North Indian Population Research Articles

Evaluation of microalbuminuria in patients with hypertension from North Indian population: A case-control study

Introduction: Microalbuminuria has recently emerged as an early marker of hypertension induced target organ damage. Microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients may act as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Objective:The aim of the study is to evaluate the levels of microalbuminuria in hypertensive (HT) patients and normotensive (NT) control subjects. Materials and Methods:In this case-control study, 42 HT patients and 42 age and gender matched NT controls were enrolled. Body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) was measured by standard protocol. Urinary microalbumin and creatinine were estimated in spot urine sample of all subjects using commercially available kit. Chi-square test, unpaired t test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for Statistical analysis. The p-value Results:In this study, results showed that more than half of the HT patients have smoking habits (59.3%), alcoholic habits (71.4%) and family history of HT (73.8%), which is significantly higher as compared to NT controls (p=0.02, p=0.004, p=0.02, respectively). Anthropometric parameters height, weight and BMI were found significantly higher in HT patients as compared to NT controls (p=0.01, p=0.007, p=0.001, respectively). Mean of SBP and DBP were also found significantly higher in HT patients than NT controls (p=0.001, p=0.001, respectively). Urinary microalbumin, urinary creatinine and albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) were found significantly higher in HT patients as compared to NT controls (p=0.02, p=0.01, p=0.02, respectively). Correlation of various anthropometric and clinical parameters showed that ACR have significantly positive correlation with age in HT patients (r=0.364, pnegative correlation with age in HT patients, but not significant (r= -0.027). Similarly, ACR also have negative correlation with BMI, SBP and DBP in HT patients (r= -0.068, r= -0.145, r= -0.219, respectively), but these are not significant. Conc

Evaluation of clinical response and efficiency of laser treatment for removing or significantly improving in facial nevi in north Indian population

Introduction: Melanocytic nevus is commonly occurring condition in Indian subjects. We investigate the clinical response and efficiency of laser for removing facial melanocytic nevi. Materials and Methods: The present study comprised 98 patients in which 52 are females and 46 are males with age 12 to 57 years. These patients with different Nevus were treated with different laser for a period of 38 months. Patients had skin types 4 and 5 and 6 based on fitzpatrick skin type. The results were documented and clinical photographs were taken before and after completion of treatments. Results: good-to-excellent results were presented by 96% patients. All subjects completed the study and the follow-up visits. Treatment was well tolerated overall by all participants, with no major adverse events. Out of 98 patients 20 patients received one or two session of treatment in which 10 were received very satisfactory result, 6 patients received good result and 3 received fair result. Out of 98 patients 38 patients had 95% clearance and 24 had 90% clearance of nevi with treatment sessions ranging from 3-8. Conclusion: we recommend that in cases of nevus in Indian patients, Q-switched Nd: YAG, Er: YAG, Intensive Pulsed Laser (IPL) and Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) are easy-to perform, safe and effective treatment. Good results were taken after laser treatment on nevi, on an average 96% of the patients received good-to-excellent results. Keywords: Q-switched Nd: YAG laser, Er: YAG, Pulsed dye laser, Intensive pulsed laser facial nevus, Melanocytic nevi

Study of gender determination in living adult male and female subjects by evaluating the size of sternum about north Indian population

Introduction: The gender determination from the skeletal remains is of very much interest in the field of medical science. Ashley GT -1956b formulated the 149 rule according to which a male sternum exceeded 149mm in length whereas the female sternum was less than 149mm. on the basis of previous researcher I have been planned to verify the external data and establish them in reference to population in and around Lucknow. With the help of this study we were distinguishes the male and female sternum bone in north zone of India as well as Uttar Pradesh. Materials and Methods: The above mentioned measurements have been further use to calculate various sternal dimensions and indices according to the technique described by Ashley. Each linear measurement has been taken thrice on the anatomical position of the sternum using Mitutoyo-digital vernier calipers to the nearest millimeter with precision of 0.01 mm. Discussion: This study was fully supported the previous researchers, who has done the work in morphometry of sternum bone in cadaver and skeletal of human, because they told that the sterna has distinguish in different zone of India, as well as it is shorter than European country. Conclusion: The comparison of mean length of manubrium, mesosternum and sternum ranged from 40.39-71.31 mm, 83.49-129.97 mm and 150.21-170.39 mm respectively in adult male (16-60yrs) where as in adult female ranged from 23.79-60.35 mm, 68.33-122.42 mm and 116.36-148.92 mm respectively. Keywords: Sternum bone, Gender determination, Length of manubrium, Length of mesostenum.

