in paediatric units. Methods: This was a knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) study conducted in 28 hospitals at Yaoundé including physicians receiving children. A score was used to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices, assigning 1 point or 0 depending on the answer, right or wrong. Knowledge was scored as poor, insufficient, average or good, with points ranging from zero to 100%. Attitudes were rated as bad, wrong, approximate or right, and practices as bad, inadequate or adequate. Results: Of 111 participants, 55% were General Practitioners. The definition of early tooth caries was not mastered (57.8%), only 29.7% mentioned the main risk factor, and 82.0% did not know the appropriate time to prescribe fluoride toothpaste. The knowledge score was poor (56.8%), insufficient (7.2%) and average (36.0%). As for attitudes, only 6.8% recommended dental check-ups, although 78.4% appreciated collaboration with dentists and 76.6% the need to raise awareness of tooth brushing. Attitudes were judged to be approximate (68.4%) regarding the importance of routine dental examinations during consultations. As for practices, 73.9% of doctors only examined children’s teeth occasionally. Their practices were scored as adequate (33.3%), inadequate (54.1%) and harmful (12.5%). Conclusion: Physicians lack of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dental caries in children warrants improvement of their skills to optimise parents’ awareness of early dental caries prevention.
Keywords: knowledge, attitudes, practices, physicians, child, dental caries, prevention, Yaoundé-Cameroon
©2026 Nguefack, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.