A cross-sectional study of the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of obstetricians, gynecologists, and dentists regarding oral health care during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Beijing-based obstetricians, gynecologists, and dentists regarding oral health care during pregnancy and to analyze their influencing factors.

METHODS

Questionnaires drawn from an existing research instrument and modified according to the current situation in China were distributed to obstetricians, gynecologists, and dentists in Beijing by mail or on-site. The questionnaire asked about the participants' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding oral health care. A χ2 test was used to compare distributional differences of the participants' epidemiological characteristics, and Fisher's exact test was used to calculate the consent rate of consultations for oral health and pregnancy and the safety awareness rate of oral treatment and drug use during pregnancy. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the factors affecting the participants' knowledge of maternal oral health care.

RESULTS

A total of 259 dentists and 146 obstetricians/gynecologists were included in the study. The results showed that 98.61% of obstetricians and gynecologists and 99.22% of dentists recognized the importance of oral health care during pregnancy. However, 79.17% of obstetricians and gynecologists thought they lacked knowledge of oral health care during pregnancy. All obstetricians, gynecologists, and dentists believed that the cost of treatment was one of the main barriers to offering oral health care during pregnancy. Dentists believed that medical disputes were their primary concern. Only a small number of doctors provided oral health care during pregnancy. The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that the professional title of doctor was negatively correlated with knowledge of maternal oral health care.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that there is still a lack of knowledge regarding oral health care during pregnancy, which impacts the attitudes and behaviors of obstetricians, gynecologists, and dentists. Industry authorities should issue unified guidelines to strengthen the continued education of medical staff.