Age and gender related prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in North Indian population

Age and gender related prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in North Indian population

Estimation of stature from femur length in north Indian male population

Estimation of stature from femur length in north Indian male population

Frequency analysis of HLA-B allele in leukemia patients from a North Indian population: A case-control study

BackgroundHLA-B gene is reported to have the highest number of allelic variants among the other HLA class I genes. It is suggested that the HLA-B gene has a particular ability to affect the activity of some immune responses mainly those related to lymphoproliferative neoplasia triggered by intracellular pathogens. Although, several studies have been conducted to study HLA polymorphism and distribution of HLA alleles in different populations and ethnic groups, the scarcity of comparable findings in India encouraged us to examine the possible HLA-B leukemia association in the North Indian population. ObjectiveTo determine the allelic frequencies of HLA-B and their association with leukemia in a North Indian population. Material and methodsA total of 583 patients (case) diagnosed with leukemia as well as 1188 healthy individuals (control) were studied for a period of 4 years (February 2015–March 2019). All these samples (cases and controls) were typed for HLA-B allele by polymerase chain reaction- sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (PCR-SSOP) method based on Luminex platform. ResultsWe found an increased frequency of HLA-B*07:02 (5.75% versus 4.42%) in cases as compared to the control group. Similarly, frequency of HLA-B*15:01 (2.3% versus 1.38%), B*15:25 (0.43% versus 0.08%), B*18:01 (3.60% versus 2.81%) and B*44:03 (8.75% versus 6.01%) were found to be increased in cases as compared to the controls. These results suggest that HLA-B*15:25 (p = 0.048, OR = 4.49, 95% CI), 38:02 (p = 0.002, OR = 3.97, 95% CI), 44:03 (p = 0.003, OR = 1.48, 95% CI) have a positive association whereas HLA-B*08:01 (p ≤0.001, OR = 0.48, 95% CI) has a negative association with leukemia. ConclusionsOur results provide the first evidence of the HLA-B allele association with leukemia in the North Indian population. Further, it is suggested that HLA-B*15:25, B*38:02, and HLA-B*44:03 alleles may play a presumptive predisposing factor while the HLA-B*08: 01 allele could be a protective genetic factor against leukemia in the North Indian population.

Surgical Anatomy of the Glenoid Cavity and Its Use in Shoulder Arthroplasty Among the North Indian Population.

Background and objectiveThe head of the humerus articulates with the glenoid cavity (GC) to form the shoulder joint. Understanding the various shapes and sizes of GC is important not only to analyse the stability of the glenohumeral joint but also to design prostheses for shoulder arthroplasty. Morphometric data on GC among the North Indian population is scarce. Hence, the aim of this study was to provide morphological and morphometric data on GC among the North Indian population.MethodsThis study was conducted in the department of anatomy of two medical colleges using undamaged dry scapulae. The shapes of GC and supero-inferior (SI) and maximum anteroposterior diameters above and below the notch were recorded. Statistical analysis and Student's t-test were carried out to identify statistically significant differences in diameters of the two sides of GC.ResultsThe most common and least common shapes of GC were pear and inverted comma shapes respectively. The mean SI glenoid diameter was 33.6 ± 3.2 mm. The mean of H1 and H2 diameter was 23.6 ± 3.1 and 15.3 ± 2.1 mm respectively. The mean GC indices on the right and left sides were 72.16 and 68.14 respectively. In all of the above measurements, bilateral differences were not statistically significant (p-values of ˃0.05).ConclusionsThe morphometric data on GC may be used to design prostheses for shoulder arthroplasty among the North Indian population. The information is also useful in detecting various pathological conditions of the shoulder like rotator cuff disease, osteochondral defects, and Bankart lesions.

