Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Study of Obstacles and Barriers to Changing Risky Eating Behaviors in Families of Children With Severe Early Childhood Caries (QUALIKIDS).

The QUALIKIDS study is looking into severe tooth decay in young children, which is a big health problem. Even after treatment under general anaesthesia to fix their teeth, many children get new decay because families struggle to change eating habits, especially cutting down on sugary foods. The study aims to understand the challenges families face in changing these habits and looking after their children's oral health. By talking to parents in interviews, researchers hope to discover what stops them from making these changes. This information will help create better support and advice tailored to families' needs, stopping children from needing repeated dental procedures.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2028

Early Childhood Caries

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a common but serious problem called "Early Childhood Caries." This is severe tooth decay that affects children under six years old. It can really impact a child's health and happiness, making it hard for them to eat and speak properly. Often, these young children need special treatment where doctors fix their teeth while they're asleep under general anaesthesia. While this treatment helps a lot, sadly, many children get new tooth decay quite quickly afterwards.

The main reason for this repeated problem is that it's often very difficult for families to change certain habits, especially how much sugar their child eats and drinks. Many families also might not have a lot of information about dental health, or they might find it hard to keep up with brushing and regular dental check-ups. Because of these challenges, the study wants to understand what makes it so hard for families to make these important changes to their children's diet and dental care.

Researchers will chat with parents through interviews to hear their experiences and understand the different things that get in the way. By gathering this information, the study hopes to learn how best to support families and provide tailored advice. The goal is to help prevent children from needing repeated tooth decay treatments and improve their long-term dental health and general well-being. They'll also compare families whose children have developmental differences with those who don't, to see if there are unique challenges.

Key takeaways

This study helps understand why severe tooth decay keeps happening in young children.
It aims to find out what makes it hard for families to change eating habits.
Your experiences as a parent are very important to this research.
Participation involves a single, recorded interview about your family's challenges.
All your information will be kept confidential and private.
Findings could lead to better support and advice for families in the future.

Who may be eligible?

Parents might be able to take part if their child is under 6 years old and has very severe tooth decay that needs treating under general anaesthesia. This treatment would be happening at specific dental clinics in France (Handiconsult ARA Ouest program at Estaing Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital or Riom Hospital).

It's important that parents are happy to talk about their experiences and agree for the conversation to be recorded. They also need to be able to understand and speak French to take part.

Parents whose children are in foster care, or who are under legal protection where someone else makes decisions for them, won't be able to join the study. Of course, if any parent doesn't want to take part, they simply won't. This study is completely voluntary.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child under 6 years old?
Does your child have severe tooth decay needing treatment under general anaesthesia?
Is your child receiving this treatment at the Handiconsult ARA Ouest clinic (Estaing Clermont-Ferrand or Riom Hospital)?
Are you able to speak and understand French?
Are you willing to discuss your experiences openly in an interview?
Are you happy for the interview to be audio recorded?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first be given information about the study and have any questions answered. If you're happy to go ahead, you'll have a recorded chat, called a semi-structured interview, with one of the researchers. This interview will be in person and will explore your experiences and challenges regarding your child's eating habits and dental care. The interviews are designed to encourage open discussion.

One or both parents can take part in this interview. The interviews are recorded so that the researchers can accurately review what was said. All identifying information (like names) will be removed from the recording before it's written down, and the recordings are destroyed soon after. There are no medications involved and no additional follow-up appointments after the interview itself. The total duration of your involvement would be just for this one interview session.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study offers the benefit of sharing your experiences, which can directly help researchers understand how to better support other families facing similar challenges. There are no direct medical risks, and your honesty is valuable. The main potential inconvenience is the time taken for the interview. You are always free to pause or stop the interview at any time, and you can withdraw from the study without giving a reason, which will not affect your child's treatment or care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Clermont-Ferrand
Verified postcode
Clermont-Ferrand, France

Common questions

What is 'Early Childhood Caries'?

It's a serious form of tooth decay that affects very young children, usually under six years old.

Why is this study focusing on eating habits?

Sugary foods and drinks are a major cause of tooth decay, and it's often hard for families to change these habits, even after children have had dental treatment.

Will my child receive any special treatment if I join?

No, the study is about understanding parents' experiences, not providing direct treatment. Your child will receive standard care for their dental needs.

Is my privacy protected during the interview?

Yes, all identifying details like your name or your child's name will be removed from the interview recordings and written notes. The recordings are also destroyed after they are written down.

Do I have to speak French to participate?

Yes, to ensure clear communication and accurate collection of information, parents need to be able to understand and speak French to take part.

How to find out more

Lise Laclautre

promo_interne_drci@chu-clermontferrand.fr +33473754963 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.