The Effect of Family-Based Dental Nursing Care Through Home Visits on Mother’s Knowledge

Abstract

Oral health problems remain a challenge in Aceh Province, including Ateuk Pahlawan Village, Banda Aceh City. A survey conducted in October 2025 showed that all 73 children aged 6–12 years had dental caries. The high prevalence of dental caries among children may be influenced by mothers’ low knowledge regarding the maintenance of oral and dental health for children and families. One promotive approach to improve mothers’ knowledge is family-based dental nursing care through home visits. This study aimed to determine the effect of family-based dental nursing care through home visits on mothers’ knowledge in Ateuk Pahlawan Village, Banda Aceh City. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test with control group approach. The total sample consisted of 76 mothers. The research instrument used was a questionnaire sheet. The results showed an increase in mothers’ knowledge in the intervention group after receiving the home visit intervention, with the mean score increasing from 5.34 to 6.79. Statistical analysis indicated a significant improvement in knowledge in the intervention group (p<0.05), whereas no significant improvement was found in the control group. A significant difference in knowledge was also observed between the intervention and control groups after the intervention. It can be concluded that family-based dental nursing care through home visits has a significant effect on improving mothers’ knowledge in Gampong Ateuk Pahlawan, Banda Aceh City. This home-visit approach is recommended as a family based promotive preventive strategy to enhance community dental health