Diabetes and periodontal health knowledge and awareness among diabetic patients – a uni-centred study in western Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: A considerable body of research has found a bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus. In Saudi Arabia, reports indicate that diabetes mellitus is a major health problem with a prevalence of 23.7% among Saudi adults. Despite these recognized high rates of diabetes mellitus among the Saudi population, little is known about the periodontal disease and diabetes-related knowledge of patients with diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia. Objective: To examine what patients with diabetes mellitus know about the condition and its association with periodontal disease, and also to examine their sources of diabetes-related information. Materials and methods: Patients (n =454) with diabetes mellitus who were receiving care at the Diabetes Clinic in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry Hospital, King Abdulaziz University. The study was conducted from October 2013 to February 2014. The data were collected by interviewing the participants. A structured questionnaire was designed and developed based on a thorough literature review. The questionnaire provided demographic information, relevant health-related activities, diabetes mellitus knowledge and sources of diabetes-related information. The data were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) version 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Although respondents asserted various diabetes-related information sources, including family, friends and health care providers, respondents demonstrated very limited knowledge about diabetes mellitus and its association with periodontal disease. Conclusion: Patients with diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia need to be educated with comprehensive and accurate information about the periodontal disease– diabetes mellitus inter-relationship to best maintain their health. Acknowledgement: We would like to thank Professor Mona Hassan, for her help with data analysis and to thank the Diabetes Clinic in King Abdulaziz University Hospital for facilitating the implementation of this study.