title: Awareness of association between periodontitis and PLBW among selected population of practising gynecologists in Andhra Pradesh.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Preterm low-birth-weight (PLBW) infants are at a higher risk for a number of acute and chronic disorders. Studies point to an association between periodontal infection and increased rates of preterm birth, and pregnant mothers with periodontal diseases are at increased risk of subsequent preterm birth or low birth weight. However, the awareness level of gynecologists about this relationship is unknown.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present survey was to assess the awareness about the effects of periodontal disease on pregnancy among practicing gynecologists, and also compare such awareness between gynecologists in two places-Khammam (a district headquarter) and Hyderabad (a state capital).
  
  
  METHODS
  Random, cross-sectional study in a population of practicing gynecologists from Andhra Pradesh.
  
  
  METHODS
  A random study population was selected from the practicing gynecologists in Khammam and Hyderabad. Sixty practicing gynecologists, 30 each in Khammam and Hyderabad, were approached and they consented to join the study. Data were collected in questionnaire format from the subject population. Collected data were statistically analyzed. Chi-square test with Yates correction was used to analyze the data. A " P" value of <0.05 was taken as a significant difference.
  
  
  RESULTS
  73.3% of the gynecologists said that their patients complain of bleeding gums, swellings and mobility. 58.3% of the gynecologists were aware that gum diseases occur at a higher rate in pregnant females. 38.3% of the gynecologists were aware that periodontal diseases can affect the outcome of delivery. No significant difference was found between the awareness levels of gynecologists in Khammam and in Hyderabad.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a need for interdisciplinary approach for the prevention of PLBW cases by the integration of periodontal care into obstetric management. Effort should be made to increase awareness among the gynecologists.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Mamata Dental College, Giriprasadnagar, Khammam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Rajasekhar
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nutalapati
authors.forename: Arpita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ramisetti
authors.forename: Ramesh Babu
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Mutthineni
authors.forename: Narendra Dev
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Jampani
authors.forename: Suresh Kumar
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Kasagani
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000150:complications; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000150:complications*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000209:etiology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014086:Tooth Mobility / Q000150:complications