Periodontal Health of Pregnant Women in Sri Lanka: Insights from a
Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Introduction: Against the challenging socio-political backdrop
of the country, this research examines the periodontal health of
pregnant women in Sri Lanka. Methods: This analytical
cross-sectional study was conducted among 576 pregnant women, attending
community Antenatal Clinics in a selected Medical Officer of Health
area, in Sri Lanka. A two-stage cluster sampling method with a
probability proportionate to size technique was used to select the
clinics. Systematic sampling was used to recruit pregnant women from
each clinic. An interviewer-administered questionnaire and oral health
examination form were used for data collection. Results: Over
60% exhibited poor oral hygiene. Moderate to severe gingivitis was seen
among 23.3%. Approximately 67% of participants demonstrated poor
knowledge about periodontal diseases. About 67% of the study
participants were unemployed and 32.47% had a monthly income of less
than 40,000 rupees. Regression analysis identified the trimester of
pregnancy, socioeconomic indicators, frequency of dental visits, recent
full mouth scaling, and knowledge about periodontal diseases as
significant predictors of oral hygiene status. Age, trimester, brushing
frequency, recent full mouth scaling, and knowledge about periodontal
diseases predicted the gingival status. Participants with a lower
socioeconomic status demonstrated poorer oral hygiene and gingival
health. Conclusion: There was suboptimal oral hygiene and
gingival health coupled with limited access to dental care and
inadequate knowledge about periodontal health that demands urgent
interventions. The high prevalence of unemployment combined with the
association between low socioeconomic indicators and poor periodontal
health outcomes, underscores the importance of empowering young women
through education and employment.