KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES REGARDING THEBIDIRECTIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIABETES AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE: CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Background:Diabetes and periodontal disease are common chronic diseases in a bidirectional relationship. Therefore, elevating the level of awareness among diabetic patients about their complications to overcome any unfavorable effects of diabetes on their quality of life. Additionally, increasing the awareness of medical and dental professionals will improve their attitude and behavior towards the management of diabetic patients. Objective:This cross-sectional survey aimed to assessthe diabetic patients knowledge about the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease and the role of physicians indiabetic patients referred for oral care. Methods:Researchers have created a questionnaire of their own and the examiner conducted a face-to-face interview in local language with the patient, it included 25 questions grouped under 5 categories. Results: A total of 289 participants, most of them type II diabetes 92.4 %, age range (18 to 60 years) were included in this study.Only 61.6%had knowledge about the relation between diabetes &periodontitis. More than 90% of the patient didnt receive any information or educated in oral health by specialists. Conclusion:Diabetic patients lack knowledge regarding the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. The lack of inter-professional patient care between doctors and dentists when treating patients with diabetes.