Psychologically informed oral health interventions in pregnancy and type 2 diabetes: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal health is becoming a recognised component in managing gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is characterised as raised blood glucose levels first discovered in pregnancy and managed similarly to type 2 diabetes. Currently, the standard intervention for gestational diabetes in the UK entails dietary modifications and physical activity interventions. However, considering the literature discussed in this review, it is argued that oral health advice and support should also become an integrated part of gestational diabetes management. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review is to map out psychologically informed oral health interventions in pregnancy and type 2 diabetes. This will inform the development of a new behavioural intervention to promote oral health-related behaviours in women with gestational diabetes. As no literature exists on oral health interventions in gestational diabetes, it was deemed appropriate to synthesise the evidence on oral health interventions designed for pregnant women and individuals with type 2 diabetes. METHODOLOGY: The scoping review will be conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology for scoping reviews. Studies including pregnant women and individuals with type 2 diabetes over 18 years of age will be included. Only studies including a psychologically informed oral health intervention will be considered. The authors will consider experimental and quasi-experimental research designs. The Ovid Interface including EMBASE, Medline, Global Health, APA PsychInfo, Health Management Information, Maternity, Infant Care Database and the Cochrane Library will be used as information sources. The planned searches will commence on the week of the 25 July 2022. Only articles in Danish and English will be considered. The study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews process. The data will be presented using narrative synthesis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical approval is needed for this review. The results will be published in a relevant scientific journal.