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Table 2 Outcome variables

From: Innovative interventions to promote positive dental health behaviors and prevent dental caries in preschool children: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Outcomes

Variables

Codes

Source of information

PRIMARY OUTCOME

Caries increment in child*

   
 

Number of new carious teeth (dmft)

Continuous

Dental examination

 

Any new carious teeth (dmft >0 or = 0)

Dichotomous

Dental examination

Caries free child

dmft = 0 or >0

Dichotomous

Dental examination

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

Change in parental efficacy**

   

Diet

View on the statement “I can control my child from frequent snacking even when he/she cries for it.”

(1) Decreased;

Questionnaire

(2) No change;

(3) Increased

Oral hygiene

View on the statement “I can make sure my child’s teeth are brushed thoroughly twice a day even when I am very busy.”

(1) Decreased;

Questionnaire

(2) No change;

(3) Increased

Change in child’s dental behavior

   

Diet

Frequency of snacking per day

(1) Decreased;

Questionnaire

(2) No change;

(3) Increased

Oral hygiene

Frequency of toothbrushing per day

(1) Decreased;

Questionnaire

(2) No change;

(3) Increased

 

Silness-Löe Plaque Index

Continuous

Dental examination

  1. * dmft refers to decayed, missing, and filled teeth.
  2. **Parental efficacy was measured using five-point Likert scale questions (“strongly agree”, “agree”, “neutral”, “disagree”, and “strongly disagree”).