Abstract:
Background: Pregnant women face unique oral health challenges due to the physiological and
hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Having a poor oral health-related quality of life has
a far-reaching implication, affecting not only their well-being but also that of their families and the
health care system. However, in Ethiopia, there is a dearth of studies on oral health-related quality
of life and its determinants in this population. So, this study aimed to assess the oral health-related
quality of life and its determinants among pregnant women in northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was done from May 30 to July 30, 2024,
involving 539 pregnant women who were selected through systematic random sampling. Data
were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and intraoral examination.
Descriptive analysis was performed, and structural equation modeling was used to test the
hypothesis and estimate the relationships, utilizing SPSS version 26 and Amos version 24
software. Bootstrapped maximum likelihood estimates with 2000 samples and 95% bias-corrected
confidence intervals were used to determine the direct, indirect, and total effects.
Results: About 39.4% (95% CI; 35.2, 43.7) of study participants had poor oral health-related
quality of life, with the physical discomfort domain being the most affected (mean:1.617,
±0.71SD). Periodontal disease (direct β=0.45, 95%CI; 0.37,0.51) and third-trimester pregnancy
(total β =0.24,95% CI; 0.16,0.3) had a positive effect on functional limitation. Dental caries had a
direct positive effect on functional (β=0.11, 95%CI; 0.03, 0.20) and physical discomfort (Total
β=0.61, 95%CI; 0.55, 0.67). Malocclusion (direct β=0.19, 95%CI; 0.11, 0.27) and toothbrushing
affect psychological perception (total β=0.18, 95%CI; 0.10,0.27). Social limitation was directly
affected by rural residency (β=-0.11, 95%CI; -0.18, -0.04), and psychological impact (β=0.55,
95%CI; 0.44,0.62). Gestational age, toothbrushing, and age affect all domains through the
mediation of dental caries and periodontal disease.
Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of poor oral health-related quality of life
among pregnant women is high, with the physical discomfort domain being the most affected.
Third-trimester gestation, age, toothbrushing practice, dental caries, and periodontal disease
impact the four constructs of oral health-related quality of life. Enhancing oral health awareness,
particularly about regular tooth brushing is essential. The Ministry of Health should integrate oral
health programs into antenatal care.
