Knowledge about sucking habits. Elaboration, validation and application of an online questionnaire: an exploratory...

This exploratory study aimed to assess the population's knowledge about sucking habits (SHs).

An observational study was developed using data collection through an electronic questionnaire, which had previously been elaborated and validated and was sent to the general population (over 18 years of age) through social media and message applications. The validity of the convergent and discriminant construct, reliability, and internal consistency of the data were evaluated in order to validate the questionnaire's acceptability. The influence of sociodemographic factors - being a mother/father and SH history concerning the participants' average knowledge on the issue - was evaluated through linear regression (α=0.05).

The questionnaire showed good acceptability and discriminating properties (p<0.05), strong construct validity (r=0.62), satisfactory reliability (Cronbach's alpha =0.72), and replicability (ICC=0.89). In total, 294 participants were included and presented an average of 5.21 [± 2.04] correct answers. After linear regression, participants who only worked in health areas and who had only one child continued to present greater knowledge about SHs (p<0.05).

It can therefore be concluded that the knowledge of the population concerning SH is insufficient and further studies, as well as strategies for education, guidance, and dissemination of information regarding SHs should be conducted.