Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Nurses and Midwives Working at Antenatal Clinics in the Southern Province of Rwanda on Periodontal Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Survey

INTRODUCTION: Oral health is considered an important component of general health; the mouth cannot be considered in isolation from the rest of the body. Studies indicate an association between periodontitis and preterm and lowbirth weight outcomes. One of the opportunities to improve the oral health care of pregnant women during antenatal care consultations is through collaboration with nurses and midwives. It can be of importance if nurses/midwives are equipped with the right knowledge, attitude and practices regarding oral health. Therefore, this study assessed the existing knowledge, attitude and practices of nurse/midwives working in antenatal clinics in 12 selected health facilities in the Southern Province of Rwanda on periodontal diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done on 79 nurses and midwives working at antenatal care clinics and maternity wards. An ANOVA test was used to compare knowledge, attitude and practices mean scores of nurses/midwives about periodontal diseases and their management. A correlation test was also used to ascertain the relationship among knowledge, attitude, practices and other continuous variables. RESULTS: The average age of nurses/midwives was M=33.57, SD=6.1. 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 or midwife and length of service in antenatal care had no effect on the knowledge, practice and attitude scores of the nurses/midwives. The ANOVA test did not find any significant difference in means for knowledge, attitude, practice and education level (p=0.69, 0.93, 0.27), respectively. CONCLUSION: Although nurses/midwives have good attitude regarding the management of periodontal diseases of pregnant women, their knowledge is insufficient and it is highly recommended that oral diseases can be included in their curriculum so that they can be in the best position to advise/screen for periodontal diseases during pregnancy.