The Dimensions of Health Belief Model Structures Related to Oral Health Behaviors aomng Pregnant Women in Kerman City in 2018 (A cross-sectional descriptive study)

Paying attention to dental and oral hygiene in vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, is important for protecting and maintaining maternal and fetal health. This study was performed with aim to determine the dimensions of health belief model Structures related to oral health behaviors among pregnant women in Kerman city.

This descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional study was performed on 138 pregnant women in health centers of Kerman city in 2018. Data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire based on health belief model consisting of four sections: demographic information, oral hygiene status, health belief model and assessment of gingival plaque index by Silness and loe Method. Frequency and relative frequency were calculated for each of the variables. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 19) and linear regression analysis and t-test. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The mean and standard deviation of participants' plaque index was 1.16±0.62, oral hygiene score was 13.49±2.04 and total score of health belief model questionnaire was 130.70±11.84. 61. The plaque index had significant relationship with perceived benefit (p<0.05). Also, there was a significant relationship between health belief model with education level, pregnancy week and type of insurance (p<0.05). A significant relationship was found between oral hygiene status with education level and pregnancy week (p<0.05)

Health performance and dental plaque index of pregnant women are in moderate range which is the result of fear from dental procedures. The total score of people's health belief model is also in the moderate range. So, attention to the beliefs and health aspects of pregnancy care and necessary education in this area is necessary and recommended.