Relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease: An observational study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of diabetics in Cameroon

Abstract

Objective: The interrelationship between diabetes and periodontal disease has been reported in Cameroon; therefore, a mutual prevention approach for these two chronic non-communicable diseases appears essential in our country. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Cameroonian diabetics with respect to periodontal health.

Materials and Methods: A bicentric cross-sectional observational study was conducted from February 1st to April 30th, 2024, in two selected hospitals in Yaoundé. Simple random sampling was used to recruit diabetics who provided consent. Sociodemographic data, knowledge of the interrelationship between periodontal disease and diabetes, attitudes of diabetics towards dental consultations and treatment, as well as their oral hygiene habits, were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Clinical and paraclinical data were retrieved from medical records.

Results: A total of 208 participants were recruited, with a mean age of 60 ± 11 years; 142 (68.3%) were women. Two hundred and one (96.6%) participants had type 2 diabetes; 187 (89.9%) reported being unaware of the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. Eighty-seven (41.8%) participants had never consulted a dentist, while only 10 (4.8%) had received a preventive oral consultation. A total of 165 (79.3%) reported using toothpicks. After multivariate analysis, factors associated with inadequate practices were poor knowledge (OR = 2.2; p = 0.044) and approximate attitudes (OR = 2.8; p = 0.013).

Conclusion: This study highlights the need to further educate Cameroonian type 2 diabetics on the interrelationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, to modify their attitudes and behaviours regarding dental consultation, and to optimize their oral hygiene practices.