Analysis of HLA-B allele polymorphism in North Indian population: Experience at tertiary care centre

BackgroundThe diverse polymorphism among human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and its association with genetic population structure, transplantation immunology and with different disease pathology has been the objective of several studies. Since, HLA-B shows various polymorphic forms in comparison to others among the HLA class I molecules, therefore, studies correlating to the diversity, occurrence and compositions of HLA allele in a particular population may be a useful tool for transplantation and anthropological studies as well. ObjectiveTo determine and analyze the distribution of HLA-B allele polymorphism in North Indian population and understand its uniqueness and diversity in comparison to other parts of the globe. Material and methodsIn this study, sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (SSOP) typing of the HLA-B locus along with a comprehensive analysis of its allele polymorphism and distribution of all collected 1188 normal individuals were performed. ResultsIn the studied samples, a total of 60 HLA-B allele variants were identified. HLA-B*15 was having a maximum number of allelic variants (13), followed by HLA-B*35 (5), B*40 (5) and B*27 (4). HLA-B*08:01 (10.39%), B*40:06 (9.46%), B*51:01 (9.38%), 35:03 (7.99%) and B*52:01(6.52%) were found to be the most frequent HLA-B allele. A total of 376 HLA-B allelic combinations (genotypes) were identified. The most frequent genotypic combination identified were HLA*B-08:01–40:06 (1.94%) and B*40:06–51:01(1.94%) followed by HLA-B*08:01–51:01(1.77%) and 08:01–08:01 (1.68%). ConclusionPresent population-based study highlights the diversity of HLA-B allele distribution, polymorphism and its uniqueness when compared to other parts of the globe. The HLA-B diversity among North Indian population exhibits its own characteristic and uniqueness from rest of the world. Our study also demonstrates the importance of studying such types of profiling of HLA genes in detail which will not only help in identification but also in selection of most compatible donor for matched unrelated stem cell transplant in addition to solid organ transplant.

Peopling of Rajasthan, India: Evaluating the gene flow from east and west

Rajasthan is a state located in the north-western part of India and it has been cited as a major route of human migration since ancient times. The present study was conducted to find out the genetic affinity of Rajasthani population with the population living in its east as well as the west. In particular, we compared them with the population of Pakistan which shares the common geographical boundary with the Rajasthan while also having a look at their inter and intra population affinities with the population belonging to other Indian states. We investigated the genetic structure and population parameters of Rajasthani populations obtained for twenty polymorphic autosomal STR loci from 669 unrelated individuals belonging to its three population groups including Mina, Gujjar and the admixed population of Rajasthan. The studied populations showed a wide range of genetic diversity and besides the genetic structure of the studied populations, it was found that the average heterozygosity value was highest among the populations of Rajasthan, possibly, because of gene flow from different directions. Various statistical analyses suggested that the Rajasthani populations had a higher affinity with the North Indian populations rather than with the Pakistani population.

Association of resistin (rs3745367) and urotensin II (rs228648 and rs2890565) gene polymorphisms with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Indian population.

Insulin resistance may become the most powerful predictor of future development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a therapeutic target for the treatment of the same. Both Resistin, an adipose derived peptide hormone and Urotensin II a potent vasoconstrictor, are reported to be involved in the development of insulin resistance and T2DM but the results remain contradictory. Therefore, investigations were carried out to study the association of T2DM and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in Resistin (RETN) gene at rs3745367 (+ 299 G > A) and Urotensin II (UTS2) gene at rs228648 (+ 143 G > A) and rs2890565 (+ 3836 C > T) in a North Indian population. Method: The present case-control study, conducted from August 2017 to July 2020, involved 168 T2DM patients and 102 healthy controls. SNPs rs3745367, rs228648 and rs2890565 were amplified from genomic DNA in the studied samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. The amplified products were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using particular restriction endonucleases. Clinical parameters viz. glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHL) and fasting insulin were determined by enzymatic methods. Result and conclusion: A statistically significant association between T2DM and RETN gene at SNP rs3745367 (p = 0.001) and UTS2 gene at SNP rs2890565 (p = 0.001) was observed. In RETN gene SNP rs3745367, insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were found to be higher in GA + AA combined genotype than in GG genotype for T2DM subjects. Regression analysis revealed that SNP rs2890565 and HOMA-IR were independently associated with the risk of development of T2DM when three SNPs were taken as independent variable adjusted for clinical variables. Among four haplotypes, A/T was found associated with increased risk of T2DM as determined for rs228648 and rs2890565 of UTS2 gene. It can be concluded from these results that polymorphism at rs3745367 of RETN gene and at rs2890565 of UTS2 gene are associated with risk of T2DM in North Indian population.

