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Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Behaviour of Midwives Concerning Periodontal Health of Pregnant Patients

Author

Listed:
  • Jennifer Gia-linh Nguyen

    (Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada)

  • Shanika Nanayakkara

    (Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney School of Dentistry, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia)

  • Alexander C. L. Holden

    (Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney School of Dentistry, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia)

Abstract

Maternal gum disease is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and low birthweight. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practice behaviour of Australian midwives regarding the periodontal health of pregnant women to inform interprofessional antenatal care. This was an observational, cross-sectional study. We circulated an online questionnaire to Australian midwives from August 2018 to February 2019. Key outcome variables were knowledge, attitudes, and practice behaviours related to oral health. Key predictor variables were years of practice, practice location, and dental history. We summarized responses with frequency tables and assigned tallied scores for analysis using non-parametric statistical tests. 100 responses were analysed, including from rural (n = 23) and urban (n = 77) midwives. Eighty percent of midwives agreed that maternal dental care can positively affect pregnancy outcomes. Fluoridated toothpaste use (19.1%) was incorrectly answered to prevent gum disease more often than psychological stress control (7.9%), a correct answer. Rural midwives demonstrated a significantly higher knowledge score (p = 0.001) and significantly more positive practice behaviours towards oral health (p = 0.014) than urban midwives. Australian midwives have positive attitudes towards antenatal oral health but misunderstand gum disease aetiology and prevention. This study highlights areas to improve interprofessional education for optimal oral health and pregnancy outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer Gia-linh Nguyen & Shanika Nanayakkara & Alexander C. L. Holden, 2020. "Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Behaviour of Midwives Concerning Periodontal Health of Pregnant Patients," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:7:p:2246-:d:337591
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Renata Toledo Alves & Rosangela Almeida Ribeiro & Luciane Rezende Costa & Claudio Rodrigues Leles & Maria do Carmo Matias Freire & Saul Martins Paiva, 2012. "Oral Care during Pregnancy: Attitudes of Brazilian Public Health Professionals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-11, September.
    2. Ajesh George & Maree Johnson & Margaret Duff & Shilpi Ajwani & Sameer Bhole & Anthony Blinkhorn & Sharon Ellis, 2012. "Midwives and oral health care during pregnancy: perceptions of pregnant women in south‐western Sydney, Australia," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 21(7‐8), pages 1087-1096, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sara Touriño & María del Carmen Suárez-Cotelo & María Jesús Núñez-Iglesias & Eva María Domínguez-Martís & Diego Gabriel Mosteiro-Miguéns & David López-Ares & Silvia Novío, 2021. "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Spanish Midwives and Midwifery Students toward Oral Healthcare during Pregnancy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-14, June.

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    1. Renata Toledo Alves & Rosangela Almeida Ribeiro & Luciane Rezende Costa & Claudio Rodrigues Leles & Maria do Carmo Matias Freire & Saul Martins Paiva, 2012. "Oral Care during Pregnancy: Attitudes of Brazilian Public Health Professionals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-11, September.

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