Awareness of Oral Health Complications in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Ajman, UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study.

AIM

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked to several oral complications, yet patient awareness of this association remains suboptimal, particularly in culturally and demographically diverse populations like the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The present study aimed to assess awareness of oral health implications among T2DM patients in Ajman, UAE, and to identify predictors of good awareness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 306 self-reported T2DM patients at a tertiary hospital. A validated, structured questionnaire assessed awareness across 12 oral health indicators. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, with logistic regression to identify predictors of good awareness (score ≥6/12).

RESULTS

While 83.7% of participants acknowledged a general oral health impact of diabetes, awareness of specific complications was low, particularly regarding caries risk (24%) and effects on glycemic control (23%). Predictors of good awareness included higher education (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1-4.6), T2DM duration ≥10 years (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.6-7.0), recent dental visits (AOR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.2-7.0), and use of internet resources (AOR: 7.87, 95% CI: 1.3-46.4). Receiving education from healthcare providers was not significantly associated with improved awareness.

CONCLUSION

Despite high general awareness, knowledge of specific oral health complications remains inadequate. The findings highlight the need for targeted, culturally contextualized educational interventions and the integration of oral health education into diabetes care protocols in the UAE and similar settings.