Qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators of dental service utilization of pregnant women: A triangulation approach

Abstract Background Pregnant women are vulnerable to a wide range of oral health conditions that could be harmful to their own health and future child. Despite the usefulness of regular dental service utilization in prevention and early detection of oral diseases, it is notably low among pregnant women. In this qualitative study, we aimed to explore barriers and facilitators influencing pregnant women’s dental service utilization. Methods Using a triangulation approach, we included pregnant women (n = 22) from two public health centers, midwives (n = 8) and dentists (n = 12) from 12 other public centers in Tehran (Iran). Data was gathered through face-to-face semi-structured interviewing and focus group discussion methods. The analysis of qualitative data was performed using conventional content analysis with MAXQDA10 software. Results Reported barriers of dental service utilization among pregnant women were categorized under emerging themes: Lack of knowledge and misbelief, cost of dental care, physiological changes, fear and other psychological conditions, time constraint, dentists’ unwillingness to accept pregnant women treatment, cultural taboos and lack of interprofessional collaboration. Solutions proposed by dentists, midwives and pregnant women to improve dental care utilization during pregnancy were categorized under three themes: Provision of knowledge, financial support and establishing supportive policies. Conclusions Understanding perceived barriers of dental service utilization during pregnancy can serve as baseline information for planning and formulating appropriate oral health education, financial support, and legislations tailored for lower income pregnant women, midwives and dentists in countries with developing oral health care system

Qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators of dental service utilization of pregnant women: A triangulation approach

Abstract Background Pregnant women are vulnerable to a wide range of oral health conditions that could be harmful to their own health and future child. Despite the usefulness of regular dental service utilization in prevention and early detection of oral diseases, it is notably low among pregnant women. In this qualitative study, we aimed to explore barriers and facilitators influencing pregnant women’s dental service utilization. Methods Using a triangulation approach, we included pregnant women (n = 22) from two public health centers, midwives (n = 8) and dentists (n = 12) from 12 other public centers in Tehran (Iran). Data was gathered through face-to-face semi-structured interviewing and focus group discussion methods. The analysis of qualitative data was performed using conventional content analysis with MAXQDA10 software. Results Reported barriers of dental service utilization among pregnant women were categorized under emerging themes: Lack of knowledge and misbelief, cost of dental care, physiological changes, fear and other psychological conditions, time constraint, dentists’ unwillingness to accept pregnant women treatment, cultural taboos and lack of interprofessional collaboration. Solutions proposed by dentists, midwives and pregnant women to improve dental care utilization during pregnancy were categorized under three themes: Provision of knowledge, financial support and establishing supportive policies. Conclusions Understanding perceived barriers of dental service utilization during pregnancy can serve as baseline information for planning and formulating appropriate oral health education, financial support, and legislations tailored for lower income pregnant women, midwives and dentists in countries with developing oral health care system

Background Characteristics and Cognitive Factors as Determinants of Oral Health in Pregnant Women, Tehran, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: Pregnancy can lead to oral health issues, yet many women remain unaware of the potential negative impact on their pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the dental and periodontal health of pregnant women in Tehran, Iran, and identify its associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 221 pregnant women attending 12 randomly selected public health centers in Tehran, Iran. A self-administered questionnaire gathered data on background characteristics, oral health knowledge, and self-reported health. Periodontal status, oral hygiene, and dental health were assessed using bleeding on probing (BOP), simplified oral health (OHI-S), and decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) indices. Statistical analysis included simple and multiple linear regression (P<0.05). Results: The participants' ages ranged from 18 to 42 years (mean: 27.9 years, SD: 5.5). On average, participants scored 4.1 out of 11 (SD: 1.7) for general oral health knowledge and 1.62 out of 4 (SD: 0.9) for knowledge about oral health during pregnancy. The mean DMFT was 8.28 (SD: 5.7), with 65.6% of women having fair oral hygiene according to the OHI-S. Participants reporting poor general health had more debris (B: 0.276, P=0.043), while those with higher general oral health knowledge had fewer missing teeth (B: -0.183, P=0.048). Conclusion: Despite partial free oral health care provided to pregnant women in Iran, the dental and periodontal conditions of the participants were unsatisfactory. Implementing motivational educational programs within the primary health care system could be instrumental in improving the oral health of pregnant mothers