Identification of sex using discriminant function analysis of fingerprint ridge density at three topological areas among North Indian population

The present study attempted to identify sex of an individual using a fingerprint ridge density at three topological areas in the North Indian population. The study population consisted of 134 males and 136 females aged 17 to 25 years (mean age 19.34±2.12). Ridge density (RD) at radial, ulnar and proximal topological areas of the distal phalanges were determined on the surface area of 25mm2. Fingerprint ridge density in a defined area was significantly higher among females as compared to their male counterparts at radial, ulnar and proximal topological areas for both hands. Sexual dimorphic ratio also supported this trend for all three counting areas in right and left hands. Univariate discriminant function analysis explained that the left 2 radial (L2R) (88.1%) had the highest percentage of accuracy for sex identification, followed by the left 3 ulnar (L3U) (82.1%) and the right 2 ulnar (R2U) (81.6%). Multivariate discriminant function analysis showed that the radial topological area of the left hand was the best predictor of sex with the overall accuracy of 84.4%with following discriminant function equation −8.263 − 0.236(L1R) + + 0.321(L2R) + 0.269(L3R) + 0.268(L4R) − 0.067(L5R).
 It can be inferred that ridge density in the radial topological area of left hand is the most reliable tool for identifying the sex of an individual.

Spatial cluster analysis of invasive typhoidal Salmonella infections from paediatric population in North India

Spatial cluster analysis of invasive typhoidal Salmonella infections from paediatric population in North India

The unmet needs of PCPNDT act in the women of the general population in North India

Background: Government of India has taken measures to stabilize the sex ratio by introducing Pre-Conception and Pre-natal diagnostic techniques act (PCPNDT). Despite various amendments, awareness about the act amongst women appears suboptimal. Present study was aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding PCPNDT act in women attending tertiary care hospital and to determine the lacunae regarding its implementation.Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted by Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Total of 1000 women were included and a pre-designed questionnaire was used to get information regarding socio-demographic details and to assess the knowledge and attitude towards the PCPNDT Act. Data was analyzed using Statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) 16.0.Results: In the present study, 75% women were in the age group 21-40 years and were Hindus. Only 25% (n=256) knew about PC-PNDT act. Majority of the subjects (n=880, 88%) had no knowledge that the doctors are also punishable. Attitude of women was also not a benchmark as 40 % women were keen to know the sex of their unborn child and 66% of the participants said that having a male was important for the family.Conclusions: The knowledge about PC‑PNDT act was below the expected standards. The attitude of women towards sex determination of unborn child and sociocultural influences favoring male child are still deeply rooted in society. Active involvement of media, social workers and health staff for dissemination of information to the public and to bring change in attitude of women is the need of the hour.

Evaluation of Lip Position in Esthetically Pleasing Profiles Using Different Reference Lines: A Photographic Study

The aim of this article is to assess the lip position using five different reference lines in individuals with a pleasing profile. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 200 subjects chosen from the local North Indian population. Non-growing subjects, between the age group of 18 years and 25 years with a pleasing facial profile were screened for the study via a questionnaire-based method to confirm their North Indian ancestry (history of past two generations from North India). All subjects included in the study gave their due consent to be a part of the study. The following conclusions were derived: Norms for the horizontal lip position were derived for the North Indian population. Upper lip position in relation to S1 (Steiner’s) line and Ricketts’ E line showed females having protrusive lips, while S2 (Sushner’s) line showed protrusive upper lip in males. S1 (Steiner’s) line, showing protrusive lower lip in females. The norms derived in this study showed statistically significant difference with retrusive upper and lower lips when compared to normative values of Ricketts’ E plane and retrusive lower lip when compared to normative values of Sushner’s line. Sushner’s S2 line showed the maximum stability and consistency; hence, it is the line of choice to judge the sagittal lip positions in profile analysis.

