Effectiveness of a Diabetes Oral Nursing Program Including a Modified Diabetes Oral Health Assessment Tool for Nurses (M-DiOHAT©) : A 12-Month Follow-Up Intervention Study

Purpose : This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a diabetes oral nursing intervention program for individuals with diabetes. Methods : Fifty-six participants with diabetes underwent a diabetes oral nursing intervention program. The program’s effect was evaluated through questionnaires and small interviews. The modified diabetes oral health assessment tool (M-DiOHAT©) was used to assess and educate four factors ; oral conditions, behaviors, perceptions and knowledge about diabetes and periodontal disease, and health information-sharing, among participants at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months later. Primary outcomes included changes in the M-DiOHAT© total scores. Secondary outcomes included scores on the motivation stage of changes in oral health behaviors’ scales, dental visits, number of present teeth, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and participants’ comments. Results : The M-DiOHAT© total score and the motivation stage score significantly improved with the narrative comment of “being motivated to practice oral health behaviors” between the baseline and 12 months later. Eight participants visited the dentist, whereas no differences were observed in the number of present teeth or HbA1c. Conclusions : This program improved participants’ M-DiOHAT© total score, motivation stage score, and dental visits. These results suggest the program improved oral health perceptions and behaviors among individuals with diabetes.