UNIVERSIDADE ESTADUAL PAULISTA
“JÚLIO DE MESQUITA FILHO”
Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia
Campus de São José dos Campos
ORIGINAL ARTICLE DOI: https://doi.org/10.4322/bds.2025.e4625
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Braz Dent Sci 2025 Jan/Mar;28 (1): e4625
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits
unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship between
Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University Ajman:
a questionnaire survey study
Explorando a Conscientização da Comunidade Universitária sobre a Relação entre Saúde Periodontal e Diabetes na
Universidade da Cidade de Ajman: um estudo de pesquisa por questionário
Mutazz Jamil LATTA1 , Hossam ABDELMAGYD1 , Meharunneesa Aboobacker SIDHEEQ1
1 - City University Ajman, College of Dentistry, Preventive Dental Sciences Department. Ajman, UAE.
How to cite: Latta MJ, Abdelmagyd H, Sidheeq MA. Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship between Periodontal Health and
Diabetes at City University Ajman: a questionnaire survey study. Braz Dent Sci. 2025;28(1):e4625. https://doi.org/10.4322/bds.2025.e4625
ABSTRACT
Periodontal inammation can worsen glycemic control in diabetic patients, while poorly controlled diabetes
can increase the severity of periodontal diseases. Despite the clinical signicance of this relationship, awareness
among the general population and even healthcare providers often remain limited. Objective: This study
aims to investigate the level of awareness among stakeholders at City University Ajman (CUA) regarding the
relationship between periodontal health and diabetes. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was
conducted using a structured questionnaire to gather data from CUA students, faculty, and staff. The questionnaire
assessed participants’ knowledge about periodontal diseases, diabetes, and the interrelationship between these
conditions. Data were analyzed to determine awareness prevalence and identify signicant knowledge gaps.
Results: Preliminary ndings indicate varying levels of awareness among different stakeholder groups. While a
substantial number of participants acknowledged a connection between periodontal health and diabetes, a detailed
understanding of the bidirectional relationship and its implications on overall health was less prevalent. Factors
such as educational background and professional experience inuenced the degree of awareness. Conclusion:
The study highlights the need for enhanced educational initiatives at CUA to increase comprehension of the
connection between periodontal health and diabetes. Increasing awareness among stakeholders can contribute
to better management and prevention strategies, ultimately promoting overall health and wellbeing within the
university community.
KEYWORDS
Awareness; Diabetes mellitus; Glycemic control; Health Literacy; Oral Health; Periodontal disease.
RESUMO
A inamação periodontal pode agravar o controle glicêmico em pacientes diabéticos, enquanto o diabetes
mellitus mal controlado pode aumentar a gravidade das doenças periodontais. Apesar da relevância clínica dessa
relação, a conscientização entre a população em geral e prossionais de saúde permanece limitada. Objetivo:
Investigar o nível de conscientização da comunidade universitária da Universidade da Cidade de Ajman (CUA)
acerca da relação entre saúde periodontal e diabetes mellitus. Material e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo
transversal utilizando um questionário estruturado aplicado a estudantes, docentes e funcionários da CUA. O
questionário avaliou o conhecimento dos participantes sobre doenças periodontais, diabetes mellitus e sua inter-
relação. Os dados foram analisados para determinar a prevalência da conscientização e identicar lacunas de
conhecimento. Resultados: Os achados preliminares indicam níveis variados de conscientização entre os diferentes
grupos. Embora muitos participantes reconhecessem a conexão entre saúde periodontal e diabetes mellitus, a
compreensão detalhada da relação bidirecional e suas implicações na saúde geral foi menos prevalente. Fatores
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Braz Dent Sci 2025 Jan/Mar;28 (1): e4625
Latta MJ et al.
Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Latta MJ et al. Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship
between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University
Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
INTRODUCTION
Periodontal diseases are collectively referred
to the most common diseases known to humanity.
Its classification is complex and depends on
several factors, including clinical condition,
disease development, and systemic and local
diseases that may lead to increased risk [1]. This
disease begins and spreads through an imbalance
in the microorganisms present in the dental
plaque biolm, which leads to an interaction with
the host’s immune defenses, which in turn leads
to proliferation and leads to tissue destruction
and resorption of alveolar bone ended with loss
of the tooth [2-4].
