Assessment of Facilitators and Barriers to Dental Visits Among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Zahedan, Iran

Roya  Ebrahimzaheh; Marzieh  Daghati Pour; Elham  Bozorgmehr; Nahid  Sakhavar

doi:10.18502/tbj.v24i3.20765

Roya Ebrahimzaheh Dentist, Oral and Dental Research Center, School of Dentistry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
Marzieh Daghati Pour Assistant Professor, Oral and Dental Research Center, School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Health and Community Dentistry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
Elham Bozorgmehr Assistant Professor, Oral and Dental Research Center, School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Health and Community Dentistry, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
Nahid Sakhavar Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tbj.v24i3.20765

Keywords: Pregnancy, Oral Health, Dental Health Services

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of oral health problems; therefore, dental visits during pregnancy are essential. This study aimed to determine the facilitators and barriers affecting dental attendance among pregnant women in Zahedan.

Methods: This descriptive–analytical study was conducted in 2023 on pregnant women attending gynecologists’ offices in Zahedan. The sample size included 188 participants selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by ten oral health experts from various faculties, and reliability was verified in a group of pregnant women. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney test, and logistic regression were applied at a significance level of 0/05.

Results:The main facilitating factors for dental visits among pregnant women were the midwife’s recommendation (30/3%; P=0/04) and the healthcare provider’s recommendation (26/1%; P=0/03). Misconceptions about the safety of dental services during pregnancy (50%; P=0/021) and unfavorable pregnancy health (21/8%; P=0/04) were identified as barriers. According to the regression model, midwife’s recommendation (coefficient=0/16; P=0/005), healthcare provider’s recommendation (coefficient=0/19; P=0/005), and obstetrician’s recommendation (coefficient=0/14; P=0/017) had significant positive effects on dental attendance, whereas poor pregnancy health (coefficient=0/21;P=0/02) and misconceptions (coefficient=0/19; P=0/005) were the main barriers.

Conclusion: Recommendations by the health team (midwives, healthcare providers, obstetricians) play a crucial role in facilitating dental visits among pregnant women; conversely, misconceptions about dental safety during pregnancy and unfavorable pregnancy health are the most significant barriers to such visits.