Knowledge and Attitude of Diabetic Patients towards the Oral Complications of Diabetes Mellitus and Factors Associated with Their Knowledge in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic long term condition, affecting all age groups. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious oral complications ranging from acute to chronic, which manifest in several ways and can affect diabetic patient’s overall health.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge and attitude of diabetic patients towards the oral complications of diabetes.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study, among 6 different hospitals in Khartoum State, Sudan. The study duration was from 1st December 2015 - 31st January 2016. A total number of 164 diabetic patients participated in the study, they were interviewed using structured closed ended questionnaire. It consisted of different parts assessing diabetic patients’ socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude towards diabetes mellitus oral complications, factors that could be associated with their knowledge, as well as their source of information. Comparison between variables by Chi-squire test with the level of significance set at P ˂0.05.

Results: The average correct response to the knowledge questions was only 47.5%. A Few participants agreed with the statement that “diabetes increases the risk of fungal infection” and majority were denying the fact about the increased risk for dental caries. Participants’ Knowledge on the oral complications of diabetes mellitus was found to be associated with their ages (P = .000), levels of education (P = .002), duration of residence in Khartoum state (P = .018) and duration since they have been diagnosed with the disease (P = .007), but there was no significant difference in knowledge concerning gender differences (P = .06).

Conclusion: participants’ knowledge regarding Diabetes mellitus oral complications was found to be limited. It was associated with their ages, levels of education, times since they have been diagnosed and durations of residence in Khartoum state. Efforts should be taken to improve diabetic patients’ knowledge regarding diabetes oral complications.