An Assessment of the Perceived Association between Oral Health and Pregnancy Outcomes in a Sample of Surveyed Doctors in Port Harcourt Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Misconceptions exist on the safety of dental care during pregnancy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge of medical practitioners on the relationship between oral health and pregnancy outcomes. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving resident doctors at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State Nigeria. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using IBM SPSS (New York, USA) statistics version 20.0. Frequency statistics and bivariate analysis were done and Chi-square test was used to test for statistical significance at the critical value p<0.05. Results: A total of 138 medical practitioners made up of 90 (65.2%) males and 48 (34.8%) females completed the questionnaire. Eighty five (62%) of the subjects were less than 35 years and 76 (55%) had practiced for less than 10 years. Approximately 53% of the subjects would advise patients to visit dentist during pregnancy. The sources of information were medical journal, 58%; medical curriculum, 46%; clinical teaching, 52% and internet, 35%. The majority 117 (85%) of the participants believed there was a possible connection between oral health and pregnancy outcomes, whereas 86 (62.3%) were ignorant that it was safe to carryout dental treatment during pregnancy. Gender, age and years of practice were significant determinant for advising dental visits. Conclusion: Approximately half of the medical practitioners would advise dental visits during pregnancy. Though majority of the participants were aware of the possible connection between oral health and pregnancy outcomes, they were ignorant of the impact of oral diseases on pregnancy outcomes and safety of dental care during pregnancy.