Knowledge, awareness, and practice among gynecologists, medical practitioners and dentists in Madurai regarding association between periodontitis and pregnancy outcomes

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of oral disease during pregnancy affects the health of the fetus and mother. The interdisciplinary protocol between general dentists (GDs), gynecologists, and general medical practitioners (GMPs) is proved to reduce the incidence of maternal and neonatal complications. AIM: The aim of the present survey is to assess the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of practicing gynecologists, GMPs, and GDs regarding the association of periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 health-care professionals in Madurai. A well-structured pretested questionnaire consisted of 12 questions which were used to assess the awareness of association regarding maintaining oral health during pregnancy among GMPs, GDs, and gynecologists. The knowledge, awareness, and practice scores were calculated for the correct answers to the questions. A software program (SPSS 12) was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was of 33.14 ± 1.5, 32.58 ± 2.80, and 37.7 ± 9.7, respectively. Majority of the participants agreed the importance of dental examination and maintaining oral health during pregnancy GMPs (96%), GDs (100%), and gynecologists (92%). About 92% of gynecologists and GMPs supported that providing dental treatment during pregnancy improved pregnancy outcomes. About 64%, 76%, and 68% of GMPs, GDs, and gynecologists, respectively, confirmed the association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSION: In this study, knowledge and awareness of gynecologists and GMPs are appreciable; however, their attitude toward bringing the facts into clinical practice needs to be improved through integrated programs.