Oral health knowledge, attitude and practice among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of tooth decay and chronic gingivitis is higher in people with diabetes than in healthy people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes towards oral diseases. METHODS: A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 182 patients less than 25 years of age with type 1 diabetes referred to Golestan Clinic in Ahvaz during 2015-2020. The questionnaire consisted of four sections of demographic information, different dimensions of KAP questionnaire was used to collect data about oral health. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22 using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests. The significance level was considered of P < 0.05. RESULTS: The results of the present study showed that 65% of patients had a moderate and low level of knowledge and attitude. Only 13.7% of patients with diabetes reported good levels of oral health performance. Parent’s level of education, patient age and urbanization significantly improved the level of KAP of children and adolescents with diabetes towards oral health (P < 0.05). The effect of knowledge on attitude and practice of individuals and also the effect of attitude on practice was positive and significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering that the KAP of 50% of patients were at low and medium levels, therefore it seems necessary to provide an appropriate solution in order to improve the level of KAP of diabetic patients in relation to oral health.