PRACTICE AND KNOWLEDGE OF PERIODONTAL HEALTH AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN HASSAN, KARNATAKA: A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY

*Dr. Sana Ambereen, Dr. Harsha Mysore Babu, Dr. Vivekananda M. R., Dr. Shivaprasad D. and Dr. S. Ravindra

ABSTRACT

Background: Pregnancy, puberty, menstrual cycle, menopause are physiological conditions which have high impact on oral health of women. The study aimed to assess oral health knowledge and practices among pregnant women in Hassan district, Karnataka. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was followed and structured interview questionnaire was used which comprised of questions on personal data and questions on assessment of knowledge of pregnant females about their oral health and various practices of oral health. Results: The study revealed that 35% study participant were educated up to Intermediate level, 27% of study participant were educated up to High School level. 14% were Gradautes.12% study participants were educated up to Diploma level and 12% were educated up to Primary level of education. Majority of study participants that is 90% were Homemakers, 3% of study participants were Teacher by profession. The overall interpretation was the surveyed population had low level of oral health knowledge and low oral health practice level. Conclusion: The study concluded that knowledge level of periodontal health and oral hygiene practice among pregnant women of Hassan district was low. Being educated certainly has positive effect on oral hygiene knowledge and practices among the interviewed pregnant women. Therefore, there is a need for educating and motivating pregnant females regarding oral health by several health promotion interventions.

Keywords: Pregnant women, Oral health, Knowledge, Practice.