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Periodontal disease as a risk factor in pre-term low birth weight--an assessment of gynecologists' knowledge: a pilot

Rekha P Shenoy1, Dilip G Nayak, Peter S Sequeira

  • 1Department of Community Dentistry, Yenepoya Dental College, Deralakatte, Mangalore 575 018, India. merekhap@yahoo.co.in

Indian Journal of Dental Research : Official Publication of Indian Society for Dental Research
|April 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Gynecologists recognize oral manifestations of periodontal disease but lack knowledge linking it to pre-term low birth weight (PLBW). Improving awareness of this periodontal disease risk factor is crucial for better maternal and infant health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Periodontology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Pre-term low birth weight (PLBW) poses significant financial burdens on healthcare systems and families.
  • Periodontal disease is implicated in approximately 18.2% of PLBW cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate gynecologists' understanding of periodontal disease as a risk factor for PLBW.
  • To assess their knowledge of the oral signs of periodontal disease.

Main Methods:

  • A questionnaire survey was administered to gynecologists in Mangalore.
  • Respondents were categorized into practice-based groups, including private practice, medical college practice, combined practice, and postgraduate students.
  • Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

  • Of 93 surveyed gynecologists, 59.8% identified periodontal disease as a risk factor for PLBW, while 14.9% disagreed.
  • 77% correctly identified gingival bleeding/enlargement as a sign of periodontal infection.
  • Statistical analysis excluded one group due to a low response rate.

Conclusions:

  • Gynecologists demonstrated strong knowledge of periodontal disease's oral manifestations.
  • However, their understanding of periodontal disease as a risk factor for PLBW was limited.
  • Enhanced education is needed to bridge this knowledge gap.
Abstract

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