The Role of Maternal Perception Based on The Health Belief Model in Oral Health Behavior and Dental Caries Occurrence Among Young Children with Stunting: A Systematic Review

Intan Putri Cahyanti¹, Gilang Rasuna Sabdho Wening^2*

Abstract

Stunting and Early Childhood Caries (ECC) remain major public health problems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Maternal perception plays a crucial role in determining children’s oral health behaviors because mothers are the primary caregivers and decision-makers in the family. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the role of maternal perception based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in influencing children’s oral health behavior, dental caries occurrence, and its relationship with stunting. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Twenty eligible primary studies published between 2021 and 2025 were identified from the ScienceDirect database based on predefined inclusion criteria and analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach. The findings indicate that the HBM constructs perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy significantly influence maternal oral health practices, including supervising toothbrushing, using fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary food consumption, and utilizing preventive dental services. These preventive behaviors are consistently associated with a lower incidence of Early Childhood Caries. Furthermore, untreated dental caries may contribute to stunting through impaired nutritional intake, chronic inflammation, and growth disruption. In conclusion, maternal perception based on the Health Belief Model is an important determinant of children’s oral health behavior and may indirectly support stunting prevention. Integrating family-based oral health promotion into maternal and child health programs could improve both oral health and child growth outcomes.

Keywords

health belief model; maternal perception; oral health behavior; early childhood caries; stunting

Cite This Article

Cahyanti, I. P., Wening, G. R. S. (2026). The Role of Maternal Perception Based on The Health Belief Model in Oral Health Behavior and Dental Caries Occurrence Among Young Children with Stunting: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 7| Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2026, Pages 532-541 URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Volume7-Issue5-Sep-Oct-No.1073-532-541.pdf

Volume 7 | Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2026