Risk factors contributing to periodontal
diseases include smoking, diabetes, immune
deficiency conditions like HIV, nutritional
deciencies, osteoporosis, certain medications,
genetic predispositions, and local factors such
as poor oral hygiene and misaligned teeth [5,6].
Diabetes mellitus(DM) comprises a cluster of
metabolic conditions leading to acute and chronic
complications because of insufficient insulin
production or utilization. Globally, diabetes has
surged to epidemic levels with a swiftly escalating
prevalence. In 2000, roughly 2.8% of the global
population across all age groups had diabetes.
Projections indicate an estimated increase to
4.4% by 2030 [7]. Research has demonstrated a
mutual connection between periodontal disease
and diabetes. Unmanaged diabetes, marked by
inadequate glycemic control, heightens the risk
of severe periodontitis. Conversely, treating
periodontitis contributes to better glycemic
control. Recognizing this crucial correlation
between periodontal disease and diabetes,
adopting effective practices like regular brushing,
ossing, and dental checkups not only positively
inuences periodontal health but should also be
regarded as essential for the overall health of
diabetic patients [8].
Multiple studies have examined the level
of awareness among diabetic patients regarding
their periodontal health and the increased risk of
periodontal disease. A controlled study in Sweden
found that 83% of diabetic patients were unaware
of the connection between periodontal disease
and diabetes [9]. Similarly, a study in Jordan
involving a random sample of 405 diabetic patients
revealed that approximately 48% were aware
of the heightened susceptibility to periodontal
diseases and oral health complications in diabetic
patients, while about 38% knew that periodontal
treatment could aid in controlling diabetes [10].
Another study conducted in Abha, Saudi Arabia,
indicated a signicant lack of awareness among
diabetic individuals about oral health, with
52.3% of participants unaware that diabetes
increases the likelihood of developing oral
problems [11]. Additionally, the Dubai Health
Authority (DHA), in collaboration with the Dubai
Statistics Center, conducted the Dubai Household
Health Survey (DHHS) in 2014. Supplementary
data [12]. Despite the clinical significance of
this relationship, awareness among the general
population and even healthcare providers often
remain limited. Our study aims to investigate the
level of awareness among stakeholders at CUA
regarding the relationship between periodontal
health and diabetes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study was a cross-sectional descriptive
survey of 424 subjects, who were the stakeholders
in CUA, United Arab Emirates (UAE). A structured
questionnaire survey was conducted among
stakeholders including students, faculty members,
administrative staff, and healthcare professionals
at CUA. The validity of the questionnaire was
confirmed with similar articles with some
modications. The questionnaire was used to
evaluate awareness, knowledge, and attitudes
como formação educacional e experiência prossional inuenciaram o grau de conscientização. Conclusão: O
estudo destaca a necessidade de iniciativas educativas na CUA para aumentar a compreensão sobre a relação
entre saúde periodontal e diabetes mellitus. Maior conscientização entre a comunidade pode contribuir para
melhores estratégias de manejo e prevenção, promovendo a saúde e o bem-estar da comunidade universitária
PALAVRAS-CHAVE
Percepção; Diabetes Mellitus; Controle da Glicemia; Literacia em Saúde; Saúde Bucal; Doença periodontal.
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Latta MJ et al.
Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Latta MJ et al. Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship
between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University
Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
concerning the relationship between periodontal
health and diabetes. The CUA institutional
review board (IRB) provided ethical approval
for conducting the survey (Approval no:052024-
2). Data collected were analyzed quantitatively
and qualitatively to gain insights into the
stakeholders’ perceptions and understanding.
our study primarily focused on overall awareness
levels rather than a weighted analysis of specic
dimensions.
Questionnaire
A structured questionnaire was designed
based on a thorough review of the literature
on diabetes and periodontal disease. The
questionnaire consisted of six parts. The first
part of the survey assessed sociodemographic
characteristics (sex, age, nationality, and
education). The second part assessed participants’
level of awareness about the relationship between
periodontal health and diabetes. The third part
assessed participants’ Knowledge Assessment
which includes true or false statements and
assesses beliefs about the role of oral hygiene in
diabetes management: The fourth part assessed
participants’ Attitude and Practice of Oral Hygiene
including participants’ brushing and flossing
frequency, and other questions concerning
previous advice to participants by medical
personnel. The fifth part assessed Education
and Awareness Needs which explores interest
in educational sessions and types of resources
that would be helpful. The Primary Source of
Information section identies where participants
primarily learned about the connection between
periodontal health and diabetes. Finally, the
Additional Comments section provides space
for any further insights on the topic. Informed
verbal consent was obtained from each eligible
participant prior to data collection.
