Emaginek haurdun dauden emakumeen ahoko osasunari buruz duten ezagutzaren azterketa. Ikerketa pilotua EAEn.

Abstract

Pregnancy significantly influences maternal oral health, increasing susceptibility to oral diseases that have been associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, such as low birth weight or premature birth. Despite the increased risk of oral pathologies during pregnancy, the demand for specialised dental care among pregnant women in Spain remains low, not exceeding 15%. Given that midwives maintain close contact with pregnant women during both prenatal and postnatal visits, it is essential to assess their knowledge of oral health during pregnancy to implement appropriate preventive measures and enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of midwives in the Basque Autonomous Community regarding the oral health of pregnant women. A descriptive cross-sectional observational study was conducted, inviting active midwives of both sexes to complete a self-assessment questionnaire between December 2023 and February 2024. A total of 84 participants took part in the study, and the data collected were analysed anonymously using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The results indicate that midwives have a moderate level of knowledge on the subject, acknowledging the importance of including maternal oral health promotion in clinical practice guidelines. Additionally, they expressed interest in establishing a specific protocol for pregnant women's oral health. Given these findings, it is essential to implement measures to improve their knowledge, particularly regarding safe dental procedures during pregnancy, to enhance the quality of care and strengthen.