Authors: Patrick Sekele Marob, Elias Lubadi Tshilumba, Dany Kanyana Makolo, Pierrot Kumpanya Ntumba, Jeanny Ngadi Nsungi, Freddy Muamba Nkongolo, Samuella Mantshumba Mabintshi, & Augustin Mantshumba Milolo*
Published Date: November 03, 2025
Cite: Marob PS, Tshilumba EL, Makolo DK, Ntumba PK, Nsungi JN, Nkongolo FM, Mabintshi SM, Milolo AM. Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices of pregnant women about oral health. Cryst J Dent Oral Health. 2025;1(1):1-08.
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women at prenatal consultations, both in urban and rural areas, on their oral health with a view to improving the health of pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Material and Methods: A descriptive study carried out in a hospital environment in the city-province of Kinshasa for the urban environment, and in the province of Kongo-Central for the rural environment, from March 1 to November 30, 2023 among pregnant women selected by sampling non-probabilistic. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The chi-square test was used for data analysis.
Results: Of 363 pregnant women, the majority did not know that pregnancy could have an effect on their oral health. Most agreed that it was important to visit a dentist during pregnancy, and that good oral hygiene during pregnancy is important. A minority did not experience dental pain, and among those who did, most had consulted a dentist in rural areas, while those in urban areas preferred self-medication. Most, both from urban and rural areas, only ensured their oral hygiene once a day, with toothpaste, not knowing whether it was fluoridated or not, at any time, and with a manufactured toothbrush.
Conclusion: The KAP of pregnant women, both in rural and urban areas, is unsatisfactory. There is a need to implement strategies to improve their oral health.
Keywords
Oral Health, Pregnancy, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP), Pregnant Women, Antenatal Care (ANC), Oral Hygiene, Dental Care Utilization, Rural vs. Urban Populations, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Maternal Health
