Factors Associated to the Search for Dental Care in High Risk Pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: Conducting dental consultations during pregnancy is considered an important challenge in the context of Maternal and Child Health Policies, as it is surrounded by myths rooted among users and health professionals. In this sense, it is important to identify barriers and facilitators to the search for dental assistance in this period, in order to support strategies that make this practice feasible. Objective: To analyze the search for dental care during high-risk pregnancies, according to sociodemographic, gestational and health characteristics. Methods: Observational study with a cross-sectional design, carried out with high-risk pregnant women referred to a teaching hospital in southern Brazil, from January to May 2018. Data collection was performed using an unprecedented structured form and considered as a dependent variable the search for dental care during pregnancy and as independent variables sociodemographic, gestational and dental characteristics. Pearson's chi-square association test and Fisher's exact test were used. Results: To reach the sample of 190 pregnant women at high gestational risk, a total of 230 women considered valid were approached, counting on the following losses: refusal to participate (n=23), no answer to any question (n=10), duplicity in participant approach (n=7). Advanced maternal age (p=0.000) and history of premature birth in previous pregnancies (p=0.047) were factors associated with a lower frequency of seeking dental care in the current pregnancy. On the other hand, the habit of dental consultation prior to the gestational period (p=0.001), the knowledge about the importance of this monitoring (p=0.050), as well as the safety (p=0.000) in performing dental prenatal care, were related positively to the search during pregnancy. Conclusion: Specific incentive strategies and access to dental prenatal care are necessary to neutralize barriers that may compromise the search for oral health services during pregnancy. For this reason, identifying the facilitators and hinders to the dental service is essential for planning effective actions related to prenatal care.