Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships: . Prasida Khanal, BDS, MPH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Sangeeta Gajendra, DDS, MPH, MS: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Scott McIntosh, PhD: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Namrata Bhanat, BDS, MPH, MBA, MSISS: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
Abstract: Objectives: a) To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Community Health Workers (CHWs) regarding oral health care during pregnancy by conducting focus groups (FGs) (baseline) and one follow up session (after 3 months) using self-administered pre- and post-test surveys. b) To educate the CHWs using the Maternal and Infant Community Health Collaborative (MICHC) Oral Health Manual and Toolkit 1 and the training of trainers (ToT) 2 model. Methods: This is a single-center, prospective mixed-methods study. Two FGs were conducted among 10 perinatal CHWs. Pre-test surveys were administered. The study adopted the ToT model and used the MICHC toolkit to educate the CHWs about oral health during pregnancy. Post-test surveys and evaluation of the training were completed. All the training sessions were recorded using Zoom. The recordings were professionally transcribed. Data analysis using grounded theory led to the development of specific themes and quotes 3. The study team developed operational definitions of codes and assigned codes to all quotes. Two independent, trained coders coded the transcripts to increase inter-coder reliability. Results: The surveys determined an increase in the CHWs’ knowledge, attitude, and practice about oral health during pregnancy. The FGs generated themes, quotes and recommendations for assessing, assisting, and addressing oral health needs of pregnant women in Monroe County. Conclusion: This innovative project engaged non-dental and culturally competent perinatal workforce to improve oral health outcomes among pregnant women. The CHWs may facilitate behaviors that support positive oral health and pregnancy outcomes that benefit both mothers and infants. Keywords: #pregnancy #CHW#trainingoftrainers
Source of Funding: The American Academy of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) Foundation.
