Oral Health Knowledge and Attitude of Diabetic Patients in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos State

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the oral health knowledge, attitude and practices of diabetic patients in Lagos State
University Teaching Hospital and to assess their awareness of oral diseases as complications associated with
diabetes mellitus.
Methods: This study was a questionnaire based cross sectional-survey of 261 diabetic patients attending
the diabetic clinic in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Questionnaires were distributed,
data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and a comprehensive descriptive statistics was
produced.
Results: The majority (92.5%) of the participants had type 2 diabetes, 9.5% had type 1. dental
complications: 10.3% knew diabetics are prone to oral disease; 1.1% knew diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause
dental caries; 4.6% knew DM can affect the gingiva. medical complications: 28.7% were aware of DM's
effects on the eyes; 87.4% aware of effects on heart and 72.4% aware DM can lead to diabetic foot. frequency
of tooth brushing: 76.8% brushed after every meal; 1.8% brushed twice daily; 21.4% brushed once daily. on
readiness to accept dental education: 94.3% of the respondents were ready; 5.7% declined.
Conclusion: Diabetics were more aware of medical complications resulting from diabetes mellitus than
dental complications. Their oral health attitude was good and they showed readiness to be educated on
dental complications of DM.
Keywords: diabetes mellitus, oral health, knowledge, awareness, attitudes.