Caregiver behavior in teaching toothbrushing to early childhood in Surabaya City based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

Background: Early childhood dental caries remains a major public health problem in Indonesia. Children under five years of age depend heavily on adults for oral health practices, including toothbrushing. Due to increasing parental employment, caregiving responsibilities are often delegated to caregivers, whose behavior plays a critical role in shaping children’s oral hygiene habits. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) provides a framework for understanding factors that influence caregiver behavior.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze caregiver behavior in teaching toothbrushing to early childhood children in Surabaya City based on the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of early childhood children in Surabaya City. A total of 70 respondents were selected using cluster random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaire-based interviews. Statistical analysis was performed using the Spearman correlation test with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: Among the TPB variables, attitude and perceived behavioral control (PBC) showed a significant influence on caregivers’ intention to teach toothbrushing (p < 0.05). These factors were strongly associated with caregiver behavior in promoting toothbrushing practices in early childhood.

Conclusion: Attitude and perceived behavioral control are key determinants in strengthening caregivers’ intentions and behaviors in teaching toothbrushing to young children. Interventions aimed at improving these factors may enhance oral hygiene practices in early childhood.