Effect of an Oral Health Education Program on Knowledge, Attitude, and Clinical Oral Health Indices in Pregnant Women in Urmia, Iran: A Nonrandomized Controlled Intervention Study.

OBJECTIVES

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase susceptibility to plaque-induced gingivitis, and at the same time, dental care visits during pregnancy have been reported to be low. This study evaluated the effect of an oral health education program on knowledge, attitude, and clinical indices of oral health in pregnant women.

METHODS

This nonrandomized controlled intervention study was conducted at Kowsar Hospital, Urmia. Allocation to groups was based on the day of visit (even/odd days). In addition to routine prenatal care, the intervention group received an individual education session of approximately 60 min with a brochure, and the control group received routine care only. Knowledge, attitude, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) indices were measured at baseline and 3 months later. Statistical analysis was performed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

RESULTS

Of 240 enrolled participants, 200 (100 per group) provided complete follow-up data. Baseline characteristics and oral health indices were comparable between groups. At 3 months, the intervention group demonstrated improved knowledge and attitude, lower PI, and modest improvement in GI. In the control group, knowledge and attitude changed little, GI worsened, and PI remained largely unchanged. DMFT increased in both groups over the 3-month period.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term, structured oral health education with a brochure can improve knowledge and attitude of pregnant women in the short term and improve plaque and gingivitis.