Oral Health awareness and Practice among Diabetic Patients in Diabetic center of Aljabal Al akhdar.

Abstract

: According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), more than 34.6 million people in the Middle East and North Africa Regions have diabetes. In Libya 2009 according to stepwise prevalence of diabetes was 16.4.The role of health professional is very important in improving the knowledge and practices regarding oral health care.. The aim of our study was to determine diabetic patients’ level of knowledge, awareness and practice about oral health and foot care. Subjects and methods; All diabetic cases attended in diabetic center of Aljabal  Al akhdar.Albyada LIBYA during the year 2019 were included in the study. Cross section study design was applied using a structured questionnaire which included data related to personal characteristics and assessment of KAP of participants. Results: The highest proportion of cases (53.2%) their age ranged from 50-59 years. Nearly 59% were females. The mean duration of DM was 13.19± 7.92 years. Knowledge of participants about oral complication was low compared to systemic complication. Less than half of diabetic cases brushed their teeth, and eighteen percent used tooth floss. Only two percent of diabetics received their knowledge about diabetes from dentists. Recommendation There is a need that all health professional including dentists should play an important role in educating diabetics about diabetes and related complications.