Panchal, K., Chauhan, Y., Patel, H., Panchal, A., Motwani, D. and Katta, S.C. (2023) A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude about the Association between Maternal Periodontitis and Its Adverse Obstetric Outcomes in Mothers. International Journal of Medical and Oral Research, 8, 41-44.
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmo.ijmo_7_23

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Oral Infections and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Knowledge and Attitude of Obstetric Healthcare Professionals in Public Hospitals of Niamey

  AUTHORS: Mahamadou Abarchi Dandy, Amani Hafizou Rabe, Abdoul Majid Habibou, Samir Chekaraou Mainassara, Amy Bolho Ango, Amadou Ali

  KEYWORDS: Oral Infections, Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, Obstetric Healthcare Professionals, Knowledge, Niger

  JOURNAL NAME: Open Access Library Journal, Vol.12 No.9, September 28, 2025

  ABSTRACT: Background: Oral and dental infections during pregnancy have been associated with adverse obstetric outcomes, including preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and miscarriage. Awareness of this link among obstetric healthcare professionals is crucial to ensure timely referrals for dental care. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of obstetric staff in public hospitals in Niamey, Niger. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, multicenter survey was conducted from 31 July to 29 September 2023 across nine public health facilities in Niamey. A structured, pre-tested questionnaire collected data on stomatology training, ability to recognize oral infections, awareness of their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes, and referral practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among 124 participants, 55% had never received stomatology training, 75% could not clinically identify oral infections, and only 38% were aware of their potential impact on pregnancy outcomes. Regarding referral practices, 60% had never referred a pregnant woman for dental care, 26% referred only when the patient reported oral problems, and 14% systematically referred for antenatal dental evaluation. Conclusion: Obstetric healthcare professionals in Niamey demonstrate limited awareness and suboptimal referral practices concerning the relationship between oral infections and pregnancy outcomes. Targeted training, integration of oral health into maternal care protocols, and the establishment of standardized referral pathways are needed to improve perinatal outcomes.