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| ORIGINAL RESEARCH |
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| Year : 2009 |
Volume
: 20 | Issue : 1 | Page
: 13-16 |
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Periodontal disease as a risk factor in pre-term low birth weight - An assessment of gynecologists' knowledge: A pilot study
Rekha P Shenoy1, Dilip G Nayak2, Peter S Sequeira3
1 Department of Community Dentistry, Yenepoya Dental College, Deralakatte, Mangalore 575 018, India
2 Department of Periodontics, MCODS, Mangalore 575 003, India
3 Department of Community Dentistry, Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences, Virajpet, India
Correspondence Address:
Rekha P Shenoy
Department of Community Dentistry, Yenepoya Dental College, Deralakatte, Mangalore 575 018
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0970-9290.49049
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Background: Pre-term low birth weight (PLBW) is a condition having tremendous financial impact on health care systems as well as the affected families. Studies suggest that 18.2% of all PLBW cases may be attributable to periodontal disease.
Objectives: To assess gynecologists' knowledge of periodontal disease as a risk factor in PLBW and their knowledge with regard to the oral manifestations of periodontal disease.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted on gynecologists in the city of Mangalore. The respondents were divided into four groups - those practicing only in medical colleges, those having only a private practice, those practicing in both medical colleges and in private practice, and post-graduate students of gynecology in the medical colleges in the city.
Statistical Analysis Used: The Chi-square test for proportions was used to test the differences between the groups.
Results: Out of a total of 142 gynecologists, 93 participated in the survey. Group II respondents were omitted from the statistical analysis as the response rate was only 18.8%. Periodontal disease was considered to be a risk factor in PLBW by 52 (59.8%) respondents while 13 (14.9%) stated that it was not a risk factor at all. Sixty-seven (77%) respondents stated that bleeding/enlargement of the gingivae was a sign of periodontal infection.
Conclusions: Respondents' knowledge was high regarding the oral manifestations of periodontal disease but was low regarding periodontal disease as a risk factor in PLBW. |
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