Self-perceived oral health and access to care in diabetic and non-diabetic women: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Access to dental care is of growing importance to individuals with chronic illnesses and policymakers alike. OBJECTIVES: To explore personal views of diabetic and non-diabetic women regarding their oral health and access to dental care. METHODS: A qualitative study was performed involving 6 diabetic and 6 non-diabetic female hospital attendees. A thematic framework approach was used to analyze the interviews. RESULTS: Responses yield three emerging central themes: oral health impact, self-maintained oral health and dental service delivery and costs. Personal views varied particularly in oral health self-perception and visiting the dentist. Certain drawbacks shadowed the quality of care in governmental and private sectors. Response variations were observed among diabetics and non-diabetics. CONCLUSION: Within the study limits, female hospital attendees had variable responses on how they looked upon their oral health. A variation in oral hygiene practices and visiting the dentist was observed. Participants believed that governmental and private clinics offered high quality care, with high treatment costs in private clinics and long waiting times in the public service being the main drawbacks. Practical Significance: Importance of supporting patients, educating practitioners and alarming policymakers about the impact of oral health problems and access to dental care.