Knowledge and Attitude of Medical Nurses toward Oral Health and Oral Health Care of Pregnant Women
- Author:
Suzana Sharif
;
Norkhafizah Saddki
;
Azizah Yusoff
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
oral health;
pregnancy;
nurses;
knowledge;
attitude
- MeSH:
Oral Health, Pregnant Women
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
2016;23(1):63-71
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of medical nurses regarding oral health and oral health care of pregnant women. Methods: This cross sectional study of 133 nurses in the district of Tumpat, Kelantan (Malaysia) used self-administered questionnaires. Results: Most nurses knew that dental plaque is associated with periodontal disease (97.7%). However, most nurses erroneously believed that tooth decay (86.5%) and excessive sugar consumption (87.2%) led to periodontal disease. About half of the nurses knew about the relationship between periodontal disease of pregnant women and low birth weight (43.6%) and preterm birth (48.9%). Many nurses had the misconception that the developing foetus draws calcium from the mothers’ teeth (78.2%). Most nurses had good attitudes toward improving their oral health knowledge (97.0%) and agreed they should help to deliver oral health education to pregnant women (94.0%). Age, length of service as a nurse, and length of service in antenatal care had no effect on the scores for the nurses’ knowledge and attitude regarding oral health and oral health care of pregnant women. Conclusion: Medical nurses had limited knowledge about oral health of pregnant women and had some misunderstandings about oral health, although they had good attitudes. Age, length of service as a nurse, and length service in antenatal care had no effect on the knowledge and attitude scores of the nurses.
- Full text:P020160212842138659795.pdf
