Palestinian women’s oral health status, knowledge, practices, and access to dental care during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study
Date
2018-02-21
Authors
Kateeb, Elham
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Abstract
Background No data exist about the oral health status, beliefs, and practices of women living in the occupied
Palestinian territory generally and in pregnant women in particular. The aim of this study was to investigate pregnant
women’s oral health status, beliefs, and practices and the barriers to access to dental care.
Methods Pregnant women visiting prenatal programmes at Ministry of Health centres in Jerusalem governorates
were screened using the Decayed, Missed and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index to quantify their dental caries experience. A
structured interview was also done to assess oral health beliefs and practices, demographic characteristics, and
mothers’ stress level and social support. Ethical approval was obtained from Al-Quds University Ethics Committee.
Findings 119 pregnant women agreed to participate in this study. 103 (87%) women were housewives with mean age
26 years (SD 5). 30 (25%) women had a household monthly income less than US$380, and 54 (45%) women did not
finish their high school education. The sample had a mean DMFT index score of 14 (SD 5). 42 (35%) women had not
visited a dentist in the past 3 years, and 61 (51%) women were advised by family and friends not to visit the dentist
while pregnant. 96 (81%) women had no dental insurance, and 33 (28%) women considered cost to be a barrier to
accessing dental care. 42 (35%) women brushed their teeth sometimes, and 106 (89%) women never flossed their
teeth. 29 (24%) women perceived their oral health to be poor, and 65 (55%) women believed that a woman can lose a
tooth just because she is pregnant. 60 (50%) women did not know the connection between poor oral health and
adverse birth outcomes, and 25 (21%) women believed that cavities in baby teeth do not matter.