Exploring the awareness among midwives and midwifery students regarding oral health knowledge and practices during pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: Oral health is a vital aspect of a mother’s overall well-being during pregnancy. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy can increase the risk of periodontal disease and caries and can also pose risks to the baby such as preterm birth, low birth weight and early childhood caries. Midwives, being the primary healthcare providers in close contact with pregnant women, have a crucial role in promoting oral health during pregnancy. Having good knowledge about oral health during pregnancy will help increase the awareness about oral hygiene practices, prevent complications and promote adequate dental referrals to expectant mothers. The involvement of midwives in promoting oral health will empower mothers, improving outcomes and quality of life. Aim: The aim of this research is to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practice of midwives and midwifery students regarding oral health care during pregnancy and to investigate whether there are any differences in oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices among the four different years of practice experience groups. Namely, students, those with less than 10 years of experience, 11-20 years of experience and those with more than 21 years of work experience. Results: An online questionnaire was distributed to 79 participants (28 midwifery students and 51 qualified midwives). Results showed a marginal difference in the oral health practices and attitudes towards pregnant women among the different groups of years of experience. Conclusion: It has been concluded that there is a gap in oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices towards pregnant women among the different groups. The midwives with greater years of experience showed the best knowledge, attitudes and practices with respect to oral health during pregnancy when compared to the other groups. Students were the highest group with the most negative outcomes with respect to practices and attitudes. The importance of oral health education, curricula and training is essential among all groups to create a better understanding and promotion of oral health during pregnancy.