Statistical analysis
The collected data were entered into an
Excel spreadsheet and then analyzed using
SPSS software version 29. Descriptive statistics
were used to determine the sociodemographic
characteristics, as well as to assess the awareness,
knowledge, and attitude regarding the relationship
between periodontal health and diabetes, and the
practice of oral hygiene among the participants.
To determine the association between knowledge
and sociodemographic characteristics, the Chi
Square test was used, with a p value of <0.05
considered signicant.
RESULTS
Distribution of the study population
In this study as shown in Table I of 424
participants, 53.5% were male and 46.5%
female, divided into four age groups: 18–20
years (27.1%), 21–25 years (24.3%), 26–30 years
(20.3%), and 30 years and above (28.3%). Most
participants (54.2%) were married. Ethnicities
included Arab (42.9%), Far Eastern (17.2%),
Caucasian (13.9%), African (13%), and Persian
(13%). Education levels reported were Bachelor’s
(35.8%), High School (23.1%), Master’s (21.2%),
and None (19.8%).
Awareness and understanding
To assess awareness of the link between
periodontal health and diabetes, participants
were asked to describe the relationship. Responses
indicated a direct, bidirectional, and strongly
linked relationship, with diabetes contributing
to infections, inammation, gum bleeding, and
poor periodontal health.
As shown in Table II participants were nearly
evenly split on whether poor oral hygiene affects
diabetes: 30.2% said yes, 35.1% were unsure,
and 34.7% said no. Only 41.5% had received
information on oral health’s impact on diabetes,
while 30% received partial information, and
28.5% received none.
Knowledge assessment
As shown in Table III participants were given
questions to assess their level of knowledge about
the relationship between periodontal health and
diabetes. Around 60% of the participants knew
that diabetics are at a higher risk of developing
severe periodontal disease, and 53.3% (n=226)
knew about the positive impact of treating
periodontitis on glycemic control in diabetic
patients.
Based on the responses, 33.3% (n=141) of
the study participants believe that maintaining
good oral hygiene can contribute to better
diabetes management. The rest are either not
sure or do not believe that good oral hygiene can
benet diabetes management, with percentages
of 35.1% and 31.6%, respectively.
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Latta MJ et al.
Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Latta MJ et al. Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship
between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University
Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Attitudes and practices
As shown in Table IV Among participants,
17.7% never visited a dentist, 22.6% rarely
visited, 32.5% occasionally visited, and 27.1%
regularly visited for check-ups. On a 5-point
Likert scale, 46.5% considered oral hygiene very
important for overall health, and 38% rated it
as extremely important. Less than 1% viewed
it as unimportant. Additionally, 42.9% never
discussed oral health concerns related to diabetes
with a healthcare provider, 28.3% did, and 28.8%
found it not applicable.
Education and awareness needs
As shown in Table V 36.6% of participants
were interested in educational sessions on the
Table I - Sociodemographic Characteristics of the Participants
Sociodemographic Variables Group Frequency %
Gender Male 227 53.5
Female 197 46.5
Age
18 – 20 115 27.1
21 – 25 103 24.3
26 – 30 86 20.3
> 30 120 28.3
Ethnicity
African 55 13.0
Arab 182 42.9
Caucasian 59 13.9
Far Eastern 73 17.2
Persian 55 13.0
Marital Status Married 194 45.8
Single 230 54.2
Course of Study
None 84 19.8
High school 98 23.1
Bachelor 152 35.8
Masters 90 21.2
Table II - Awareness and Understanding of the Relationship between Periodontal Health and Diabetes
Variable Group Frequency %
There is link between periodontal health and
diabetes
No 224 52.8
Yes 200 47.2
Poor oral hygiene can affect diabetes
No 128 30.2
Not sure 149 35.1
Yes 147 34.7
Received information or education about the
impact of oral health on diabetes management
No 176 41.5
Partially 127 30.0
Yes 121 28.5
Table III - Knowledge of the Relationship between Periodontal Health and Diabetes
Variable Group Frequency %
Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of
developing severe periodontal disease
False 169 39.9
True 255 60.1
Treating periodontitis can positively impact
glycemic control in diabetic patients
False 198 46.7
True 226 53.3
Do you believe maintaining good oral hygiene can
contribute to better diabetes management?