Utilization of antenatal care services in rural population of north India: a cross sectional study

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is an opportunity to encourage a positive pregnancy experience and improved maternal and child survival. Care in the antenatal period is also essential for supporting the long-term growth and development of the child. ANC visits are vital for providing counselling to mothers about the care they should take during pregnancy and in preparation for childbirth. The principal objective of the study was to evaluate the utilization of antenatal care services in rural population of North India.Methods: The present community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 mothers over a period of Eight months. A semi structured, pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection, the statistical data was recorded and analysed using by the SPSS Software.Results: In present study all the pregnancies had ANC registration and 20.5% of them had ≥4 ANC visits. 91% of the mothers received Iron and Folic Acid supplementation while 95% of mothers immunized with adequate dose of Tetanus Toxoid. With regards to the type of delivery 87.5% were normal vaginal deliveries and 75.5% were occurred at health facility. The length of stay in the hospital was less than 2 days in 55% of deliveries and 52% of the mothers received cash assistance for institutional delivery by the government under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) scheme.Conclusions: The present study showed low utilization of full antenatal care services and JSY Scheme among the mothers. There is need to educate and council the mother and their family by health personnel regarding significance of utilization of antenatal services.

Clinical and microbial spectrum of community-acquired pneumonia in children of north India.

We compared the clinical, radiological and microbial profile in children suffering from community-acquired pneumonia in rural populations of north India. A total of 125 such children were divided into two age groups of 2-12 months (Group A) and 13-60 months (Group B). After taking a history and clinical examination, routine investigations including full blood count, blood, urine, and nasopharyngeal swab culture and radiology were performed. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae was carried out. Failure to eat or drink was more common (40.9%) in Group A, than Group B (18.7%). Lung consolidation was more common in Group B. Blood and urine culture were found to be more positive in Group A while combined nasopharyngeal culture and multiplex polymerase chain reaction favoured more bacterial growth in Group B.

NGS-based expanded carrier screening for genetic disorders in North Indian population reveals unexpected results \u2013 a pilot study

BackgroundTo determine the carrier frequency and pathogenic variants of common genetic disorders in the north Indian population by using next generation sequencing (NGS).MethodsAfter pre-test counselling, 200 unrelated individuals (including 88 couples) were screened for pathogenic variants in 88 genes by NGS technology. The variants were classified as per American College of Medical Genetics criteria. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were subjected to thorough literature-based curation in addition to the regular filters. Variants of unknown significance were not reported. Individuals were counselled explaining the implications of the results, and cascade screening was advised when necessary.ResultsOf the 200 participants, 52 (26%) were found to be carrier of one or more disorders. Twelve individuals were identified to be carriers for congenital deafness, giving a carrier frequency of one in 17 for one of the four genes tested (SLC26A4, GJB2, TMPRSS3 and TMC1 in decreasing order). Nine individuals were observed to be carriers for cystic fibrosis, with a frequency of one in 22. Three individuals were detected to be carriers for Pompe disease (frequency one in 67). None of the 88 couples screened were found to be carriers for the same disorder. The pathogenic variants observed in many disorders (such as deafness, cystic fibrosis, Pompe disease, Canavan disease, primary hyperoxaluria, junctional epidermolysis bullosa, galactosemia, medium chain acyl CoA deficiency etc.) were different from those commonly observed in the West.ConclusionA higher carrier frequency for genetic deafness, cystic fibrosis and Pompe disease was unexpected, and contrary to the generally held view about their prevalence in Asian Indians. In spite of the small sample size, this study would suggest that population-based carrier screening panels for India would differ from those in the West, and need to be selected with due care. Testing should comprise the study of all the coding exons with its boundaries in the genes through NGS, as all the variants are not well characterized. Only study of entire coding regions in the genes will detect carriers with adequate efficiency, in order to reduce the burden of genetic disorders in India and other resource poor countries.

