ORAL HEALTH STATUS AND ORAL HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG INSULIN-TREATED AND NON-INSULIN-TREATED DIABETIC PATIENTS IN VISAKHAPATNAM: A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Oral diseases are highly prevalent in diabetic patients where both the quality of life and patient’s perception of their oral health may be affected. Aim: The study aims to measure the oral health status and oral health related quality of life among insulin dependent and non-insulin dependent diabetic patients in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done with a sample of 1019 diabetic patients where 107 patients were insulin dependent diabetic patients and 912 patients were non-insulin dependent diabetic patients conducted in three private diabetic clinics in Visakhapatnam, India to assess their oral health status using WHO 2013 proforma and oral health related quality of life using OHIP-14. The oral health status was compared between the two groups by using chi-square test and OHRQOL by independent t-test. ANOVA test was employed in overall intra group comparison of OHRQOL among the insulin dependent diabetic patients. Results: The study showed that higher prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases and clinical attachment loss (CAL) in both diabetic groups with periodontal diseases (0.045*) and CAL (0.033*) being significant on comparison between the two groups of diabetics. The oral health related quality of life is comparatively less among the insulin dependent diabetic group and OHRQOL is deteriorated on increase in insulin dosage and age. Conclusion: The study results finally conclude that oral health status is poorer among the diabetic patients especially in insulin dependent diabetic patients regarding periodontal diseases and CAL. The deterioration of oral health related quality of life is significantly higher among the insulin dependent patients. The OHRQOL is negatively related to age and increased intake of insulin dosage. So, there is a need for the development of preventive health care interventions that target improvements in oral health status and the oral health related quality of life among the diabetic patients.