Oral Health Related Quality of Life among Diabetes Mellitus Patient: A Case Study in Suwannakuha District, Nongbualumphu Province

Abstract

Background and Objectives:  Diabetes Mellitus (DM) resulted in many oral complications which affected quality of life of patients. This study aimed to examine the oral health-related quality of life and associated factors among DM patients in Suwannakuha district, Nongbualumphu province.

Methods:  This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in DM patients living in Suwannakuha district, Nongbualumphu province from December 2012 to August 2013. Sampling included 348 persons drawn by systematic sampling. OIDP (Oral Impacts on Daily Performances Index) was employed to assess the oral health-related quality of life. Data were collected using face-to-face interview with structured questionnaire, medical record compilation and oral examination and analyzed with multiple logistic regression.

Results:  The result showed that the prevalence of Oral Impacts on daily performance (OIDP>0) was 51.4% (95%CI=46.05-56.80). The most common performance affected was eating (39.7%). The main clinical causes of oral impact in the total sample was toothache (30.2%). There were statistically significant correlations between  oral impacts on daily performance and having less than 4 posterior occlusal pairs (OR_adj=3.20; 95%CI=1.72-5.93), a monthly family income more than 5,000 Bath per month (OR_adj=2.32; 95%CI=1.34-4.02), and having periodontal pocket 3mm. or more (OR_adj=1.72; 95%CI=1.08-2.71)

Conclusions:  To improve oral health-related quality of life for DM patients, they should be  provided with oral care counseling, scaling/root planning for prevent periodontal disease and prosthodontic treatment.