Promoting Oral Health Behavior During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Evaluating the impact of an educational self-care intervention on the empowerment of primigravida pregnant women covered by family medicine program in the Estahban City -an application of the Pender's health promotion model

INTRODUCTION

Pregnancy and childbirth are stages in a woman's life that are associated with many different changes. These changes make normal pregnancy stressful and, if not adequately attended to, can have various irreparable effects on the fetus and the mother. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of an educational self-care intervention on the empowerment of primigravida pregnant women in the GP program in the city of Estahban.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was a randomized controlled trial. The sample included 80 pregnant primigravida women with a gestational age of 14-28 weeks. The samples were randomly selected and divided into an intervention group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 40). The method of sample selection for the generalizability of the study results and the maximum reduction of the socio-economic differences of the samples of the two control and experimental groups were selected from 4 health centers based in a simple random method, 2 centers along with the covered bases were selected as the control group and two other comprehensive health centers along with the covered bases were selected as the experimental group. In the selected databases, the names of eligible people were listed from the SIB system and among the mothers eligible to enter the study, 40 people were randomly considered as the control group and 40 people as the intervention group. Six sessions were held for the intervention group; however, the control group received no training. A posttest was conducted 1 month after the educational intervention for both the intervention and control groups. The data were analyzed via 3 questionnaires (demographic data, Kameda Empowerment of Pregnant Women and Self-Assessed Self-Care Empowerment in Pregnancy (SSAP)) and SPSS version 27 as well as chi-square tests, independent t-tests and paired t-tests.

RESULTS

One month after the intervention, a significant difference was observed in all the constructs of the Pender health promotion model and empowerment subscales compared to with those of the control group (p < 0.001). In the in-group comparison in the intervention group, although no significant differences were observed in the interpersonal influence structure and future image, social support or joy in addition to the family subscales, the mean scores increased.

CONCLUSION

Self-care interventions based on Pender's health promotion model can increase the ability of pregnant primigravida women to address common problems during pregnancy and thus improve pregnancy outcomes. To achieve significant changes in the interpersonal influence structure and future image, social support and the joy of an addition to the family subscales, more educational sessions, together with their trusted supporters, including their husbands, are emphasized.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Before starting the current research, it was registered in the clinical trial portal with the specifications of the clinical code Trial Id: 73547, IRCT Id: IRCT20131014015015N23, Registration date: 2023-11-10, 1402/08/19 and Membership number: 15015.

Link between caries, periodontitis, and pregnancy: The role of personalized oral hygiene

Optimal health during pregnancy is crucial for ensuring the well-being of the mother and the developing fetus. This article is focused on the impact of oral health and the role of personalized oral hygiene management in addressing prevalent dental issues among pregnant women, with particular emphasis on periodontal disease and dental caries. Despite the high prevalence of these dental problems and their association with obstetric complications such as pre-term birth and low birth weight, many pregnant women do not receive adequate dental care. This gap in care is often due to misconceptions about the safety of dental treatments during pregnancy and lack of awareness on the part of healthcare professionals. Appreciations of the impacts of oral health and personalization of oral hygiene strategies such as tailored education and support, have proven effective in improving oral health in this population. Significant reductions in the incidence of caries and periodontal disease may be achieved by adapting care to the specific needs of each patient, thereby enhancing maternal and fetal health outcomes. Integration of personalized oral hygiene management into maternal health programs and enhancement of ongoing education for pregnant women and healthcare professionals are essential steps in the reduction of pregnancy-related risks and improvement of maternal and neonatal well-being.