Abstract:
Background: Periodontal disease is a chronic disease characterized by the inflammation of
tissues that surround and support the teeth. Study conducted recently showed a higher (40%)
prevalence of periodontal diseases among pregnant women. Periodontal disease has many
different contributing factors, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, educational status, nutritional
status and etc, Consequence of periodontal disease includes tooth loss, which compromises
chewing, aesthetics, self-confidence and quality of life. Moreover, large number of literatures has
shown the relationship between maternal periodontal disease and complications associated with
pregnancy.Besides there is a paucity of evidence regarding PD in the study area. Thus,
magnitude estimates and risk factor identification for periodontal disease during pregnancy are
paramount.
Objective: To assess the magnitude and associated factors of periodontal disease among
pregnant women at public hospitals in Ambo Town, West shoa, Ethiopia, 2024.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 pregnant women at public hospitals
in Ambo town, Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling method was used to select study
participants. Data was collected using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire and
intraoral examination from January 15 –April 15, 2024. The data was entered into Epi-Data
Manager 4.2 and then transferred to a statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21 for
analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to see the association between each factors
and periodontal disease at a p-value of < 0.25. Finally, the significantly associated factors with
periodontal disease were determined at a p-value of < 0.05 and CI of 95% (AOR). The result is
presented using tables, figures and narratives.
Results: A total of 402 women attending antenatal care with a 100% response rate were enrolled
in this study. The periodontal disease was diagnosed among 169 (42%) of the total participants
with 95% C.I of (37%, 47%). Among the assessed factors educational status was significantly
associated with periodontal disease (AOR = 4.85, 95% CI = [1.44 -16.33], P-value = 0.011 )
Conclusion and recommendation: The magnitude of periodontal disease among the study
participant was high. Periodontal diseases prevention mechanisms should be designed and
employed for pregnant women specially for those with few years of schooling
