Abstract

MOURA-SOUSADEBRITO, Gleiciana; DASILVA-BOCASSANTA, Ana Carolina; GUTIERREZ-MURILLO, Roberth Steven  and  MELO-GOMES, Sandra Palmeira. Maternal perception of the importance of antenatal dental care in the family health strategy. Rev Hum Med [online]. 2022, vol.22, n.2, pp.386-406.  Epub June 15, 2022. ISSN 1727-8120.

The insertion of dental prenatal during regular prenatal care is considered an integral part related to overall maternal and child health care. Objective: to know the perception and knowledge of pregnant women registered in the family health strategy about the importance of dental prenatal care, in a city in southern Brazil. A descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach, developed in a basic health unit in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. Data collection took place from June to September 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was applied to pregnant women enrolled in the Family Health Strategy (FHS), involving sociodemographic questions and knowledge and perceptions about dental prenatal care. 25 pregnant women participated, with a mean age of 29.2 (±25.6) years, with a predominance of complete elementary school education, white, with a partner, earning up to 1.5 minimum wage. Two categories of analysis emerged: Perception about self-care with oral health and the importance of dental prenatal care and Factors that influence the performance of dental prenatal care. There was consensus on the importance of performing the prenatal care and the benefits that it brings to maternal and child health. Participants in this study reported adopting healthy and health-promoting practices during pregnancy. The findings contribute to the local management of oral health in the female population segment.

Keywords : dental care; oral health; maternal and child health; unified health system.

        · abstract in Portuguese | Spanish     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )