Oral health experiences of pregnant and parenting adolescent women: A qualitative descriptive study

BackgroundOral health may plan an important role in the general health of adolescents who are pregnant and parenting. However, little is known about the socio-behavioral and environmental experiences that may affect the adolescent woman's oral health and quality of life.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore oral health experiences among adolescent women who were pregnant and parenting.DesignThis was a qualitative descriptive study.ParticipantsTwenty-four adolescent women who were pregnant and parenting, 14–18 years of age, who read and spoke English and were enrolled in an alternative school-based program.MethodsManifest and latent content analysis were conducted by hand with data from face-to-face interviews, observations, field notes, and reflective journaling. Member checks confirmed credibility of the qualitative findings.ResultsFour themes emerged from the oral health data: perceptions, knowledge and practices, myths and misconceptions, and values.ConclusionNurses may play a key role in improving the oral health status of adolescents who are pregnant and parenting. Oral health should be a routine part of every general health assessment.