Relationship between Oral Health of Pregnant Women and Low Birth Weight of the Newborns in Lao PDR

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between oral health during pregnancy and the birth weight of newborns is a significant area of research, as it has implications for both maternal and child health outcomes. Understanding this relationship can inform preventive strategies and interventions to improve maternal oral health and reduce the risk of low birth weight in newborns. Objective: The aim of the study was identify the relationship between oral health of the pregnant women and low birth weight of the newborns. Methods: This cohort study was conducted at 4 District hospitals in Vientiane capital, Lao PDR. The inclusion criteria of the pregnant female as follows: age 18-35 years old, any nation and ethnic group, 36 weeks and over of gestation with in term birth and who will be voluntary in the research. The tool for data collection was used a questionnaire form, oral examination form and record data of newborn weight. Data analysis was used the SPSS for descriptive analysis and Chi-square test to identify the association between oral health status of the mothers and low birth weight. Results: This study was found a high association between dental caries and low birth weight (P-value 0.001), whereas the periodontal diseases was not significantly related with low birth weight infants (P-value > 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries in pregnant women study group was high (84.90%) and it was the risk factor of low birth weight in newborns.