Periodontal Health Status and Its Impact on the Quality of Life among Diabetics Attending Medical and Dental out Patient Departments of a Tertiary Care Centre of Nepal

Background: Diabetics are more prone to periodontal diseases leading to poor oral function affecting their quality of life. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of periodontal health on the quality of life among diabetics using the short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP -14). Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data was collected using translated and validated Nepalese version of OHIP-14 questionnaire and clinical examination for periodontal status (Community Periodontal Index and Loss of Attachment index) was done using mouth mirror and World Health Organization probe under natural light. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 11.5. Mann- Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare OHIP-14 scores between genders and periodontal status respectively. Statistical significance was established at p<0.05. Results: One hundred and forty-five subjects with confirmed diabetes participated in the study. Overall, 41% were male participants were as 59% were females. Majority of the participants had calculus with CPI score 1 (n=131, 90.3%) and another majority had loss of attachment 3-5 mm with LOA score 1 (n=55, 37.9%). There was no significant difference in mean scores between two genders (p=0.231). The OHIP scores among participants with highest CPI and LOA scores had statistically significant difference (p=0.011 and p=0.006 respectively). Conclusions: Periodontal status was poor among diabetics with significant impact on their oral health related quality of life. Glycemic control along with periodontal maintenance is required to enhance quality of life among such patients. This might be possible with comprehensive medical approach for diabetic patients.