Research Article

A Comparison of the Oral Health Status Between Pregnant Woman and Non-Pregnant Women of Childbearing Age (15-44 Years) in Military 103 Hospital, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

Abstract

Aim: This study to compare oral health status, utilization of dental services, and impacts of oral health on daily living of pregnant and non-pregnant women. Method: A crosssectional study was conducted among 150 pregnant and 150 non-pregnant women of 15–44 years’ age attending the Outpatient Department and Department of Mother and Child in 103 Military Hospital of Vientiane Capital city. The study consisted of an interview and oral examination. All participants were examined for the presence of decayed, filled and missing teeth (DMFT), using the criteria from WHO Oral Health Basic Methods, 5th edition. Periodontal status was examined pocket depth by using WHO probe with marks at 3.5 and 5.5 mm and bleeding on probing was assessed by using normative (clinical examination) and by self-reported approaches. Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) (Slade and Spencer, 1997) were used to measures perceptions of the social impacts of oral disorders on their well-being, the questionnaire was developed in English and used validated questions from other questionnaires. Then it was translated into Lao. Result: The prevalence of dental caries (DMFT>0) among all participants was 75%. In both estimates, pregnant women had a higher prevalence (76%) than non-pregnant women (73%), but the differences were not statistically different. The mean number of DMFT was 3.25. The mean number of untreated decayed teeth was 2.04. The mean DMFT and DT were statistically higher among pregnant women (p= 0.001). There was no difference prevalence of pocket depth between pregnant and non-pregnant women. However, pregnant women had higher bleeding on probe than non-pregnant women (P= 0.011), The mean OHIP score was higher in nonpregnant (9.6±8.7) than in pregnant women (7.7±7.6). There was strong significant positive relationship between DMFT, periodontal, bleeding and total OHIP-14 in pregnant women. Conclusion: Pregnant women were risk and poor oral health than non-pregnant women. Dental treatment needs to prevent oral disease and an effect to quality of life. 

Authors affiliation:

Chanvilay Soukhaseum (ORCID): Faculty of Dentistry, University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR.
Amphayvan Homsavath: Faculty of Dentistry, University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR. 
Souksakhone Anouphonh: Dental Department, 103 Military Hospital, Lao PDR. 
Viraseng Rajpho: Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR.
Phetlamphay Sidanoumonh: Faculty of Dentistry, University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR.
Patay Vonsathien: Faculty of Dentistry, University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR.
Chanthavisao Phanthanalay: Faculty of Dentistry, University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR.

How To Cite: C. Soukhaseum, A. Homsavath, S. Anouphonh, V. Rajpho, P. Sidanoumonh, P. Vonsathien, and C. Phanthanalay. A Comparison of the Oral Health Status Between Pregnant Woman and Non-Pregnant Women of Childbearing Age (15-44 Years) in Military 103 Hospital, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. Healthcare Studies, 4(2):68–76, 2026. https://doi.org/10.58612/hs4210