Effect education based on trans-theoretical model on reduction of the prevalence of gingivitis among pregnant women: Application of Telegram social network

Background: Gingivitis has high prevalence among pregnant women and educational programs have resulted in little success in the improvement of this disorder. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of trans-theoretical model based education on reduction of the prevalence of gingivitis among pregnant women through Telegram social network. Methods: This experimental study was conducted in Sanandaj City, in the west of Iran in 2018. 160 pregnant women were assigned to intervention and control groups. The participants completed a two-part questionnaire, including demographic variables and trans-theoretical model constructs before and after intervention. The interventional program was delivered through Telegram, and its effect on decreasing gingivitis was evaluated after 24 weeks. The gingival indices were recorded before and after intervention. Data were entered into SPSS-21 software and analyzed by chi-square, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: After the intervention, 67.5% of pregnant women in the intervention group (versus 16.6% in control group) performed the dental cleaning behavior (p<0.01). Moreover, there was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the mean scores of perceived benefits and gingival indices after the intervention (p<0.01). Conclusion: Oral health education in the patients with gingivitis could have a significant effect on decreased rate of gingival indices. Telegram social network as an electronic educational tool could be useful for this education and potentially improves the status of the patients with oral diseases.