Understanding the status and associated factors of oral health behaviors among older Chinese adults with diabetes: A qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Diabetes mellitus is closely related to oral health. Diabetics' oral health status can be improved by engaging in healthy oral health activities. Diabetic seniors are the primary agents of their own oral health behavior. It is crucial to understand their experiences and opinions on the adoption of oral health habits. The objective of this research was to explore the status and associated factors of oral health behaviors among older Chinese adults with diabetes. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was performed via semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Twenty-three patients from West China Stomatology Hospital of Sichuan Universityin Chengdu, Chinawere interviewed for this study. Content analysis was conducted on NVivo 11.0. The “Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies” (COREQ) recommendations were followed. Results: Twenty-three participants were interviewed successfully. Four themes emerged: 1) oral health cognitions; 2) thecurrent status of oral health behaviors; 3) factorsinfluencing the implementation of oral health behavior; and 4) oralhealth promotion. Conclusions: The oral health behavior of elderly Chinese seniors with diabetes was unfavorable. The favorable cognitive awareness and attitude of Chinese seniors with diabetes are the cornerstones of encouraging oral health behavior, and the "oral health-supportive" environment generated by families and society is also an essential assurance. It is becoming more practical to enhance the oral health behaviors of Chinese diabetic seniors through a combination of internal and external activities.