PRAM'OH Study: Patient-Reported and Assessment of Mothers' Oral Health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Self-reported questionnaire and gum health investigations to explore demographic, clinical and behavioural factors influencing the link between gum disease and preterm birth in East London hospitals
IRAS ID
174198
Contact name
Cecilia Gonzales-Marin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Barts Health NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research studies are increasingly suggesting a strong link between gum disease and premature delivery; however this link is still controversial due to conflicting results. Prematurity is a highly distressing condition affecting 8% of deliveries in the UK. In 50% of these cases, parents would not know what the cause of the complication was. This is a mayor public health concern that also represents high costs to the NHS service in a short and a long-term. Whether gum disease is affecting a particular group of pregnant women in a way that may be having an effect on the outcome of the pregnancy, should require immediate action.
The purpose of this study is to broaden our understanding on a number of factors that may influence the proposed gums-pregnancy link. Factors that will be investigated include oral hygiene habits and dental attendance, knowledge and use of free NHS dental care, gum health condition and bacterial patterns in the mouth. Information regarding the existence of other known conditions that can predispose to prematurity will be also collected from the medical notes. Approximately 600 participants will be included in the study during a 12 month period. Women who recently delivered a baby at the Barts Health NHS Trust (Royal London, Whipps Cross and Newham) and Homerton NHS Foundation Trust will be invited to take part. One appointment will be arranged at the Dental hospital or through a home visit. This study has been funded by Barts Charity- Strategic Research.
The information collected will be analysed by comparing results from those who had premature and term deliveries. This study will serve to provide a better understanding of dental condition during pregnancy, possible factors link to prematurity, and will inform the need of future studies.REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0820
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion