Oral Health Behaviours, Knowledge, and Literacy of Expectant Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study among Maternity Ward Patients

Ewelina Chawłowska (), Monika Karasiewicz, Agnieszka Lipiak, Rafał Staszewski, Mateusz Cofta, Maria Biskupska, Bogusz Giernaś and Agnieszka Zawiejska
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Ewelina Chawłowska: Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
Monika Karasiewicz: Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
Agnieszka Lipiak: Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
Rafał Staszewski: Department of Hypertension, Angiology and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-848 Poznan, Poland
Mateusz Cofta: Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
Maria Biskupska: Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
Bogusz Giernaś: Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
Agnieszka Zawiejska: Department of Medical Simulation, Chair of Medical Education, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 18, 1-16

Abstract: Maternal knowledge, literacy, and behaviours in the area of oral health may greatly influence the risk of caries and the oral health status of children from the youngest age. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate paediatric oral health knowledge and literacy as well as maternal oral health behaviours and outcomes among expectant mothers. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 400 pregnant inpatients aged 17–48 years (mean age 29.5 ± 5.3 years) in 31 public maternity wards in the Wielkopolska region, Poland. An anonymous, self-designed questionnaire was prepared on the basis of current oral health recommendations. Pregnancy complications were reported by 195 (48.8%), and permanent tooth extractions by 158 (39.5%) women. Knowledge and literacy scores were associated with, among other things, maternal education, selected oral hygiene practices, and reported extractions of permanent teeth. Although participants had some correct information regarding oral health, they had insufficient awareness of caries as an infectious disease and of the appropriate timing for the child’s first dental visit. Their self-assessment of oral health status and belief that they were under dental care tended to be overly optimistic, given their self-reported outcomes. These aspects should be considered in future health education efforts among expectant women.

Keywords: health behaviours; oral health literacy; oral health knowledge; health promotion; pregnant women (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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