Knowledges, behaviors, perceptions, and attitudes related to oral health in diabetic patients.

Abstract

Aims: Sociodemograpahic and psychological features, habits of oral hygiene and knowledges of oral health in a group of subjects presenting with Type 2 diabetes, from Department of San Fernando, Chaco, Argentina. Methods: During a appointment for a periodontal examination, questionnaire on 16 related topics with study variable was applied to 150 patients with metabolic control ( group 1: glycosidal hemoglobin [HbA1c] < 8.0 %, mean 6,7%, mean age = 56,1 ± 3,1 years), and 150 patients without such control ( group 2: HbA1c ³ 8.0%, mean 13,7%; mean age = 55,4 ± 3,2 years). Statistical analysis was made considering frequencies distribution mean and standard deviation, difference among ratios test, Student t test, and Chi2 test, with a significance level (SL) of p < 0,05. Results: Study showed a low knowledge by both groups on need of a periodical dental care, frequency of dental hygiene, and smoking effect on health oral. Sixty nine percentage (69%) and 31% in group 1, and 35% and 65% of group 2, respectively, were seen by a odontologist ( p < 0,01) during previous 6 or 12 months. Major reason for the last visit to odontologist was due to emergence treatments, followed by control and restorations consultations, with significant differences between both groups ( p < 0,05). In general, participants had negative dental attitudes an perceptions. Lower than 50% of subjects knew relationship between oral hygiene and diabetes. Conclusions: Diabetic patients and professional staff must to be informed on oral complications of diabetes and smoking. There is a urgent need of the establishment of community programs of oral health education among diabetics of San Fernando Department.