Cross-sectional survey on primary care medical doctors' practices on oral health care in pregnancy and its association with knowledge and attitude.

INTRODUCTION

Oral health care is an important indicator of the overall wellbeing of pregnant women. Optimizing the utilisation of dental care during pregnancy goes a long way in ensuring an improved and optimal pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the practices of primary care doctors on oral health care in pregnancy and its association with the level of knowledge and attitude.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted among primary care doctors in nine public health clinics in Petaling District. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practices related to oral health care in pregnancy was used.

RESULTS

A total of 138 primary care doctors participated in this study with a response rate of 98.0%. Most primary care doctors frequently advised patients not to delay dental visits until after pregnancy (84.8%), advised patients to see dentists (69.7%), and referred patients to dentists during pregnancy (63.6%). However, only 18.9% perform assessments routinely to detect oral health issues. The median (IQR) score for knowledge was 17(4) (range score: 0-23) and attitude was 23(3) (range score: 6-30). Knowledge median score (p:0.026) and practices of referring patients to dentists (p:0.017) were significantly associated. There was a positive correlation between overall practices of primary care doctors and their age, years of experience, and knowledge.

CONCLUSION

Most primary care doctors frequently advise and refer pregnant patients to see dentist. Primary care doctors with higher knowledge score, who were older and had more experience, had better overall practices on oral health care in pregnancy.