Evaluation of the Knowledge Level, Behavior, and Attitudes of Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists on the Relationship Between Periodontal Diseases and Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the knowledge and awareness level of obstetricians on the relationship between periodontal diseases (PDs) and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and to compare them regarding gender, age, professional experience and institution to identify the pertaining issues requiring improvement. Materials and Methods: Data were collected by the administration of an online questionnaire. The link was sent to the e-mail addresses of 80 obstetricians (50 female, 30 men). The questionnaire consisted of 23 questions focused on the determination of the personal characteristics, attitudes, and the level of knowledge of obstetricians about the relationship between periodontal diseases and preterm labor. Results: The presence of gingival disease (GD) was higher in females (p=0.001). Females were found to be more aware and sensitive about the relationship between the periodontal diseases and poor obstetric outcomes (p<0.05). Obstetricians in training and research institutions and obstetricians in the early postgraduate period were more likely to believe that there was a significant relationship between GD and obstetric outcomes (p<0.05). Conclusion: The knowledge and awareness level of obstetricians on the relationship between PDs and adverse pregnancy outcomes may be influenced by gender, age, professional experience and institution. Active collaboration between periodontologists and obstetricians will provide benefits in monitoring and follow-up of the oral health of pregnant women in terms of prevention of poor obstetric outcomes.