Knowledge and Practice on Periodontal Health among Women Residing in Rural Area of Bali Province, Indonesia

Periodontal diseases are strongly associated with systemic diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Frequency of periodontal diseases in the rural population tends to be higher than the urban population, and mostly coincides with the lack of knowledge and poor oral hygiene practice. Assessing oral and periodontal health knowledge and practice is critical in providing sufficient oral health education to attain good oral hygiene and prevent periodontal diseases. Therefore, this study aims to determine the knowledge and practice regarding periodontal health among women of reproductive age residing in a rural area of Bali Province, Indonesia. Thirty-five women of reproductive age (15-49 years old) residing in in a rural area of Bali Province who enrolled in a community development program held by an Indonesian University were recruited for this study. Participants were provided with a self-administered questionnaire containing several question items to assess the knowledge regarding possible relationship between periodontal diseases and pregnancy outcomes and types of periodontal diseases, and the practice of proper teeth brushing frequency. Twenty-four of 35 participants (68.57%) in this study know the possible relationship between periodontal diseases and negative pregnancy outcomes. However, knowledge and awareness regarding the type of periodontal diseases and practice of proper frequency of teeth brushing was lower (40% and 34.29%, respectively). This study suggested comprehensive education and counseling regarding oral and periodontal health should be considered for all women residing in rural area, despite their demographic characteristics.