Hubungan Kebiasaan Orang Tua atau Wali dalam Membersihkan Rongga Mulut dengan Perubahan Laju Alir Saliva pada Anak Stunting Usia 2-5 Tahun di Kecamatan Medan Belawan

Abstract

Stunting is one of the most significant problems affecting child growth and development, with the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia still high. Atrophy of the salivary glands in stunted children causes a decrease in salivary flow rate and function, resulting in an increased risk of dental caries. Oral hygiene behavior in stunted children is still relatively low and can be associated with poor oral health and lower saliva flow rate. This study aims to determine the relationship between parents’ or guardians’ habits in cleaning the oral cavity of stunted children aged 2-5 years and changes in children’s saliva flow rate in Medan Belawan District. The research type was quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of 30 respondents by means of purposive sampling. Research data collection was carried out using questionnaires accompanied by interviews, providing bullet journals, and collecting stunted children’s saliva. Univariate and bivariate analysis were done using the paired t-test, Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation test. Results of this study showed that there was a significant difference in parents' knowledge and behavior in cleaning children's oral cavities before and after weeks I, II and III of education with value of p=0.000. There was a significant difference in saliva flow rate in stunted children before and after education with value of p=0.000. There was a weak and insignificant correlation (r=0.045) between changes in parental knowledge in cleaning children's oral cavities and changes in children's saliva flow rate with value of p=0.815. There was a moderate and significant correlation (r=0.379) between changes in parental behavior in cleaning the child's oral cavity and changes in the child's saliva flow rate with value of p=0.039.