Association between Oral Health Literacy and Tooth Loss among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Melli tus

Abstract

              This cross–sectional analytical study aimed to determine the prevalence of tooth loss and the association between oral health literacy and tooth loss among 386 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Sakon Nakhon province. The data were collected during January 1st to February 28th, 2019. The samples were selected by simple random sampling. The data were collected by structured interview forms. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistic and inferential statistic, Chi–square test and multiple logistic regressions, to determine the association between factors and tooth loss, adjusted Odd ratio (Adj. OR) and 95% of confidence interval (95%CI).
             The results showed that 379 (98.19%) adults with T2DM were answered the questionnaire and checked up for oral healthcare. The prevalence of tooth loss among them was 55.15% (95%CI = 50.11–60.17). The factors associated with tooth loss in adults with T2DM were the low level of oral health literacy (Adj. OR = 3.68, 95%CI = 1.91–7.06, p < 0.001), elementary education level or lower (Adj. OR = 3.56, 95%CI = 1.98–6.41, p < 0.001), T2DM duration since 5 years (Adj. OR = 3.77, 95%CI = 2.26–6.30, p < 0.001), dental personnel visit less than 2 times/ year (Adj. OR = 3.82, 95%CI = 2.99–5.31, p < 0.001) and the T2DM adults with smoking or ever smoked (Adj. OR = 5.31, 95%CI = 2.81–10.03, p < 0.001).

           In conclusion, the factors associated with tooth loss among adults with T2DM were the oral health literacy, education level, duration of diabetes, access to dental service and the smokingbehavior.     

           Keywords: Tooth loss, Oral health literacy, Type 2 diabetes mellitus