Evaluation of a Maternal Behavior Change Communication (MBCC) dental public health intervention on pregnant women to prevent early childhood caries in their infants: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Stronger maternal-fetal attachment contributes to less prenatal maternal mental stress and better pregnancy outcomes, ultimately leading to healthier mother-infant relationships and infants with far fewer cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal issues. The literature suggests that a lack of maternal factors, such as oral health knowledge and prenatal dental care utilization, is directly linked to the incidence of early childhood caries (ECC). The authors hypothesize that innovative maternal behavioral change communication (MBCC) interventions targeting pregnant mothers could help improve the general/oral health literacy and outcomes of both themselves and their infants.

METHODS

The study is conducted as a randomized controlled trial (3-arm parallel design) reto assess the ability of an MBCC intervention to develop and strengthen the maternal-fetal/infant bond and encourage awareness and understanding of good oral health, behavior, and practices among expecting mothers and their newborn infants to prevent ECC. Pregnant women (n = 450) aged 20-35 years in the 12th -20th week of gestation will be the sampling frame for the study, which will be extended to a 2-year postnatal period. Women randomized to the study groups will be provided with timely intervention videos that contain information on prenatal bonding and preventive pre- and postnatal oral health care, whereas women in the control group will receive general information via pamphlets, e-flyers, and brochures on preventive oral care for a healthy pregnancy. Oral health screening and counselling will be provided during the follow-up visits of the mother and her infant. The outcome measures will include the incidence of ECC among infants (primary outcome), prenatal/postnatal maternal-fetal/infant attachment measures, maternal oral health knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP), caries risk assessment, and oral health measures (secondary outcomes).

DISCUSSION

The study outcomes will be added to substantiate the use of MBCC interventions in reducing the incidence of ECC. A stronger maternal-Fetal/Infant bond may also possibly contribute to babies receiving greater maternal affection and developing a strong sense of trust. If positive, this model of care can be widely applied in clinical practice to ensure holistic health care and thereby achieve sustainable positive health outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial Registry India CTRI/2022/07/044124 [Registered on: 19/07/2022].