Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Pregnant Kuwaiti Women

Abstract

Good oral hygiene is known Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this qualitative study can be used by oral health care workers and researchers to plan and design more targeted dental health education interventions with pregnant women. The information in this study might be helpful to public health decision makers to make more appropriate decisions about implementing dental health education with pregnant women.

The effect of dental health education on pregnant women's adherence with toothbrushing and flossing — A randomized control trial

“…The DHE intervention group was also provided at T1 with the oral hygiene information leaflet and discussion as per the TAU group. In addition, the DHE group participants received a DHE booklet specifically designed to be culturally appropriate for pregnant women which was informed by the previous qualitative study . The booklet targeted social cognitions, including (primarily) knowledge and (secondly) the social cognition constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, barriers, intention) identified from the previous qualitative study .…”

“…In addition, the DHE group participants received a DHE booklet specifically designed to be culturally appropriate for pregnant women which was informed by the previous qualitative study . The booklet targeted social cognitions, including (primarily) knowledge and (secondly) the social cognition constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, barriers, intention) identified from the previous qualitative study . The booklet provided information concerning basic dental health information that women might require in general and during pregnancy.…”

“…Most of the items included in the questionnaire were previously validated or derived from similar research . In addition, there were seven additional items arising from the qualitative study . Face validity of the measure was established by a panel of behavioural science and dental practitioner experts prior to inclusion in the study.…”

“…The main goal of dental health educators for pregnant women is to establish and maintain positive oral health behaviours during pregnancy. A qualitative study with Kuwaiti pregnant women showed that they had inaccurate dental health knowledge and held unhelpful attitudes and beliefs in relation to oral health behaviours. Few women in the study were aware of gingivitis or periodontal diseases, and many reported that they stopped cleaning their teeth during the first trimester because of bleeding gums, pregnancy sickness or both.…”

“…Given the above critique, this study focused on social cognitions that an earlier qualitative study had shown were important in shaping the target group's oral health behaviours. These were knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms and barriers to oral health behaviours.…”