Oral Health Knowledge and Practices among Pregnant Women in a Teaching Hospital in North-West, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Oral health is an important component of general health and should be maintained during pregnancy and through a woman’s lifespan. Pregnancy is a special state which results in physiological changes which also manifest in the woman’s oral health. Preventive dental care at the primary level will broaden the scope of pre-natal care.  The objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practices of oral health among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna.

Methods: The study was carried out at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna from January to June 2018. Questionnaires were administered to 320 pregnant women who consented, to get information on demographic and reproductive characteristics, oral health knowledge and practices. Intraoral examinations were also performed.

Results: The results showed that the majority of the respondents were within 26-33 years of age (45.3%), had secondary school education (45.95%), Hausa (57.09%) by tribe, were into various business women (48.6%).  However, a very high number had never visited the dentist (n=134, 45.3%) and this was affected by parity.

Conclusion: More pregnant women need to be educated on proper oral health care, to improve pregnancy outcome.