Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Pregnant Women on Oral Health in the University Hospitals of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Knowledge of the relationship between pregnancy and oral health is a public health issue. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women regarding oral health in the University Hospital Centers (UHC) of Ouagadougou in 2023. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study from July to September 2023. Data were collected prospectively, and knowledge, attitude and practice scores were generated. A total of 400 pregnant women were included. The [25-34] age group was the most represented at 54%, and 56.3% of women were in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The majority had a secondary level school and didn’t have a treating dentist. More than half (51.2%) of the respondents had poor overall knowledge of the relationship between oral health and pregnancy, 76.3% had poor attitudes and 79.5% poor practices, resulting in a poor overall KAP level for their oral health (60.5%). There was a significant variation in KAP level according to level of education (p= 0.015) and according to the information received on oral health and its implications for pregnancy (p = 0.028). Pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding their oral health are inadequate. Most women were unaware of the potential consequences of oral health neglect on pregnancy and their unborn child. Efforts must be made to educate them about oral health, with a focus on prevention.