Cross-sectional study on oral health knowledge, practice and awareness among gynaecologists/obstetricians, general practitioners, and midwives during pregnancy

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Periodontal disease has been linked to negative pregnancy outcomes, yet oral health remains absent from Norwegian antenatal care guidelines. Although preventable, effective oral disease prevention in pregnancy requires sufficient knowledge, which studies show is often lacking among healthcare providers. No research has explored this in a Norwegian context. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of antenatal care practitioners in Tromsø.

Materials and methods: An anonymous questionnaire targeting antenatal caregivers was handed out in Tromsø during Autumn 2024. The collected data were entered into a digital platform, Nettskjema, and subsequently transformed into an SPSS file for statistical analysis. The analysis includes key variables such as age group, gender, and profession to explore potential knowledge and practice among various demographic variables.

Results: The questionnaires were handed out to 167 participants, of which 58 answered, yielding a response rate of 35%. On average, participants scored 53% correct on the knowledge questions related to oral health during pregnancy, with gynaecologists/obstetricians scoring the highest (79%). More than 60% of the antenatal caregivers had never given oral health related advice to pregnant women. Overall, the participants showed satisfactory personal oral hygiene with 83% reporting brushing twice daily.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that antenatal caregivers have an average knowledge and mostly positive attitudes regarding oral health in pregnancy, but only a minority integrate it in their clinical practice. To provide better oral health and minimize possible negative pregnancy outcomes, further research and education among antenatal care practitioners is necessary.