Patient Knowledge of the Link Between Diabetes and Periodontal Diseases

Abstract

Knowledge of possible complications associated with disease is generally viewed as a precursor to positive health behaviors. The purpose of this investigation was: 1) to determine the knowledge of individuals with diabetes of the potential risk of periodontitis due to their disease; 2) to identify if a relationship exists between the frequency of positive oral self-care behaviors and knowledge related to diabetes; and 3) to ascertain if diabetics are receiving information regarding the risk of periodontal diseases from members of their health care team. The study was approved by the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, Internal Review Board. Fifty-two persons meeting predetermined eligibility requirements were asked to participate in the study as they presented for health care appointments at participating health care sites; three were ineligible and four declined to participate (n=45). Data were collected via a 22-item, self-reported questionnaire. Data analyses including frequencies and tests of association were conducted by the statistical software program MINITAB® Release 14. The key findings of this investigation were: 1) the majority (91%) of the subjects reported a belief that oral health could be affected by diabetes; 2) the knowledge of the oral-diabetes link is not associated with frequent tooth brushing and flossing, but is associated with having a dental cleaning within the previous 12 months and the use of an OPT device (p<.05); and 3) less than half of the participants were advised by a health care provider that they should practice preventive oral-self care behaviors or received information regarding the relationship between diabetes and periodontal diseases. Findings support the need to investigate the motivational and behavioral methods related to preventive oral health practices and incorporate such strategies into diabetes educational programs and clinical settings.