Children living in out-of-home care (OOHC) are known to have special needs. Studies show that these children have increased physical, mental and developmental problems compared to other children not living in OOHC. Research has also shown that children in OOHC experience more oral health problems compared to their peers. Dental decay is the most common form of childhood oral health disease. It is known to negatively impact on the overall health and well-being of children, causing prolonged pain, swelling, eating and sleeping disturbances, psychological trauma and even hospitalisation for dental treatment requiring general anaesthesia. Although various preventive strategies have been implemented to decrease the burden of dental decay, poor oral health among children in OOHC is a persistent issue. Foster/ kinship carers are responsible for the day-to-day care of children in OOHC and thus are in a unique position to promote children's oral health. However, no studies have explored the experiences of foster/ kinship carers in relation to the oral health of children living in OOHC or highlighted their potential role in promoting children's oral health, particularly, in Australia. This thesis explores the knowledge and practices of foster/ kinship carers as well as the barriers and facilitators in relation to the oral health of children living in OOHC. A combination of convenience and purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Foster and kinship carers were purposively sampled using well-established networks of the principal supervisor with the foster care agencies. 7 foster carers and 1 kinship carer were recruited for this study and their mean age was 40.8 years (Range 32 to 57 years). The thesis provides valuable insights into previously unexplored experiences of foster/ kinship carers related to the oral health of children living in OOHC in Australia. It highlights that even though foster/ kinship carers are primary caregivers, no studies to date have explored their role in oral health promotion of children living in OOHC. The study has also shown that despite foster/ kinship carers having knowledge on the importance of oral health and practicing good oral hygiene habits for children, the presence of barriers has affected the oral health status of children living in OOHC. Finally, it explains that foster/kinship carer's efforts alone are not enough to promote the oral health of children in OOHC.
Date of Award | 2021 |
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Original language | English |
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- dental care
- foster children
- foster home care
- kinship care
- Australia
Exploring the experiences of foster/kinship carers in relation to the oral health of children living in out-of-home care (OOHC)
Acharya, R. (Author). 2021
Western Sydney University thesis: Master's thesis