Social Determinants of Oral Health Among Colombian Pregnant Women: A Mixed-Methods Study

Introduction: Social determinants of oral health play a crucial role in the development of oral diseases, yet they remain understudied in pregnant populations. Objectives: To identify the social determinants of oral health among a cohort of Colombian pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, comprising a cross-sectional study of 1,048 pregnant women and semi-structured interviews with 24 pregnant women. Social determinants of oral health were assessed, along with perceptions, knowledge, and practices regarding oral health. The methodological strategies were integrated based on three approaches: convergence, complementarity, and divergence. Results: The quantitative analysis revealed that pregnant women with a higher education level more frequently reported seeking dental care due to prenatal care referrals. However, the qualitative component found that ongoing treatment was the most commonly cited reason for dental visits. Conclusions: The study identified household monthly income and educational level as key social determinants of oral health, directly influencing dental consultation patterns, perceptions, knowledge, and oral health practices among pregnant women.