Einstein International Journal Organization(EIJO)

Background: There is plenty of literature suggesting the correlation between oral and periodontal health status and pregnancy in females. Conditions like periodontal diseases can result in premature delivery, low weight birth babies, still birth and pre- eclampsia. Awareness regarding Oral and Periodontal health care among pregnant women will result in improved oral health practices among mothers and new born.

Aim & Objective:   To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of oral and periodontal care among pregnant women

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted on 200 pregnant women. The study was a self-administered questionnaire based survey consisting of 26 questions related to demographic analysis  in the first domain and a structured interview questionnaire was used; included part A: assessment of knowledge about oral and periodontal health, part B: included pregnant women attitude toward oral and periodontal health, part C: reported practices of oral and periodontal health. During the study every pregnant female was provided with supplements of folic acid and calcium. Data were analysed by multiple logistic regression analysis using SPSS software 20.

Results: In referral to personal characteristics of the participated pregnant women, about three fourth of them were aged ≤30 years. The education of 64 (32.4%) pregnant ladies was primary, 82 (41.6%) pregnant ladies had secondary education while 51 (25.6%) pregnant ladies had graduate/post graduate education. Participants agreed positively to the statement stating that the foetus is absorbing calcium from mothers body resulting in weak tooth structure and education of the ladies (p<0.05).When asked about their daily brushing habit the results showed that there was statistical significant difference in practice score based on education level.

Conclusion: The study demonstrate poor level of oral health knowledge and attitude, the results have clearly revealed that women lack the knowledge of proper oral hygiene, periodontal disease and its effect on pregnancy outcomes. Thus, pregnant women need more information about oral health and prevention of gingival and periodontal disease.

Keywords: Oral health Knowledge, Pregnancy and Oral health, C - reactive protein, Pregnancy Gingivitis, Low Birth Weight (LBW) babies.

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