Frequency and factors associated with the utilization (curative and preventive) of oral health care services among pregnant women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has one of the highest maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Africa. There is a growing body of evidence about the relationship between poor oral health and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there is a lack of information about oral health status during pregnancy in the DRC. This study aimed to identify the factors related to the utilization of oral health care services among pregnant women.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in four health facilities representing each administrative district of the city of Kinshasa, between March and May, 2021. The study population comprised pregnant women aged at least 18 or over attending antenatal care (ANC), selected using a simple random sampling techniqu

SUBMITTER: Sekele PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11828865 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature