Ms Namitha Thomas1,2, Dr Kate O’Reilly2, Dr Mariana S. Sousa1,3, Professor Kath Peters2, Professor Ajesh George1,2
1Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, Australia, 2School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia, 3Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT), Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
Biography:
Namitha Thomas is a final-year PhD candidate at the Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH) at Western Sydney University. She is an overseas-trained dentist with research interests in oral health promotion and women’s health. Her doctoral research explores the oral health experiences, perceptions and care practices among women in perimenopause and menopause, as well as the role of healthcare providers in promoting oral health in Australia. Her research has gained national and international media attention and has contributed to the development of oral health resources to raise awareness among women in perimenopause and menopause in New South Wales.
Aims:
Women in perimenopause/menopause can experience oral health problems that affect daily functioning and well-being, yet oral health is often overlooked during this life stage. This study explored oral health perceptions, experiences and care practices among Australian women and their healthcare providers.
Methods:
A mixed-method study was conducted, including a cross-sectional survey of women in perimenopause/menopause (n=169), followed by semi-structured interviews with women (n=17) and healthcare providers (n=20), including general practitioners and primary healthcare nurses. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics along with hybrid thematic analysis.
Results:
Most women (68%-88%) reported experiencing oral health problems with impacts on quality of life, including pain (82%) and psychosocial wellbeing (76%). Common barriers to accessing dental care included limited oral health awareness (65%-82%) and dental costs (59%-80%). Healthcare providers reported limited knowledge (88%), constrained scope of practice (50%), and time pressures (45%) as barriers to addressing oral health. Across both groups, there was strong support for greater integration of oral health into perimenopause/menopause care.
Conclusions:
Women in perimenopause/menopause report unmet oral health needs. Findings highlight gaps in awareness and support among both women and healthcare providers and suggest opportunities to better integrate oral health into routine care during this life stage.