Barriers to Accessing Dental Care During Pregnancy: A Study on Anatomical, Cultural, Financial, and Systemic Influences in Basra

Abstract

Background: Maintaining optimal oral health during pregnancy is critical, as it directly influences the health outcomes of both mother and fetus. Poor oral hygiene, particularly periodontal disease, is associated with serious maternal and fetal complications, including maternal cardiovascular disease, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Additionally, inadequate maternal dental health increases the risk of early-onset dental caries in children.

Aim: This study investigates the barriers to accessing dental care among pregnant women in Basra.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics and hospitals in Basra. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising five sections: demographic information, cultural factors, financial factors, systemic barriers, and awareness regarding the safety of dental treatments during pregnancy.

Results: Concerns about the safety of dental care during pregnancy constitute a significant barrier (59% of respondents). Financial constraints represent a major economic challenge in Iraq, and prolonged waiting times (reported by 32% of participants) further hinder access, with women experiencing same-day delays due to the absence of scheduled appointment systems.

Conclusion: To improve dental care access among pregnant women, policymakers should prioritize mandatory health insurance coverage to address financial barriers, integrate dental services into maternal health programs to enhance accessibility and enable early management of pregnancy-related oral conditions, and implement educational initiatives to dispel misconceptions about dental treatment safety during pregnancy