The Diabetes-Periodontal Association: Awareness and Oral Care Practices of Patients Attending a Nigerian Teaching Hospital - A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: There is a bidirectional relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis; hence, diabetic patients must be aware of this association. This study, therefore, aims to evaluate the awareness of diabetic patients of the association between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis, and how this influences their dental care utilisation.

Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among diabetic patients of the endocrinology clinic of UPTH. Semi-structured, self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. The questionnaire had three sections. Section A included information on socio-demographic, section B included information on the awareness of the association between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus. Section C included information on oral hygiene practices and dental care utilisation. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 25.0.

Results: There were 198 participants; 88 males and 110 females. One hundred and forty-nine (75.3%) participants were unaware of the link between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus. Concerning dental clinic visitation, 106 (53.5%) had previously visited the dental clinic while 92 (46.5%) never attended the dental clinic. Among those that have attended the dental clinic; 5 (4.7%), 41 (38.7), 7 (6.6%) and 50 (47.2%) participants visited for routine check-ups, extractions, scaling & polishing and toothaches, respectively. Among those who knew of the association between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus, 14 (26.4%) never visited the dental clinic, while 39 (73.6%) visited the dental clinic. This finding is statistically significant (p = 0.003)

Conclusion: Most of the participants were unaware of the association between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus. Among participants who were aware of the association, more participants visited the dental clinic for curative/symptomatic care rather than for preventive care.