Publication:

A mixed method study to assess orodental problems and barriers to utilisation of orodental care in pregnant ladies of Himachal Pradesh

Background The hormonal changes along with decreased salivation during pregnancy result in many orodental problems. The existing orodental conditions worsen due to barriers to the utilisation of orodental care during pregnancy. The objective of this study is to assess orodental problems and barriers to utilisation of orodenatl care in pregnant ladies

Methods Sample size is calculated using Cochran’s formula. The Purposive sampling technique was used to select hospitals and pregnant women from OPD of the gynecology and obstetrics department of hospitals selected in Himachal Pradesh. Using DMFT and CPI index, interview schedules the study's specific objectives are achieved.

Results Out of a sample of 112, 92.8% of pregnant women had dental caries, 34.8% of pregnant women had got restorative treatment and 25.8% had their teeth extracted. The majority of pregnant women (51.8%) had dental calculus and (29.5%) shallow periodontal pockets. The system, personal, and caregiver-related barriers are responsible for the underutilisation of orodental care among pregnant women.

Conclusions This study concluded many pregnant women face orodental problems along with a major factor of lack of dental education and no dental insurance associated with their orodental problems.