Self-efficacy of oral health in pregnant women in Bojnurd, Iran: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Maintaining good oral and dental health during pregnancy is a key factor in supporting the overall health of both mother and baby. Enhancing oral and dental self-care behaviors within the community requires an understanding of the underlying factors that influence decision-making. Given the importance of oral health and the changes that occur during pregnancy, this study aimed to assess pregnant women’s self-efficacy and self-assessment of oral and dental health. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 pregnant women who referred to health centers in Bojnourd. Data collection tools included a demographic-pregnancy form, self-assessment and self-efficacy, and a clinical examination to assess the DMFT index. Descriptive statistics were reported as mean (SD) and frequency (percentage). For linear regression analysis, a generalized linear model (GLM) was used with self-efficacy as the outcome variable, and for assessing self-rated oral health a logistic regression was performed (outcome dichotomized). The significance level of p < 0.05 was considered, and analyses were conducted using SPSS version 18. The mean (SD) age of the pregnant women, DMFT index, and self-efficacy were 28.97 years (SD = 6.54) and 9.24 (SD = 4.66), 9.36(SD = 4.07) respectively. A higher DMFT score was significantly associated with lower self-efficacy in the multivariable model (B=-0.183, 95% CI: [-0.29, -0.07]; p = 0.001). The oral health status was more strongly related to self-efficacy than to the other assessed maternal and behavioral characteristics. The observed association between poorer oral health and lower self-efficacy underscores the importance of considering psychological and behavioral dimensions alongside clinical oral health indicators when addressing oral health among pregnant women. Further research is warranted to better understand the mechanisms underlying this relationship and its implications for maternal oral health promotion.