Maternal Oral Health Educational Intervention to Improve Knowledge, Practice and Dental Service Utilization

This research follows a mixed-method exploratory sequential design. It will take place at the Antenatal and Dental Outpatient Departments (OPD) of Dow University of Health Sciences (Ojha Campus) in Karachi. This site is ideal provides access to both obstetricians and dental professionals. The study is divided into four distinct phases: 1. Phase I (Qualitative Exploration): The researcher will conduct focus group discussions (FGDs) with pregnant women and In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with healthcare professionals (dentists and obstetricians) to identify specific barriers to dental care and understand stakeholder perspectives. 2. Phase II (Co-Design): Using insights from Phase I, the researcher will develop a culturally sensitive educational intervention called CODE-MOM. 3. Phase III (Baseline \& Intervention): Pregnant women in their first trimester will be recruited. They will complete a questionnaire on their knowledge and practices, followed by a clinical oral examination to record their dental health status. Participants will then receive an educational intervention and biweekly booster messages via WhatsApp to reinforce healthy behaviors. 4. Phase IV (Evaluation): Six weeks later, participants will undergo a follow-up. The questionnaire will be re-administered, and a follow up examination will take place to measure improvements. A feedback survey will assess how acceptable and feasible the program was for them. The study expects to show a significant improvement in maternal oral health knowledge, practices, and the utilization of dental services. By integrating oral health education into routine pregnancy care, the project aims to reduce dental complications and lay a healthier foundation for both mothers and their children.