Abstract: This study aimed to determine the perception and practice among healthcare workers (HCWs) in referring diabetes patients for dental care. A self-administered questionnaire for HCWs managing diabetes patients in four states in Malaysia was used. Random sampling of the health clinics was carried out and all health personnel managing diabetes patients were invited to participate in this study. Of the 258 HCWs who participated in the study, slightly more than half of them (55.0%) responded. The majority [73.4% (95% CI: 65.3 - 80.1)] opined that referral of diabetes patients for routine dental check-ups is necessary, but only 26.2% had actually made referral; while 18.7% were uncertain of the need. About two-thirds [65.5% (95% CI: 57.2 – 72.9)] felt that oral health messages should be integrated in health promotion and about two-thirds [64.1% (95% CI: 55.8 – 71.6)] agreed that annual dental check-ups should be in the diabetes management protocol to facilitate dental referral. The study highlights the need to educate HCWs on the association between diabetes and oral diseases and the important need to integrate oral health promotion into mainstream health promotion through common risk factor approach.
Keywords: diabetes patients, dental care, healthcare workers, Malaysia, referral.
Title: Perception and Trends in Referral of Diabetes Patients for Dental Care among Healthcare Workers (HCWs)
Author: Natifah Che Salleh, Siew Lian Yaw, Khairiyah Abd Muttalib, Tahir Aris, Norhafizah Sahril, Mohamad Azahadi Omar, Chien Huey Teh, Feisul Idzwan Mustapha, Ahmad Sharifuddin Mohd Asari, Fatanah Ismail, Lee Lan Low
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
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