Community Dental Health

cover art

Cover Date:
September 2014
Print ISSN:
0265 539X
Vol:
31
Issue:
3

Type II diabetes and oral health: perceptions among adults with diabetes and oral/health care providers in Ghana

Community Dental Health (2014) 31, 158–162 Received 6 November 2013; Accepted 11 February 2014

© BASCD 2014 doi:10.1922/CDH_3329Broder05

Type II diabetes and oral health: perceptions among adults with diabetes and oral/health care providers in Ghana

Objective: This study sought to examine oral health beliefs and attitudes, and utilisation of oral health care services among individuals with diabetes and health professionals who serve them in Ghana. Basic Research Design: A qualitative study using grounded theory was conducted. Clinical Setting: University of Ghana Dental School at Korle Bu, University of Ghana School of Public Health, National Diabetes Research and Management Centre at Korle Bu, and New York University College of Dentistry. Participants: A convenience sample of 59 patients comprised 7 focus groups conducted in either Twi or English. Seven key informant interviews with healthcare professionals and one spiritual leader were completed. Results: Data from the focus groups and interviews reveal: 1, half of the participants with diabetes have oral manifestations (e.g., bleeding gums) and participants are generally unaware of interrelationship between diabetes and oral health; 2, dental treatment utilisation is minimal and associated almost exclusively with reparative and emergency care; and 3, medical health providers do not acknowledge the interrelationship between oral health and diabetes nor do they incorporate oral health issues into diabetes screening/treatment. Conclusion: Oral health knowledge and practices are limited among patients with diabetes in Accra, Ghana. Collaborative efforts for in-service education and training for oral health and medical professionals may be beneficial in serving the oral and general health care needs as well as improving the oral health-related quality of life of Ghanaians with diabetes.

Key words: diabetes mellitus, qualitative research, periodontitis, quality of life, oral health, health literacy

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£0.00
Page Start
158
Page End
162
Authors
H.L. Broder, D. Tormeti, A.L. Kurtz, D. Baah-Odoom, R.M. Hill, S.M. Hirsch, S.A. Hewlett, J.K. Nimako-Boateng, J.Y. Rodriguez, L. Sischo

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