Attached
Objectives: The study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes and
practices regarding oral health among patients attending the clinic for
diabetes patients at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional, questionnaire based study
among 427 patients was carried out. The questionnaire consisted of 14
questions to assess knowledge, 16 questions for practices and 16
statements for attitudes regarding oral health. A total score of >75%
was considered as a ‘good’, 50%-74% was considered as a ‘moderate’
and <50% as a ‘poor’ level of the aspect assessed. Results: Majority
(74%) were females aged above 50 years. Of the patients 56%
recognized an association between diabetes and oral health. Only 15%
knew that they were more prone to oral fungal infections though 89% knew that diabetes
resulted in delayed wound healing. Oral cancer (72%) was mainly recognized as a
complication of poor oral hygiene. Regarding attitudes, 98% believed that they should be
vigilant regarding their oral hygiene. While 29% believed that a dentist should be visited at
least twice a year, only one patient practiced this. A majority (93%>) believed that brushing
teeth twice a day is important for good oral hygiene and 92% claimed to practice this.
Conclusions: Overall oral health knowledge and practices among patients were ‘moderate’
and the level of attitudes was ‘good’. Patients expect the clinic to provide regular oral health
education and oral examinations.
