Social Determinants of Oral Health Behaviors in Iranian Pregnant Women: A Cross-sectional Study

Background & aim: Performing oral health behaviors during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal health, affecting both short-term and long-term health outcomes. In Iran, like many other countries, behavioral and social factors influence the oral health of pregnant women. This study investigated social determinants related to oral health behaviors in Iranian pregnant women.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on ۳۰۰ pregnant women who were selected through a multi-stage cluster random sampling over the two months from December ۲۰۲۲ to January ۲۰۲۳ in Mashhad, Iran. Data on two key social determinants— access to educational services and support from family and friends—were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire with acceptable validity and reliability. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann–Whitney test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman correlation, and univariate regression model in SPSS version ۲۲.  Results: All participants completed the questionnaire. The results showed that ۷۱% of participants used to brush their teeth daily and ۱۸% used dental floss. A significant association was found between oral health behaviors and employment status (β = ۰.۳۳۵, P = ۰.۰۳۴), educational level (β = ۰.۳۱۵, P = ۰.۰۰۶), access to educational services (β = ۰.۱۵۴, P = ۰.۰۲۲), and support from family and friends (β = ۰.۱۹۳, P = ۰.۰۰۳). The regression models accounted for ۱۲% of the variance in oral health behavior scores.Conclusion: This study underscored the significance of social determinants in influencing oral health behaviors among pregnant women. These insights can aid healthcare providers in delivering tailored services during pregnancy.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pregnant Women ، Social factors ، Oral Health ، Dental care