Abstract
In recent years, many studies have indicated an association between oral and non-communicable diseases. It is thought that this is because oral and non-communicable diseases have common risk factors. The frequency of dental visits is higher than that for other diseases, and the dental clinic is a suitable environment for practicing a common risk factor approach for various non-communicable diseases. One of the opportunities to practice this approach involves the Oral Health Examination, Assessment, and Health Instruction Program for Adults developed by the Japan Dental Association.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between diabetes/body mass index (BMI) and oral health assessment items/oral health guidance type in this program.
This web-based survey was conducted in February 2014. The subjects were registrants of a webbased survey company, who were type 2 diabetic (n=408) or non-diabetic (n=408) subjects. There were an equal number of respondents in each of three age groups (40s, 50s, and 60-70s) and in both sexes. The registrants were asked to access and fill in a questionnaire on the web.
The results of multiple logistic regression analysis regarding diabetes showed that each oral health guidance type shewed no significant difference, and so was unsuitable for a common risk factor approach. Therefore, it was realistic to make use of information on significant oral health assessment items by sex. On the other hand, the results of multiple logistic regression analysis regarding BMI showed that the oral health guidance type might be useful for a common risk factor approach with a combination of significant oral health assessment items. Therefore, effective approaches may change markedly with different objectives (variables). Also, a common risk factor approach may vary according to the age and sex.
