Self-esteem as a characteristic of adherence to diabetes and dental self-care regimens.
OBJECTIVE
There are biological associations between diabetes control and oral infections. We have also found psychological associations between diabetes self-care and oral health behavior. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether self-esteem can determine diabetes adherence and oral health behavior, both of with require daily, persistent self-care.


METHODS
Cross-sectional data on 149 IDDM patients was collected by means of a quantitative self-completed questionnaire.


RESULTS
High self-esteem was found to relate to good adherence with exercise regimens (p=0.005) and adjustment of insulin doses (p=0.040). These associations were also found when standardized for socio-demographic variables and HbA1c-level. In the dental sphere, logistic regression analysis showed an association between self-esteem and frequency of tooth brushing.


CONCLUSIONS
It can be concluded that self-esteem may be a common psychological factor influencing diabetes and dental self-care. Strengthening patients' self-esteem could help patients to maintain daily self-care.
Kneckt
M C
MC
Institute of Dentistry, University of Oulu, Finland. mkneckt@hotmail.com
Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi
S M
SM
Knuuttila
M L
ML
Syrjälä
A M
AM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000523:psychology*
D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007328:Insulin