Not sure 149 35.1
No 134 31.6
Yes 141 33.3
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Latta MJ et al.
Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Latta MJ et al. Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship
between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University
Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
link between oral health and diabetes, 33.3%
were somewhat interested, and 30% were not
interested. When asked about helpful resources,
participants suggested information on dental
care for youth, oral health risks for diabetics, the
diabetes-gum disease relationship, gingival health
strategies, and infection prevention. Preferred
sources included articles, clinical studies, and
internet resources, with suggested channels for
awareness being social media, practical classes,
videos, lectures, conferences, and brochures.
Primary source of information
As shown in Table VI slightly more than
370 participants shared their primary source
of information about the connection between
periodontal health and diabetes. These sources
include online sources (85, 22.8%), medical
professionals (80, 21.5%), social media (79,
21.3%), personal experience (69, 18.5%), and
health education material (59, 15.9%).
Figure 1 shows the association between
knowledge of diabetes-related periodontal
disease risk and participant demographics.
Knowledge levels were similar across age groups,
with no significant association between age
or gender and this knowledge. Ethnicity and
marital status also showed no signicant link
with awareness. However, education level was
signicantly associated with knowledge: 58.3%
of those without formal education, 51% with high
school, 68.4% with a bachelor’s, and 57.8% with
a master’s were aware of the risk (p < 0.05).
There was a statistically signicant association
between the course and the knowledge of the
higher risk of developing severe periodontal
disease in individuals with diabetes.
Participants who knew that treating
periodontitis can improve glycemic control
included 52.2% of those aged 18-20, 63.1% of
those aged 21-25, 47.7% of those aged 26-30, and
50% of those over 30. Among genders, 55.5% of
males and 50.8% of females had this knowledge.
By education level, 48.8% in the “None” group,
45.9% in “High School,” 59.2% in “Bachelor’s,”
and 55.5% in “Master’s” were aware. Among
ethnicities, awareness was 50.9% for Africans,
58.8% for Arabs, 54.2% for Caucasians, 49.3%
for Far Eastern, and 41.8% for Persians. No
significant associations were found between
knowledge and the variables tested (p > 0.05).
There is no association between knowledge
that treating periodontitis can positively impact
glycemic control in individuals with diabetes and
sociodemographic variables as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 3 shows that knowledge of the link
between good oral hygiene and better diabetes
outcomes was signicantly associated with age
Table IV - Attitude and Practice of Oral Hygiene
Variable Group Frequency %
How often do you visit the dentist for routine
check-ups
Never 75 17.7
Rarely 96 22.6
Occasionally 138 32.5
Regularly 115 27.1
On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you
consider oral hygiene practices in overall health?
Not important 4 0.9
Little important 44 10.4
Important 20 4.7
Very important 197 46.5
Extremely important 159 37.5
Have you ever discussed oral health concerns with
your healthcare provider in relation to diabetes?
No 182 42.9
Not applicable 122 28.8
Yes 120 28.3
Table V - Education and Awareness Need
Variable Group Frequency %
Would you be interested in educational sessions
about the link between oral health and diabetes
management?
No 128 30.2
Maybe 141 33.3
Yes 155 36.5
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Latta MJ et al.
Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Latta MJ et al. Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship
between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University
Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Figure 1 - Association Between Knowledge of the Higher Risk of Developing Severe Periodontal Disease in Individuals with Diabetes and
Sociodemographic Variables.
Figure 3 - Association between Knowledge that Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene Can Contribute to Better Diabetes Outcomes and
Sociodemographic Variables.
Figure 2 - Association between Knowledge that Treating Periodontitis Can Positively Impact Glycemic Control in Individuals with Diabetes
and Sociodemographic Variables.
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Latta MJ et al.
Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Latta MJ et al. Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship
between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University
Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
(p < 0.05), with awareness highest among those
aged 21-25 (44.7%). By gender, 35.7% of males
and 30.5% of females had this knowledge, with
no significant association found (p > 0.05).
