Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Diabetic Patients about Periodontal Disease in Gorgan, North of Iran (2019)

Abstract

Background and Objective: Periodontal disease has high prevalence in diabetic patients and the knowledge of them about the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease is effective in the control of the blood glucose and progression of periodontitis. This study was done to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetic patients about periodontal disease in Gorgan north of Iran. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was done on 300 type 1 and 2 diabetic patients (136 males & 164 females) whom referred to governmental health centers in Gorgan, northern Iran during 2019. Demographic information, knowledge, attitude and practice were recorded using a questionnaire. Results: The level of good knowledge, attitude and practice were evaluated 51.7%, 44.3% and 25%, respectively. There was significant association between oral hygiene practice and gender and education (P<0.05). Good practice was observered more in females and in patients. Conclusion: More than half of diabetic patients had moderate to good knowledge and attitude about periodontal disease but their practice was moderate to poor.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• periodontal disease
• health knowledge
• attitudes
• practice