Oral health knowledge, attitude and practices of Bangladeshi female sex workers toward their 7-to-17-years old children: a cross-sectional study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12903-025-05535-z
• Publication Date: 2025-02-13T15:38:26Z
• Authors: Afia Mahmuda Khan; Sumaiya Zabin Eus...; Taseef Hasan Farook; Mehnaj Sharmin; Sabrin Shohid; Lameea Shahed; Tabassum Zerin; Diptendu Kumar Ch...; Sheikh Jamal Hossain; Mohammad Delwer H...
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Children born into prostitution often face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, including oral health services. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of female sex workers (FSWs) regarding their school-going children’s health, as well status these children Dhaka, Bangladesh. Materials methods A cross-sectional was conducted from March 2023 February 2024 with a sample 180 FSW mothers/institutional caregivers between ages 7 17. semi-structured questionnaire used collect data on KAP. The assessed using DMFT/dmft index for caries gingival (GI) while plaque calculus levels were measured (PI) (CI), respectively. Results Among mothers/ institutional caregivers, 79% had good knowledge 77.2% displayed positive attitude, 62.8% informed about proper practices. who higher educational attainment three times more likely practice hygiene compared those lower-educated (OR = 3.27, β 1.11, p < 0.05, CI 1.36–7.87). Similarly, whose mothers/caregivers better showed scores lower 3.20, 1.16, Conclusion suggests that most mothers possess adequate attitude towards many children, particularly living mothers, continue exhibit poor Higher among key determinants improved children.