<p>Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Nurses and Midwives Working at Antenatal Clinics in the Southern Province of Rwanda on Periodontal Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Survey</p>

Abstract

Introduction Oral health is considered an important component of general health; the mouth cannot be considered in isolation from the rest of the body. Studies indicate an association between periodontitis and preterm and lowbirth weight outcomes. One of the opportunities to improve the oral health care of pregnant women during antenatal care consultations is through collaboration with nurses and midwives. It can be of importance if nurses/midwives are equipped with the right knowledge, attitude and practices regarding oral health. Therefore, this study assessed the existing knowledge, attitude and practices of nurse/midwives working in antenatal clinics in 12 selected health facilities in the Southern Province of Rwanda on periodontal diseases. Patients and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was done on 79 nurses and midwives working at antenatal care clinics and maternity wards. An ANOVA test was used to compare knowledge, attitude and practices mean scores of nurses/midwives about periodontal diseases and their management. A correlation test was also used to ascertain the relationship among knowledge, attitude, practices and other continuous variables. Results The average age of nurses/midwives was M=33.57, SD=6.1. Nurses had limited knowledge about oral health of pregnant women and had some misunderstandings about oral health, although they had good attitudes. Age, length of service as a nurse or midwife and length of service in antenatal care had no effect on the knowledge, practice and attitude scores of the nurses/midwives. The ANOVA test did not find any significant difference in means for knowledge, attitude, practice and education level ( p =0.69, 0.93, 0.27), respectively. Conclusion Although nurses/midwives have good attitude regarding the management of periodontal diseases of pregnant women, their knowledge is insufficient and it is highly recommended that oral diseases can be included in their curriculum so that they can be in the best position to advise/screen for periodontal diseases during pregnancy.

Factors influencing adoption of oral health promotion by antenatal care providers in Moyo district, North-Western Uganda

“…In general, job performance among nurses is motivated by years of experience [ 37 ]. However, it has also been noted that age and length of time in service within ANC do not influence knowledge of oral healthcare for prenatal mothers [ 38 ].…”

“…In our study, less than half 56(36.8%) of the respondents were knowledgeable about OHP in ANC and those knowledgeable were four times more likely to adopt oral health promotion compared to those that were not knowledgeable. Similarly, Nurses and Midwives had insufficient knowledge of oral healthcare [ 38 ]. Respondents in our study were not knowledgeable about the fact that several physiological changes take place among pregnant women and these have an effect on oral health, pregnancy and brings about several changes in the oral cavity [ 6 ].…”

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of prenatal care practitioners regarding oral health in pregnancy—A systematic review

“…In each of the included studies, the study population was mostly gynecologists/obstetricians (n = 16), 19,20,[22][23][24][25]27,28,[32][33][34][36][37][38][39]41 but there were also studies including and/or focused on midwives (n = 9), 26,30,31,[34][35][36]39,40,42 general or family physicians/practitioners (n = 5), 25,26,29,36,39 and nurses (n = 4). 21,26,35,42 The level of knowledge of PCP was adequate in 14 out of 24 studies, with the subgroup of gynecologists/obstetricians presenting adequate knowledge in 65.0% of the studies (10 out of 16 studies; Table S1), followed by general and family physicians (60.0%; 3 out of 5 studies; Table S2), midwifes (33.0%; 3 out of 9 studies; Table S3), and nurses (25.0%; 1 out of 4 studies; Table S4)…”

Factors influencing adoption of oral health promotion by antenatal care providers in Moyo district, North-Western Uganda

“…In our study, less than half 56(36.8%) of the respondents were knowledgeable about OHP in ANC and those knowledgeable were four times more likely to adopt oral health promotion compared to those that were not knowledgeable. Similarly, Nurses and Midwives had insufficient knowledge of oral healthcare [54]. Respondents in our study were not knowledgeable about the fact that several physiological changes take place among pregnant women and these have an effect on oral health, pregnancy and brings about several changes in the oral cavity [55].…”

“…In general, job performance among nurses is motivated by years of experience [53]. However, it has also been noted that age and length of time in service within ANC do not influence knowledge of oral healthcare for prenatal mothers [54].…”