International Journal on Science and Technology

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Factors Influencing Dental Care Utilization among Pregnant Women with Oral Disease Symptoms Attending Antenatal Care in Kampala, Uganda

Author(s) Dr. Emmanuel Onyait Ejuu, Ms. Mary Immaculate Nanfuka, Dr. Maria Gorretti Nakyonyi, Dr. Catherine Lutalo Mwesigwa, Dr. Micongwe Moses Isyagi
Country Uganda
Abstract Background: Oral health during pregnancy is often neglected despite the physiological and hormonal changes that predispose women to oral diseases. Untreated oral health problems during pregnancy can affect both maternal and fetal outcomes. However, utilization of dental care services among pregnant women remains low in many low- and middle-income countries, including Uganda.
Objective: To determine the factors influencing dental care utilization among pregnant women with oral disease symptoms attending antenatal care clinics in Kampala, Uganda.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal care at selected health facilities in Kampala. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, oral disease symptoms, knowledge, and access-related factors. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with dental care utilization.
Results: Out of the 695 participants, 21.7% indicated that they used dental services while pregnant. In multivariable logistic regression analysis (n=691), four factors were independently associated with dental care utilization. Toothache was the strongest predictor (AOR = 10.97, 95% CI: 4.82-24.93, p<0.001), followed by having visited a dental health facility previously (AOR = 8.82, 95% CI: 1.78-43.66, p=0.008), experiencing dry mouth (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.04-5.54, p=0.040), and positive opinion on cost of care (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.22-2.73, p=0.003). Conversely, barriers to utilization included a lack of knowledge about the safety of dental procedures during pregnancy and the perceived high cost of dental care.
Conclusion: Dental visits among pregnant women in Kampala are infrequent and primarily driven by acute pain rather than preventive motives. Having an established relationship with a dental facility significantly enhances utilization. Strengthening oral health education within antenatal programs, establishing dental homes before pregnancy, and addressing financial and informational barriers could improve dental care utilization among pregnant women.
Keywords Dental Care Utilization, Pregnancy, Oral Health, Andersen's Model, Antenatal Care, Uganda
Field Sociology > Health
Published In Volume 17, Issue 2, April-June 2026
Published On 2026-04-03
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