Desenvolvimento e validação de conteúdo de um instrumento para avaliação do letramento em saúde bucal de gestantes sobre cuidados com bebês de 0 a 6 meses

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire-type instrument for pregnant women who use the Family Health Strategy (FHS) to assess their knowledge about the oral health of babies aged 0 to 6 months. To this end, a methodological study was conducted using a qualitative and quantitative approach, from May to December 2023, in three stages: bibliographic survey; preparation of the survey of pregnant women; and content validation. According to the literature, health literacy consists of the ability to obtain and process information for appropriate decisions in life. Oral health literacy is crucial to prevent problems and ensure healthy development from the first years of life. From the study, eight thematic categories emerged, from which 63 multiple-choice items were developed for the initial version of the survey. The results were evaluated by the judges based on four criteria: clarity, coherence, sufficiency, and relevance. Regarding the 103 suggestions made by the judges, each comment was read and accepted if consistent with the current literature. The final version of the questionnaire consisted of 64 multiple-choice questions that covered the following items: access to information, understanding of information, evaluation of information, memorization of information, and application of information. The topics covered were: breastfeeding, harmful oral habits, oral lesions and changes, medical, nursing, and dental appointments. In the end, it was found that the validity of the questionnaire content was the first step toward an instrument that could support the development of educational strategies and oral health promotion within the ESF, contributing to a better quality of life for babies in their first 6 months of life together with their mothers.