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Vulnerability related to oral health in early childhood: a concept analysis

Deborah J Mattheus1

  • 1School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. mattheus@hawaii.edu

Journal of Advanced Nursing
|July 15, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Children

Area of Science:

  • Oral health research
  • Child development studies
  • Public health policy

Background:

  • Poor oral health affects children globally.
  • Vulnerability is a key factor in poor pediatric oral health outcomes.
  • The complex nature of vulnerability hinders understanding and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the concept of vulnerability.
  • To explore the relationship between vulnerability and oral health in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review (2000-2009) across multiple disciplines.
  • Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis method was employed.
  • A social-ecological model framed the analysis, considering family and community influences.

Main Results:

  • Vulnerability in early childhood oral health is influenced by family and community factors.
  • Key attributes include limited parental income, education, community services, and fluoride exposure.
  • Exposure to negative parental behaviors and toxins, alongside limited protection, increases vulnerability.

Conclusions:

  • Limited protection elevates children's vulnerability and risk of poor oral health.
  • Nurses can mitigate vulnerability through parent education, community engagement, and policy advocacy.
  • Understanding vulnerability is crucial for improving pediatric oral health outcomes.
Abstract

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