Knowledge, attitudes and practices of doctors and nurses of Family Health Strategy towards the bilateral relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontal diseases, Anápolis, GO

Resumo

It has been reported that diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease present a two-way association. Accordingly, it is important to disclose this relationship, as well as to perform preventive actions for individuals with diabetes, sensitizing them to become responsible for their health and main agents in changes their habits, aiming at mitigating the damage from this interaction. The health team from primary health care is responsible for such action, acting on the systematization of the assistance and service organization, aiming at the integral assistance and resolution. Objective: To analyze the knowledge of doctors and nurses on the two-way relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus and the assistance provided to the health of individuals with diabetes. Material and methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study, from January to June 2016, with a sample of 85 doctors and nurses, ofboth genders, aged between 22 and 34 years, from the family health strategy of the city of Anápolis-GO, all health units were covered in the study. Socio-demographic data and knowledge of the bilateral relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontal diseases were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. For the data analysis, group comparison tests (Chi-square) were used. Results: 85 professionals participated in the study (response rate of 82.5%). The professionals have knowledge of the periodontal disease, but little knowledge regarding the relationship between this and the diabetes mellitus. The professional neither have the habit to check changes in the mouth, nor reffer the individuals with diabetics to the dentist. Conclusion: The data indicate deficiencies in the knowledge of the professionals on the bilateral relationship between the diseases and demonstrate the absence of important approaches for a comprehensive care to individuals with diabetes.