Predictors and Barriers to Prenatal Dental Care among Pregnant Women in 2 Regions of China

Abstract

Introduction:

Maintaining oral health during pregnancy is essential for women’s health, yet awareness of and access to dental care among pregnant women in China remain limited.

Objectives:

We aim to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and dental care–seeking behaviors of pregnant women in 2 regions of China and identify the key factors predicting prenatal dental care utilization.

Methods:

Data were collected via an online survey from pregnant women recruited through convenience sampling at 2 hospitals in Beijing municipality and Haikou city, Hainan province. The survey included knowledge, attitudes, and sociopsychological factors that may influence dental care utilization. Principal component analysis and multivariate logistic regression were applied to assess the roles of knowledge and attitudes in prenatal dental care utilization.

Results:

A total of 248 participants completed the survey. Among them, 39.92% consulted a dentist when experiencing dental issues, while 63.31% consulted any health care professional, including dentists and obstetricians. Participants from Hainan were significantly less likely to consult a dentist as compared with those from Beijing (odds ratio [OR], 0.01; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.40). Regular dental care before pregnancy (principal component 1) was associated with lower odds of consulting a dentist (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.92) and any health care professional (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.92). Perceived severity of untreated dental issues (principal component 6) increased the odds of consulting a dentist (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.22 to 2.33) and a health care professional (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.21 to 2.30).

Conclusion:

Geographic location and perceptions regarding dental care during pregnancy significantly influenced dental care–seeking behaviors among pregnant women. Women in less developed regions such as Hainan sought less dental care, while those aware of untreated dental risks were more likely to seek treatment. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to address regional disparities and gaps in knowledge.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This study highlights key factors influencing prenatal dental care utilization among pregnant women in China, emphasizing regional disparities and the impact of knowledge and perceptions on care-seeking behaviors. Women in less developed regions, such as Hainan, were significantly less likely to consult a dentist or other health care professional as compared with women in Beijing. In addition, prior regular dental care was associated with lower odds of seeking treatment during pregnancy, and awareness of the severity of untreated dental issues increased the likelihood of seeking care. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve oral health education and access to prenatal dental care, particularly in underserved areas.