The association between functional oral health literacy and periodontal disease among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the northeast region of Thailand

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the association between functional oral health literacy (FOHL) and oral health behaviors with periodontal disease among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis study was conducted among 1110 adults with T2DM who were selected by multistage random sampling from 10 hospitals of five provinces in the northeast region of Thailand. A structured questionnaire was developed, and face to face interview and also clinical oral examination and blood glucose investigation were carried out. Data distribution was performed by descriptive statistic and chi-square test. The multiple logistic regression was used to determine the association between variables after adjustment for confounders. Results: In this study, a total of 1110 adults with T2DM divided into two groups according to the severity of periodontal disease showed 51.89% of moderate–severe periodontal disease. The study examined the association of periodontal disease with the independent variables after adjusted odd ratios, it was found to be statistically significant with the FOHL level (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30–2.40), toothbrushing frequency (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.24–2.40), smoking (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.45–3.40), and betel nut crewing (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.28–3.45). Moreover, the demographic characteristics of patients with T2DM associated with the severity of periodontal disease in variables of gender, age, education level, duration with diabetes, and health insurance were also statistically significant at P < 0.05. Conclusion: The FOHL level and oral behaviors among adults with T2DM were statistically significant with periodontal disease. However, the patients of T2DM with low FOHL and poor oral health behaviors need extra support from dental health personnel to reduce the risk of oral disease.