Prenatal oral health literacy status: a survey on patient’s perception and awareness among health care professionals

Abstract

Pregnancy is characterized by complex physiological changes which may adversely affect the oral health and pregnancy outcomes. This study reports a survey on assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice behaviours of gynaecologists and oral health care professionals towards prenatal oral care and barriers limiting the utilization of prenatal oral care health care to pregnant women. The study population comprised of 3 groups: A- Gynaecologists, B- oral health care professionals and C – Pregnant women, 100 in each group. The prevalidated questionnaire included questions about their knowledge, attitude, beliefs and practices regarding oral health care for pregnant women. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA test and Pearson’s correlation test. The response rate was 100%. Regarding the association of periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, Group A (75%) have high degree of knowledge than B (61%) and C (36%) but the attitude and practice behaviors were significantly high in Group B as compared to Group A and Group C Two-thirds of respondents in both Group A and B (75%) were interested in receiving continuing dental education (CDE) regarding the care of pregnant women.The self-assessed maternal barriers evaluated in this study were lack of knowledge, lack of perceived need.