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Recorded presentation

BO Blagogee, MD, MPH, PhD¹, Francis A. Obuseh, MS, MPH², LeaVonne Pulley, PhD³, Hr Foushee, PhD¹, Vee Stalker, MSW¹, and Connie Kohler, DrPH⁴. (1) Center for Health Promotion, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35205, (205) 996-6030, blagogee@uab.edu, (2) Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ryals Public Health Building 320, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205-0022, (3) College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, Slot 820, Little Rock, AR 72205, (4) Dept. of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35205

Purpose: Evaluate the associations of unmet dental needs and recommended preventive oral health behaviors of diabetics in Black Belt Region of Alabama

Methods: Random telephone survey of 615 adults was conducted. We analyzed variations in socio-demography, perceptions of teeth, knowledge and behaviors about oral health, and unmet dental needs of diabetic and non diabetic groups using bivariate analysis. Multivariate analyses were also conducted to ascertain predictors and assess the associations of these factors to these unmet dental needs.

Results: Diabetics were 17.7% of the sample. There were significant differences in age, insurance, education, going to a dentist (p<0.05), and marginal differences in gender and perception of teeth. Unmet dental needs (such as tooth pain, bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, unfilled cavities, broken teeth/ fillings, and stained teeth) were generally lower among non diabetes compared to diabetics. Significant differences in loose teeth (p=0.007) also existed between both groups. Multivariate analysis showed that diabetics had a 2.0 fold increased risk towards unmet dental needs (95% CI: 1.1-3.6); other predictors were insurance status, toothbrushing, and dental visits. In addition, non diabetics were more likely to visit a dentist compared to diabetes and among diabetics, the strongest single predictor was knowledge of dental visits.

Conclusion: Study showed higher rates of unmet dental needs among diabetics which compromise their oral health especially their periodontal disease status, and worsens glucose control. These findings may show a need for counseling/ intervention programs on oral health and highlight the importance of following-up with diabetics and ensuring proper oral care.

Learning Objectives:

• To evaluate the patterns of preventive oral health behaviors in diabetics.
• To identify prevalence of unmet dental needs of diabetics.
• To describe the association of preventive oral health behaviors and unmet dental needs of diabetic patients.

Keywords: Diabetes, Oral Health Needs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation