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Table 3 Attitude items with significant differences in mean (SD) scores in 2002 according to caries (dmft > 0) or caries free (dmft = 0) in 2004.

From: Parental beliefs and attitudes towards child caries prevention: assessing consistency and validity in a longitudinal design

Item

Caries 2004

 
 

dmft = 0

dmft > 0

 
 

Mean (SD)

Mean (SD)

F-value

A4 As a family, we are confident that we can reduce the chances of our child getting tooth decay

(1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree)

4.60 (0.61)

4.30(0.75)

9.85**

A10 Our child losing a baby tooth due to tooth decay would be upsetting

(1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree)

4.26 (0.96)

3.47 (1.12)

27.13***

A25 If our child uses a fluoride toothpaste, it will prevent tooth decay

(1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree)

4.12 (0.81)

3.87 (0.73)

4.43*

C18 As a family, we intend controlling how often our child has sugary foods or drinks between meals (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree)

4.22 (0.80)

3.90 (0.80)

6.68**

C23 It is worthwhile to give our child sweets/biscuits to behave well

(1 = strongly agree, 5 = strongly disagree)

4.43 (0.77)

4.13 (1.05)

5.31*

  1. * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01, *** P < 0.001.