Analysis of the influencing factors of oral health self-efficacy and its correlation with dental anxiety in pregnant women

QIAN Yi-jun; ZENG Xiao-li; ZHANG Hao; YU Jin; JIANG Yi-wei; WANG Hu-ning; ZHU Ru-yi; ZHANG Ying

doi:10.19538/j.kq.2025.04.009

Abstract：Objective To explore the influencing factors of oral health self-efficacy and its correlation with dental anxi-ety in pregnant women.Methods From March to June in 2021,a random sampling method was used to select 2 638 pregnant women with files established at 4 community health centers in each of the 16 districts of Shanghai.They were instructed to fill out the questionnaires and had oral examinations.The modified dental anxiety scale(MDAS)was used to assess dental anxiety,and the self-efficacy scale for self-care(SESS)was used to evaluate self-efficacy.The influencing factors of self-efficacy in pregnant women and its correlation with dental anxiety were analyzed.Results Of the 2 638 pregnant women,the average score of MDAS was(10.57±3.93).Totally 920(34.9％)of them had MDAS score greater than 12 points and they were diagnosed with DA.The average total SESS score of pregnant women was(53.76±11.03),which was at a medium level.The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the education level,frequency of teeth cleaning,frequency of tooth brushing,use of dental floss,gingival bleeding on brushing,the number of teeth,and whether having dental anxiety were all the influencing fac-tors of total SESS score(P＜0.05).The MDAS score was negatively correlated with the scores of the three dimen-sions of SESS(balanced diet,correct brushing,and regu-lar clinic visits)and the total score(r values were-0.406,-0.470,-0.441,and-0.500,P＜0.001).The score of cor-rect brushing dimension and SESS total score were inde-pendent influencing factors of MDAS score(P＜0.05).Conclusion Education level,oral care awareness,oral health be-haviors,and oral health status of pregnant women are all related to self-efficacy.Enhancing the oral health self-efficacy of pregnant women can reduce their dental anxiety levels.