Evaluation of knowledge and oral healthcare practices among pregnant women in Pristina, Kosovo

Abstract

Background. Pregnancy is an important period in a woman's life characterized by numerous physiological changes that can affect their oral health. For effective results, concerns about oral health during pregnancy should be checked and managed. Aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and reported practices regarding oral health among pregnant women in Pristina. Method. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, conducted in Pristina with a sample of 251 pregnant women treated at the University Clinical Center of Gynecology, in the Antenatal Care Department. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, women's knowledge of oral health, attitude toward oral health on the Likert Scale, and oral health practices. Results. The study revealed that 70.11% of the interviewed women were aged ≥25 years, and 46.2% of them were from rural areas. Unemployed women comprised 66.1% of the studied group, and 45.41% of pregnant women were educated. The study results indicate that 54% of the surveyed women know about oral health. Less than half, 27.9%, agreed on the importance of dental check-ups during the first trimester, and about 35.9% lacked knowledge that poor oral hygiene could cause premature birth. The majority, 54%, of surveyed women brush their teeth more than once a day. Discussion. The lack of professional knowledge is high, and most pregnant women need more information regarding this issue. Additionally, dental examinations are not performed on mothers, making it impossible to determine their current dental treatment needs. Conclusion. Pregnant women's knowledge appears deficient in almost all variables included in the study, despite the majority choosing the correct alternative, a significant percentage of them responded with “don't know”.