Link between PON 1 gene mutation and recurrent miscarriage among women exposed to pesticides in North India is insignificant

Recurrent miscarriage is a loss of disconcerting disorder characterized by RPL (recurrent pregnancy loss) of pregnancy, affecting around 1-2% of couples trying to conceive. Exposure to pesticide affects spontaneous abortion, and infertility in women. Placental oxidative stress is often linked to miscarriage. Therefore, it is of interest to link PON1 (Q1922R) polymorphism with recurrent pregnancy loss. We selected 200 subjects in which 100 patients with RPL having consecutive 2 or more miscarriages and 100 healthy controls from the northern India for this study. Blood samples were collected for DNA isolation and further assessment. Genotyping of the Q1922R polymorphism was completed using the RFLP markers. The digested PCR product size was 99 bp (control). The heterozygous fragments were found to be 66 and 33 bp homozygous mutants. It was observed that allele frequency homozygous (TT) was more prevalent among control than the case groups among the healthy north-Indian population. However, heterozygous group (Tt) was more in cases compared to control groups as well as homozygous mutant was observed high in control in than case (CI-0.3 to 1.3).

An Anthropometric Study of Stature Estimation from Foot Morphometry in North Indian Population

Background and Objectives: The aim of present study is to find the correlation of foot morphometry withstature and to derive the regression equation for stature estimation among two endogamous (baniya and jats)groups of North India.Material and Method: The present study was carried out at Department of Anatomy, MMIMSR Mullana–Ambala, on 400 subjects(100 males,100 females of each group) belonging to known endogamous group(baniya and jats) of Haryana, age group ranged between 21-35 years. Height and foot length,foot breadth wasmeasured. Foot index was calculated. Statistical analysis including mean, standard deviation for stature andfoot morphometry of both sides were calculated separately for both sexes. Pearson’s correlation coefficientwas calculated to find correlation between stature and different foot morphometry .To estimate stature fromfoot morphometry linear regression analysis was done.Results: The mean and standard deviation for height in males was 173.68 ± 7.336 and in females was160.73 ± 10.049 with highly significant p value. The mean foot length,foot breadth of males was higher thanfemales with statistically significant p value. In males, the foot length and foot breadth of both sides havea highly significant correlation with height. In females the correlation of height was highly significant withfoot length, foot breadth and foot index among both the groups.Conclusion: A significant correlation coefficient was observed between height and foot length in males. Infemales, a significant correlation was observed between height and foot length and foot breadth. If either ofthe measurement is known(height or foot length/foot breadth), the other can be calculated. This would beuseful for Anthropologists and Forensic medicine experts.

Prevalence of myths regarding oral health among pregnant women in North India.

To study the prevalence of myths regarding oral health care in pregnant women in North Indian population. This cross-sectional study used a self-administered closed-ended questionnaire to assess oral healthcare related beliefs and practices in 400 pregnant women who reported for prenatal checkup in a tertiary healthcare centre in North India. The questionnaire included questions to elicit information on socio-demographic factors, beliefs and practices of oral hygiene during pregnancy, attitude towards dental problems occurring during pregnancy and the reasons associated with a specific belief. Prevalence of various myths was observed, and its associations with various socio-demographic factors, adverse pregnancy outcomes and dental symptoms were analysed. 84.2% of the respondents harboured at least one oral healthcare related myth. 63.4% of respondents deferred brushing for many days after delivery. 36.6% of respondents avoided consumption of hot/cold food and drinks during pregnancy due to fear of tooth loss. 24.5% of respondents believed local anaesthesia could affect baby's developing organs, and 21.8% of the studied population believed tooth extraction might cause miscarriage. Females possessing more myths were more likely to experience severe oral health problems during pregnancy. Education was depicted as a significant negative predictor of the prevalence of myths. No significant correlation between myths prevalence and history of adverse pregnancy outcomes was found. Neglect of oral health due to myths about oral hygiene practices and dental treatment during pregnancy is a serious concern. A very high prevalence of these myths is an obstacle to goal of optimal maternal and child health.