Oral Health Knowledge and Attitude of Diabetic Patients in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos State

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the oral health knowledge, attitude and practices of diabetic patients in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and to assess their awareness of oral diseases as complications associated with diabetes mellitus.

 Methods: This study was a questionnaire based cross sectional-survey of 261 diabetic patients attending the diabetic clinic in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Questionnaires were distributed, data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and a comprehensive descriptive statistics was produced.Results:Themajority(92.5%)oftheparticipantshadtype2diabetes,9.5%hadtype1.dental complications: 10.3% knew diabetics are prone to oral disease; 1.1% knew diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause dental caries; 4.6% knew DM can affect the gingiva. medical complications: 28.7% were aware of DM's effects on the eyes; 87.4% aware of effects on heart and 72.4% aware DM can lead to diabetic foot. frequency of tooth brushing: 76.8% brushed after every meal; 1.8% brushed twice daily; 21.4% brushed once daily. on readiness to accept dental education: 94.3% of the respondents were ready; 5.7% declined.

Conclusion: Diabetics were more aware of medical complications resulting from diabetes mellitus than dental complications. Their oral health attitude was good and they showed readiness to be educated on dental complications of DM

.Keywords: diabetes mellitus, oral health, knowledge, awareness, attitudes.