Oral health knowledge, attitudes, practices and behavioral factors associated with clinical oral health indicators in pregnant women: a cross-sectional study in Spain

Abstract

Oral health during pregnancy is relevant to maternal well-being and has been associated with perinatal and child oral health outcomes. This study examined associations between a CAPSOM-derived composite knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) score, oral hygiene behaviors, and clinical oral health indicators in pregnant women attending primary health care centers in Lanzarote, Spain. The contribution of the composite score was modest and outcome dependent. These findings support combining oral health education with practical oral hygiene counseling in prenatal care.