KUMJ | VOL. 20 | NO. 1 | ISSUE 77 | JANUARY - MARCH, 2022
Periodontitis and Diabetes: How Well the Patients have Knowledge about the Established Interrelationship?
Ranjit R, Bista S, Manandhar P, Subedi S
Abstract: Background
Type 2 diabetes is an escalating health problem in Nepal and it holds a strong
bidirectional Inter relationship with periodontitis. However, lack of its knowledge
and motivation among patients may deteriorate and complicate their condition.
Objective
To assess knowledge among general population regarding the relation between
diabetes and periodontitis and to evaluate the role of dentists and physicians in
suggesting the diabetic patients for oral health care.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients visiting Department of
Periodontics, Gandaki Medical College. A total 422 patients were interviewed using a
set of pretested questionnaire and at the end they were counselled about the impact
of diabetes mellitus on periodontal status and vice versa.
Result
Majority of the patients 257 (60.9%) had no idea about the interrelation between
periodontitis and diabetes mellitus. Almost all the patients 363 (86.02%) assumed
that poor oral health cannot increase the risk of developing diabetes and amongst
those who had knowledge about this relation, the major source of information was
their diabetic friends and relatives 46 (10.9%) and other sources such as syllabus
46 (10.9%). Only handful of patients 30 (7.10%) were informed about the relation
by their dentist. Ironically, none of them were provided information about the
interrelation by their treating physician.
Conclusion
Overall, only few participants had knowledge about the bidirectional relation
between periodontitis and diabetes. Hence, our findings support the greater need
for more targeted and specific health education along with close collaboration
between dentists and physicians.
Keyword : Awareness, Diabetes, Knowledge, Oral Health, Periodontitis, Physician
