AWARENESS ABOUT PERIODONTITIS AND PRE-TERM LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS AMONG GYNECOLOGISTS IN CHENNAI- A QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY

Background: Periodontal infection has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.  Subsequently it is important that gynecologists are educated about hormonal effects on women’s oral health.  The current study assessed gynecologist’s awareness regarding the effect of female sex hormones on periodontal health and preterm delivery. Materials and methods: Sixty-six gynecologists from the city of Chennai completed a questionnaire regarding awareness about female hormonal and periodontal health and its effects on pre-term low birth weight infants. Respondents were divided into three groups: Group A, (doctors who practiced at a medical colleges) Group B (doctors who practiced at private hospitals) and Group C. (doctors who practiced at both medical colleges and private hospitals) Survey responses were collected and data between the groups were statistically compared. Results: Our findings showed that most gynecologists were aware and concerned about female patient’s oral health during various hormonal phases.  However, gynecologists practicing at medical colleges (Group A) and gynecologists practicing at both medical colleges and private hospitals (Group C) had significantly greater health awareness than doctors practicing at private hospitals. (Group B) Conclusion: The results of the current study imply the fact that there is adequate knowledge about the effects of hormonal changes in the periodontal tissues. However, there is limited incorporation of this knowledge, especially among gynecologists who are exclusively into private practice