Comparing Dental Utilization and Knowledge Among Low SES Pregnant Women

We previously reported dental utilization and knowledge regarding periodontal disease and pregnancy outcomes among low socio-economic status (SES) pregnant women. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate pregnant women of a low SES group from two different regions in Iowa (industrial and rural) and compare their dental utilization and knowledge. Methods: The target population was mothers with newborns enrolled in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programs for low-income families. Women from two WIC programs completed a questionnaire assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward dental care before and during their pregnancy. Demographic information was collected. Bivariate data analyses were conducted using Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel chi-square, Fisher's exact, and non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results: A total of 236 women, ages 18-41 participated in the study. For the bivariate analysis of the entire group, data revealed that pregnant women were 5.0 times as likely to visit the dentist if they regularly visited their dentist every 6-12 months. The odds of having a dental appointment during pregnancy were 2.5 times as high for women who used interproximal cleaning aids. Despite geographic differences, there were no significant differences across sites for number of tooth brushings per day, frequency of visiting the dentist when not pregnant, dental appointments while pregnant, source of payment for dental care, or knowledge about dental health and systemic links (which was 32% and 39% for the two populations). Significant differences between the two sites included source of prenatal care (p=0.0189), drinking habits before pregnancy (p=0.0006), race (p=0.0119), education level (p=0.0158), and annual income (p=0.0026). Conclusions: There was limited knowledge regarding the association of oral health and pregnancy outcomes and dental visits prior to pregnancy was a predictor for visits during pregnancy. This study suggests the need for improved oral health education and access to dental care among expectant mothers.