Evaluation of oral hygien, habits, knowledge and care seeking behavior of pregnant women about oral health referring to health care centers of Tabriz in 1388

Abstract

Hormonal changes during pregnancy predispose women to gingivitis. These changes include an increase metabolism of estrogen and in the synthesis of prostaglandins. The aim of the current research was to investigate oral hygiene knowledges habit, and care seeking behavior among pregnant women in Tabriz. Materials and methods: This research was a cross- sectional study which was undertaken in the year 1388 in 8 randomly selected heath care centers in Tabriz. The sample size included 200 pregnant women who referred to the mentioned heath care centers and who undertook a question are evaluating oral health knowledge, habits and care seeking behavior as well as demographic evaluation including age, residence. Place and income Expert opinion and test-retest methods were utilized to achieve reliability and validity respectively. Chi-square and multiple logistic Regression analysis under spss. were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean age of the mothers was 32. ( 82.9%) had urban residence, 5% were illetrate and 30% had university education. Mean child for every woman was 2.6. (84%) of women brushed their teeth and 53% used dental floss. 21% used mouthwash during the pregnancy. Books, Television and Radio were the biggest information source for the mothers. There was a significant relationship between the knowledge and care seeking behavior of pregnant woman (P<0.03). A similar relationship was also found between income and oral hygiene habits. (P<0.07). Conclusion: our results indicated that the more women were literate, the better the knowledge of them and also the higher the frequency of brushing, month wash and dental floss utilization. However rural and urban women brushed equally.