Analysis of oral health care behavior and associated factors among women in the 1st trimester

Objective To explore oral health care behavior and related factors among women in their 1st trimester. Methods Our analysis included 7 014 women in their 1st trimester aged 16 years or above from the baseline survey of the Chinese Pregnant Women Cohort Study (CPWCS). Data on socio-demographic characteristics and oral health care behavior were collected using an electronic questionnaire. Multiple-factors Logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with oral health care behavior. Results The results revealed that 5 134 (73.20%), 2 482 (35.39%), and 1 046 (14.91%) pregnant women brushed their teeth twice a day or more, never had an oral examination, and used special oral care products for pregnant women, respectively. The frequency of brushing teeth and oral examination was positively associated with age and annual household income. Compared to unemployed pregnant women with rural registered residences and low education levels, highly educated and employed pregnant women with city registered residences had a higher frequency of brushing teeth and undergoing oral examination. Pregnant women with depressive symptoms had a lower frequency of brushing teeth (OR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.65-0.81), while those with medical insurance underwent more frequent oral examination (OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.02-1.39). Compared to pregnant women who were unaware of the risk of gingivitis, those who believed gingivitis to be harmful to both themselves and their fetus had a higher frequency of brushing teeth and oral examination and were more likely to use special oral care products. Conclusion Most pregnant women did not pay attention to the need for oral examinations and special oral care products. Their oral health behavior was associated with socioeconomic status, depressive symptoms, and awareness of the importance of oral health. Therefore, oral health care before and during pregnancy was required to help them improve their self-care behavior. Key words: First pregnancy trimester; Oral health; Associated factors