Utilization of dental care in Iranian pregnant women: Findings from a population‑based study

Abstract

Background: Although dental care attendance during pregnancy has been recommended by
guidelines and institutions, the demand for dental services is still low among pregnant women. The
aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of not receipt dental care and also determinants
of that during pregnancy.
Materials and Methods: This population‑based study was conducted on 4071 mothers in 10
provinces of Iran, during 2014–2015. We calculated the prevalence of not receipt of dental care, and
reasons for nonreceipt of care. We used logistic regression to estimate odds of nonreceipt of care
by demographics variables. In the analyses, the level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results: Overall, 54.70% of women had no dental visit during pregnancy. In mothers who had a
history of stillbirth, neonatal death and live birth, the prevalence of not receipt dental care during
pregnancy were 54.56%, 48.92%, and 58.76%, respectively. The logistic regression analyses showed
that parity second‑to‑fourth birth than first birth (odds ratio [OR] 1.37 confidence interval [CI]
95% 1.17–1.59, residence in rural (OR 1.68 CI 95% 1.45–1.95), and not intended pregnancy (OR
1.32 CI 95% 1.03–1.68) associated with not received dental care during pregnancy.
Conclusion: Most pregnant women in this study received insufficient dental care. The need for
dental care during pregnancy must be promoted widely among women of reproductive age, and
family barriers to dental care should be addressed.
Key Words: Dental care, dental health services, Iran, pregnant women