The Knowledge and Attitude of Diabetic Patients Regarding Oral and Dental Disorders in Kerman Diabetes Clinics

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders. This disease has devastating effects on many organs and tissues of the body including oral and dental tissues. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of diabetic patients about dental and oral diseases. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, 433 diabetic patients who referred to Kerman Diabetes Clinics were included. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisted of three parts of demographic characteristics, knowledge of oral and systemic complications of diabetes mellitus, and patients' attitude regarding their oral health. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and employing t-test and multiple linear regression analysis. Statistically significant values were considered at p≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The mean scores for the knowledge of systemic and oral complications were 0.80±0.21 and 0.39±0.23, respectively. The mean total knowledge of diabetic patients was 0.53±0.18, and the mean score for the patients' attitude was 0.63±0.11. It was revealed that people with a family history of diabetes did not have significantly greater overall knowledge (p= 0.082). Also, people with longer disease duration (p= 0.004) and female patients (p= 0.05) had significantly a better knowledge and attitude in terms of oral health. CONCLUSION: The knowledge and attitude of patients regarding their oral and dental health and diseases were at moderate level, which should be promoted by constant planning and education according to the current needs of society.