[Pregnant women's perceptions of the Family Health Program concerning barriers to dental care in Pernambuco, Brazil]

Abstract

This study focused on barriers to dental care for pregnant women registered with the Health Family Program in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, Brazil. A qualitative approach using three focal groups was adopted. Each focal group included four to nine pregnant women. The information was analyzed by means of content analysis. The main individual barriers were folk beliefs that discouraged dental care during pregnancy, lack of perceived need, and fear of pain. In addition, the women reported difficulties in leaving home in the early hours of the morning to meet a dental appointment, highlighting an aspect of barriers to dental care which has not been identified in other studies. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of health education for pregnant women, humanization of dental care, and continuing education for health professionals.