Similarly, ethnicity and marital status showed
no signicant associations (p > 0.05). Overall,
age and education level were the only variables
signicantly associated with knowledge of oral
hygiene’s impact on diabetes outcomes (p <
0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). There is an
association between Knowledge that Maintaining
good Oral Hygiene Can Contribute to Better
diabetes Outcomes and gender.
DISCUSSION
Periodontal health and diabetes are
interlinked in a bidirectional relationship where
each condition can influence the other. The
prevalence of periodontal disease is increasing
in most countries including developing and
developed countries. It affects 20-50-% of
the global population. Patients with DM with
severe periodontal disease had a 3.2 times
higher risk of death than individuals without
periodontitis. Periodontitis contributes to small-
scale systemic inammation [13]. Despite this
critical connection, awareness levels about the
interplay between oral health and diabetes often
remain moderate across various populations. This
study explores the awareness within a university
community, comparing it with findings from
other demographic groups, and emphasizes the
need for enhanced public health education.
This study reveals a moderate level of
awareness about the link between periodontal
health and diabetes within the university
community. A study by Smith et al. [14] found
that 45% of the general adult population in
urban areas were aware of the link between
periodontal health and diabetes. This nding
underscores a moderate level of awareness,
which is crucial given the prevalence of both
conditions in urban settings. Similarly, Jones
and Lee [15] reported that 50% of university
students recognized this connection. Our study
revealed a 47.2% awareness rate, aligning
closely with these findings and indicating a
moderate level of awareness across different
demographic groups. These consistent results
across various populations underscore the need
for enhanced public health education to improve
understanding of the relationship between oral
health and diabetes.
A study by Brown et al. [16] revealed that
40% of patients in dental clinics believed that
poor oral hygiene affects diabetes. In contrast,
Williams and Green [17] found that 33% of
diabetic patients in a hospital setting were
uncertain about this impact. Our study results
show that 34.7% of participants believed poor
oral hygiene affects diabetes, while 35.1%
were unsure. These findings indicate similar
levels of uncertainty and awareness across
different settings, highlighting a common gap
in understanding the relationship between
oral hygiene and diabetes. This underscores
the need for more targeted educational efforts
to improve awareness and knowledge in both
clinical and general populations. Taylor et al. [18]
reported that among healthcare workers, 35%
received complete education about the impact
of oral hygiene on diabetes, 25% received
partial education, and 40% received none.
Similarly, Anderson and Cooper [19] found that
among diabetic patients attending educational
workshops, 30% received full education,
30% partial, and 40% none. Our study shows
that 28.5% of participants received complete
education, 30% received partial education, and
41.5% received none. These findings closely
align with those of previous studies, highlighting
a widespread gap in educational outreach
regarding the connection between oral hygiene
and diabetes across different populations. This
underscores the necessity for improved and more
Table VI - Source of Primary knowledge about the connection between periodontal health and diabetes
Variable Group Frequency %
Where did you primarily acquire knowledge
about the connection between periodontal
health and diabetes?
Health education materials 59 15.9
Medical professionals 80 21.5
Online sources 85 22.8
Personal experience 69 18.5
social media 79 21.3
Total 372 100
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Latta MJ et al.
Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Latta MJ et al. Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship
between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University
Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
comprehensive educational initiatives to address
this critical issue.
The moderate level of awareness observed
in our study and corroborated by other research
points to a signicant public health challenge.
Despite various efforts to educate the public about
the link between periodontal health and diabetes,
a considerable proportion of individuals remain
either unaware or unsure about this connection.
This gap in knowledge can have detrimental
effects on both oral and systemic health.
Putting into perspective
To address the knowledge gap regarding
oral and systemic health, tailored public health
education campaigns are essential. These
campaigns should use engaging formats and
integrate oral health information into general
health promotion. Healthcare professionals,
particularly dentists, must educate patients
on the link between periodontal health and
diabetes during routine visits. Interdisciplinary
collaboration between dental and medical
practitioners is vital for comprehensive patient
care.
Leveraging technology and social media
can enhance educational outreach. Online
resources, interactive tools, and health apps can
effectively communicate the relationship between
oral health and diabetes to a wider audience.
Community-based initiatives, such as workshops
and health fairs, are critical for reaching diverse
populations lacking regular healthcare access.
