The relationship between oral health and dental care usage behavior and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) in women who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth

Objectives: This study analyzed raw data from the 8th National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2021) to assess the impact of oral health problems and dental care usage patterns of women who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth. Methods: Out of the 2,389 participants with pregnancy and childbirth experience, 1,301 were included in the final analysis. Multiple regression analysis was conducted using to determine the influencing factors on EQ-5D. Results: Factors influencing EQ5D include general characteristics (age, family income (5 quintile), status of basic living subsistence, education level), oral health problems (chewing problems, complaints of chewing discomfort, speaking problems) (p<0.001). Conclusions: The oral health problems and dental care usage patterns of women who experience pregnancy and childbirth have a significant impact on their health-related quality of life. This study provides basic data for women’s ongoing oral care.