Women’s Health
Physician perceptions on oral health for pregnant women: Bangladesh perspective Nabhira Aftabi Binte Islam* Nabhira Aftabi Binte Islam
Background
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can have an impact on dental health. Obstetricians are crucial in providing advice on dental issues and collaborating with dental surgeons to ensure safe and optimal care. This study aimed to investigate obstetricians’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dental care for pregnant women in Bangladesh.
Methods
A cross-sectional study involving 211 obstetricians, trainees, and residents was conducted in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Chittagong, and Khulna Divisions of Bangladesh from July 1 to December 19, 2023. Eight medical colleges, comprising an equal number of public and private, were randomly selected to ensure a balanced representation across divisions.
Results
Three-quarters of respondents recognized a connection between hormonal changes and an increased risk of gum diseases, while 28.4% highlighted that gum diseases are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, 87.7% acknowledged a connection between maternal oral health and other health conditions. Additionally, 87.2% of obstetricians advised pregnant mothers to brush twice daily, and 90% recommended dental consultations for tooth and gum problems. However, 52% did not routinely provide oral health advice to expectant mothers. Furthermore, 61.6% reported that their undergraduate curriculum does not include pregnancy-related oral health information. Significant positive associations were also found between standardized knowledge scores and the respondents’ age, job experience, and education and between standardized attitude scores and age and job experience.
Conclusion
Oral health education for obstetricians is essential for improving dental care for expectant mothers. Continuous professional development can enhance their knowledge and practices, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for mothers and babies