Title: Oral health related quality of life during pregnancy
Abstract:
Aim: This study aimed to assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among pregnant women in Benghazi, Libya, and examine the factors influencing it across different pregnancy stages.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 391 pregnant women attending private and
governmental healthcare facilities. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic variables, pregnancy characteristics, self-reported oral health conditions, and the Oral Health Impact Profile-5 (OHIP-5) to measure OHRQoL. Statistical analyses were performed using t-tests and ANOVA, with a significance level of p <= 0.05.
Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of oral health issues, with 53.5% of participants reporting tooth sensitivity, 52.9% having dental caries, and 49.9% experiencing tooth pain. Gingival bleeding was reported by 37.9% of participants. Education level (p=0.007) and healthcare facility type (p=0.000) were significantly associated with OHRQoL, whereas age (p>0.05) and pregnancy trimester (p=0.205) did not show statistically significant effects. The highest OHIP-5 scores wereobserved in the third trimester.
Conclusions: Oral health problems are prevalent among pregnant women and significantly impact their quality of
life. Education and healthcare access were key determinants of OHRQoL. Public health interventions should focus on improving oral health awareness and accessibility to dental care services for pregnant women.
