RESUMO
Preconception care (PC) is relatively new area of practice. While the volume and quality of PC activities depend on local settings, the awareness of women is critical for the successful promotion of PC services. The aim of this study was to examine the preconception-health-related attitudes and experiences of Bulgarian women of reproductive age. A qualitative study conducted among 20 women aged 18 to 49 years was performed between May and July 2022. Two focus groups were used with mixed samples of nulligravida, pregnant, and postpartum women. The participants thought that the Internet and their obstetrician-gynecologist were the only places where they could learn about getting pregnant. Only two of them discussed their PC plans with their physicians. Women pointed out that general practitioners (GPs) need to be more proactive in promoting PC. All respondents outlined the need for a web-based educational platform that could serve as a primary source of health information for future families. The role and functions of GPs in the continuum of PC should be reconsidered. We recommend targeted educational measures for all stakeholders, including women and GPs. In this regard, an easily accessible, knowledge-based web platform could enhance Bulgarian women's awareness and perceptions of PC.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND For patients with hereditary coagulopathies such as hemophilia, the most common dental problem is spontaneous oral bleeding caused by daily oral hygiene habits like tooth brushing. Because of fear of bleeding, children with hemophilia often skip routine oral hygiene procedures, which can lead to dental caries and periodontal diseases. This case control study aimed to evaluate the oral hygiene awareness and hygiene practices of children with hemophilia from 6 to 18 years of age in Bulgaria. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was conducted over 4 years and included 31 patients (children). A sociological approach was used, with direct individual questionnaires for self-assessment of dental habits. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. RESULTS There was no significant difference between groups in methods of oral hygiene. The duration of oral hygiene procedures was 1 min (n=5, 16.13±6.61%) or 2 min (n=13, 41.94±8.86%), which was considered insufficient for proper oral hygiene. Children who had received oral hygiene advice by a dentist brushed their teeth significantly longer (n=9, 69.23±12.80%) than those who had not. There was a considerable difference between the reasons for the last dental visit between the groups of children (χ²=5.18, P.