The Effect of a Self-Management Education Program on Oral Health Self-Efficacy of Type ۲ Diabetics: An Interventional Study

Background: Type ۲ diabetes is a chronic condition significantly impacting oral and dental health. Education plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for diabetic patients.Aim: This study was performed with aim to investigate the effect of a self-management education program on self-efficacy related to oral and dental health in individuals with type ۲ diabetes.Method: This experimental study was conducted on ۷۰ type ۲ diabetic patients referred to the Tarafa Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The subjects were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received ۱۲-session (۸ sessions and ۴ follow-up sessions) self-efficacy training and standard care, while the control group only received the standard care. The participants completed the scales before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version ۲۲) and chi-square, independent t, and paired t-tests. p<۰.۰۵ was considered statistically significant.Results: The control group showed a non-significant increase of ۱.۹۰±۱.۲ in self-efficacy related to oral and dental health (p>۰.۰۵). However, the intervention group experienced a significant increase of ۴.۷۷±۰.۵ in self-efficacy related to oral and dental health (p<۰.۰۵).Implications for Practice: The present study showed that a multifaceted self-management intervention, consisting of face-to-face, participatory training with feedback opportunities, can effectively improve self-efficacy related to oral and dental health in type ۲ diabetic patients. This approach is recommended to enhance the quality of life related to oral and dental health in these patients.

Keywords:

Dental health , Educational program , Oral Health , Self-efficacy , Type ۲ diabetes