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Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 1:15 PM
Learning Objective 1: identify 2 adverse pregnancy outcomes that have been reported in the literature to be associated with poor oral health.
Learning Objective 2: name 2 interventions that may result in increased oral hygiene practices in inner city pregnant women.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a targeted educational intervention would increase oral health knowledge, oral hygiene practices, and utilization of dental services in low income, inner city pregnant women. The majority of patients are from ethnic minorities or immigrant populations in this hospital-based clinic. We were increasingly concerned about serious oral health problems and barriers to oral care. A growing body of research has demonstrated an association between poor oral health and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as prematurity and low birth weight infants.
An experimental pretest-posttest design was conducted to evaluate the effect of our intervention. A sample of 170 pregnant women enrolled prior to 24 weeks gestation. Participants were randomized to experimental or control group. The control group completed a questionnaire on Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (OHKAPQ). The OHKAPQ was repeated 1 month prior to delivery.The experimental group completed the OHKAPQ, watched a 5 minute DVD about periodontal disease, had a one-on-one conversation, and were given a container of floss plus a new toothbrush. Following delivery of their infants, the delivery records were reviewed.
Analysis by paired samples t-test demonstrated significance for increased use of floss, reduced intake of sweetened beverages, and more dental care visits in the experimental group. Low birth weight (less than 2500 grams), meconium in the amniotic fluid, and prolonged rupture of membranes, were more prevalent in the control group. Significant barriers to oral care were identified, indicating a need for more accessible care for inner city women.
This model of care worked well to improve oral health practices in inner city pregnant women and can be easily adopted by nurses working with similar populations. The intervention was effective and will likely continue to have positive results for women following completion of pregnancy and later for their children.
An experimental pretest-posttest design was conducted to evaluate the effect of our intervention. A sample of 170 pregnant women enrolled prior to 24 weeks gestation. Participants were randomized to experimental or control group. The control group completed a questionnaire on Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (OHKAPQ). The OHKAPQ was repeated 1 month prior to delivery.The experimental group completed the OHKAPQ, watched a 5 minute DVD about periodontal disease, had a one-on-one conversation, and were given a container of floss plus a new toothbrush. Following delivery of their infants, the delivery records were reviewed.
Analysis by paired samples t-test demonstrated significance for increased use of floss, reduced intake of sweetened beverages, and more dental care visits in the experimental group. Low birth weight (less than 2500 grams), meconium in the amniotic fluid, and prolonged rupture of membranes, were more prevalent in the control group. Significant barriers to oral care were identified, indicating a need for more accessible care for inner city women.
This model of care worked well to improve oral health practices in inner city pregnant women and can be easily adopted by nurses working with similar populations. The intervention was effective and will likely continue to have positive results for women following completion of pregnancy and later for their children.