Authors: (including presenting author): :
Law TS (1), Wong KL (1), Lui SK (1), Ting MW (1), Wan TY (2), Yeung TH (2)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, HKEC,(2) Specialist outpatient Department, HKEC
Keyword 4: :
periodontal disease
Keyword 5: :
promotion and education
Keyword 6: :
knowledge, attitude, practice
Introduction: :
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to ineffective insulin regulation. In Hong Kong, approximately 8.5% of residents aged 15–84 were diagnosed with DM between 2020 and 2022 (Centre for Health Protection, 2025). DM can compromise immune function, leading to heightened risks of oral health issues, particularly periodontitis. This project specifically targeted DM patients with HbA1c levels exceeding 7% to enhance their awareness, attitudes, and practices related to periodontal health.
Objectives: :
1. To enhance diabetic patients’knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding oral health. 2. To evaluate baseline knowledge of oral health and its implications for diabetes management. 3. To assess the efficacy of an educational program in fostering improved awareness and behavioral changes.
Methodology: :
From June to August 2025, we recruited 60 Cantonese-speaking diabetic patients (HbA1c > 7%) from a Family Medicine Clinic to participate in an oral health education initiative. Participants received a combination of educational videos, pamphlets, and a one-month follow-up call. Project effectiveness was measured through pre- and post-knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaires, alongside the Oral Health Impact Profile-5 (OHIP-5) to gauge oral health-related quality of life. The curriculum encompassed essential topics such as proper brushing and flossing techniques, mouthwash use, healthy dietary choices, glycemic control, smoking cessation, and the importance of regular dental visits.
Result & Outcome: :
The nursing-led oral health education project effectively improved participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding oral hygiene. Notable advancements were observed in participants' comprehension of the diabetes-oral health connection, bridging a significant awareness gap. Attitudes towards preventive care improved, with correct responses regarding routine dental visits rising from 23.3% to 45.0%. Nevertheless, persistent misconceptions—such as the inevitability of poor dental health in old age—highlight the need for ongoing educational efforts. Additionally, while simple practices like bi-daily brushing were more widely adopted, complex behaviors showed slower uptake, emphasizing that educational reinforcement must align with task complexity. Although the project's limited sample size and brief one-month follow-up pose challenges to generalizability, the findings affirm the importance of structured, continuous education. Future interventions should consider integrating telehealth follow-ups and interdisciplinary community support to sustain patient progress. Overall, the project underscores the pivotal role of nursing in empowering diabetic patients to enhance both oral and overall health.
