Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Diabetic Patients Towards Periodontal Diseases in Zahedan

Background: This study was undertaken due to the high prevalence of periodontal diseases in diabetic patients and the known oral complications of diabetes mellitus. Besides, research on the periodontal diseases of diabetic patients and the relationship between these two conditions is inadequate in Zahedan, Iran. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of diabetic patients regarding periodontal diseases in the diabetes centers of Zahedan, Iran. Methods: This study with a descriptive-analytical method was questionnaire-based. The study population consisted of diabetic patients, aged ≥ 40 years, with at least 10 teeth (n = 80), who were selected by convenience sampling. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire have been measured in previous research. Data were first extracted from the questionnaires and then entered into SPSS version 24; for data analysis, statistical tests were performed. Results: The patients’ mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice were 5.73 ± 1.48, 19.40 ± 3.68, and 3.25 ± 1.47, respectively. Besides, 68.8% of the participants had a moderate level of knowledge, 81.3% had moderate attitudes, and 60% had a poor practice. Also, the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice were not significantly different in terms of demographic variables (age, sex, and education) (P > 0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of diabetic patients regarding periodontal diseases is not at an acceptable level. Therefore, it is necessary to provide training and effective strategies to improve the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of these patients.