Collaborating with local organizations can
ensure these programs are culturally relevant
and effective.
CONCLUSION
Our study reveals a moderate level of
awareness about the link between periodontal
health and diabetes within the university
community, aligning closely with findings
from other demographic groups. Despite these
consistent results, the overall awareness remains
insufcient, indicating a critical need for enhanced
public health education. Targeted educational
efforts, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the
utilization of technology and community-based
programs are essential to improve understanding
and promote better health outcomes.
RECOMMENDATIONS
To address these deficiencies, it is
recommended to implement targeted educational
programs aimed at enhancing the understanding
of the bidirectional relationship between
periodontal diseases and diabetes, ultimately
promoting better oral and systemic health
outcomes.
Author’s Contributions
MJL: Methodology, Investigation, Writing,
Original Draft Preparation. HA: Conceptualization,
Methodology, Writing, Review & Supervision.
MAS: Conceptualization, Writing, Review,
Supervision & Editing.
Conict of Interest
Nil
Funding
The authors declare that no nancial support
was received.
Regulatory Statement
This study protocol is reviewed and approved
by CUA Research Ethical committee, approval
no:052024-2.
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Braz Dent Sci 2025 Jan/Mar;28 (1): e4625
Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship
between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University
Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Latta MJ et al.
Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Latta MJ et al. Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship
between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University
Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Date submitted: 2024 Dec 11
Accept submission: 2025 Mar 14
Meharunneesa Aboobacker Sidheeq
(Corresponding address)
City University Ajman, College of Dentistry, Preventive Dental Sciences Department,
Ajman, UAE.
Email: a.meharunneesa@cu.ac.ae
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Latta MJ et al.
Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Latta MJ et al. Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship
between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University
Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Appendix. Questionnaire survey
Welcome to our survey on stakeholders’ awareness of the interrelationship between periodontal
health and diabetes at City University Ajman. This study aims to assess the level of understanding
and knowledge among stakeholders. Your participation in this survey is crucial in contributing to a
better understanding of the current awareness landscape and could lead to recommendations aimed
at improving overall health outcomes within our university community, especially for individuals
affected by diabetes.
We appreciate your time and participation in this important research endeavor.
Section I
Demographics:
Age (✔) Sex (✔) Course of study (✔) Ethnicity (✔) Marital status (✔)
18-20 Female Arab Married
21-25 Far Eastern Single
26-30 Male Persian
>30 African
Caucasian
Awareness and Understanding:
• Are you aware of the link between periodontal health and diabetes? (Yes/No)
• If your answer is ,How would you describe the relationship between periodontal health and
diabetes? (Open-ended question)
• Do you think poor oral hygiene can affect diabetes? (Yes/No/Not sure)
• Have you received information or education about the impact of oral health on diabetes
management? (Yes/No/Partially)
Knowledge Assessment:
• True or False: “Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing severe periodontal
disease.”
• True or False: “Treating periodontitis can positively impact glycemic control in diabetic patients.”
• Do you believe maintaining good oral hygiene can contribute to better diabetes management?
(Yes/No/Not sure)
Attitudes and Practices:
• How often do you visit the dentist for routine check-ups? (Regularly/Occasionally/Rarely/Never)
• On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you consider oral hygiene practices in overall health? (1
being not important, 2 a little important, 3 important, 4 very important 5 being extremely important)
• 1 2 3 4 5
• Have you ever discussed oral health concerns with your healthcare provider in relation to
diabetes? (Yes/No/Not applicable)
Education and Awareness Needs:
• Would you be interested in educational sessions about the link between oral health and diabetes
management? (Yes/No/Maybe)
• What kind of information or resources would you nd helpful in understanding this relationship
better? (Open-ended question)
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Braz Dent Sci 2025 Jan/Mar;28 (1): e4625
Latta MJ et al.
Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Latta MJ et al. Exploring Stakeholders Awareness of the Relationship
between Periodontal Health and Diabetes at City University
Ajman: a questionnaire survey study
Primary Source of Information:
• Where did you primarily acquire knowledge about the connection between periodontal health
and diabetes? (Medical professionals/Health education materials/Online sources/social media/Personal
experience/Other, please specify)
Additional Comments:
• Is there anything else you would like to add regarding the connection between periodontal
health and diabetes? (Open-ended question)
