KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVEL OF PREGNANT WOMEN IN KSA ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERIODONTITIS AND PRETERM BIRTH LOW-WEIGHT INFANTS

Abstract

Background: Preterm delivery (PB), defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation, significantly contributes to neonatal morbidity and mortality, affecting approximately 11.1% of births annually. Periodontal disease (PD), prevalent among pregnant women, is associated with chronic inflammation and has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including PB and low birth weight (LBW) infants. Despite the potential impact of maternal oral health on fetal outcomes, awareness among pregnant women regarding this relationship remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness levels of pregnant women in Saudi Arabia regarding the association between periodontitis and the risk of preterm LBW infants.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted from July to November 2024, involving 400 pregnant women aged 18-50 years in Saudi Arabia. A structured questionnaire, consisting of demographic data, knowledge of oral health care, and attitudes towards oral health, was utilized. Data were analyzed to identify correlations between awareness levels and various demographic factors.

Results: The age of participants, ranging from 22 to 74 years, was 34.9 years with a concentration in the Assir region responses. While 75.7% thought that pregnancy may lead to more periodontal disease, 59.8% were not aware of PB’s relationship with periodontal disease. Only 8.5% were highly aware of this relationship while 62.3% were not. Correlations with knowledge were significant (p=0.0001), with educational level (p=0.0001), occupational status (p=0.023), and monthly income (p=0.008).

Conclusion: The results emphasize knowledge and awareness gap in pregnant women with regard to periodontal disease and its impact on pregnancy outcomes. While there is acknowledgment of periodontal disease during pregnancy, misconceptions regarding its effect on PB and LBW continue. These results show the critical and immediate need for targeted education aimed at increasing maternal knowledge as it relates to oral health improved preventative measures to improve prenatal cares and to decrease adverse pregnancy outcome. Partnered efforts between obstetricians and dental professionals are important to build oral health education into standard prenatal care.