AUTHOR(S): Uma Rajgopalachari, Manjunath Puranik, Rohan Pratap and Soni Rajput

ABSTRACT:
Gynaecologists are first health professionals to contact the pregnant woman, it is vital for them to be aware of potential effect of oral health on pregnancy outcomes. Aim was to assess the perception and practice regarding oral health care among Gynaecologists and evaluate factors associated with it. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 160 Gynaecologists in Bangalore during March-June 2016. Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test and z test for proportion were used. Majority of study participants exhibited adequate knowledge (53.4%). Thirteen percent performed oral examination of the pregnant women. There was no statistically significant difference between age, type of practice and years of practice for knowledge and practice scores. Gynaecologist had fair knowledge but their preventive oral health practice is inadequate. Hence, there is need for a coordinated interdisciplinary effort for better oral health outcomes and prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

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