Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) toward Oral Health and Diabetes Mellitus among the Elderly with Type 2 Diabetes, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 132 diabetic patients in Health Center 54 and 59 in the area of Thung-Khru District, Bangkok to explore knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward oral health and diabetes mellitus among the elderly with type 2 diabetes. Eligible criteria included patient age over 60 years, type 2 diabetes, both male and female, and at least 16 natural teeth. The data was collected from 25^th November to 11^th December 2013 by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistic, chi-square, and Fisher Exact test were used to analyze the data. 17.4% of all participants had been controlled glycemic level. More than half of participants in the controlled and uncontrolled groups had moderate score of overall knowledge (52.2% and 67.9%, respectively). Most of participants in the controlled and uncontrolled groups (82.6% and 70.6%, respectively) had neutral attitude of overall score of attitude. There were no significant difference of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward diabetes mellitus and oral health with glycemic control at p-value < 0.05. The present study indicated the need to increase KAP by combine general and oral health to controlled glycemic level.