Factors Associated With Self-Perception in Oral Health of Pregnant Women

BACKGROUND: Health perception is a subjective predictor of long-term morbidity and mortality. Few studies address the perception that pregnant women have of their oral health. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between socioeconomic factors and self-assessment of oral health in pregnant women from Cali, Colombia. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 998 pregnant women, calculated using the formula to estimate a proportion in finite populations, with a confidence level of 95%. A questionnaire was applied for sociodemographic characterization, as well as to enquire about oral health perception, knowledge, and practices of oral health. RESULTS: The mean age of the surveyed mothers was 24.7, with a standard deviation of 6.1, of which 23.6% were adolescents. The perception they had about their oral health status was considered good by 60.8%. Of the 82.9% who reported having attended dentistry, more than half perceived good oral health. Pregnant women with no history of oral problems, with a perception of medium or high income, and with good oral hygiene practices tend to have a good perception of their oral health. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women with no history of oral problems, with a perception of medium or high income, and with good oral hygiene practices tend to have a good perception of their oral health.