Community-Based Oral Health Education Programmes for Diabetic Patients in Accra, Ghana: A Six-Month Behaviour Change Evaluation

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition affecting millions of individuals globally, with significant implications for oral health due to its association with increased risk of periodontal disease and other dental complications. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews was employed. Surveys assessed patient knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding diabetes management and oral health maintenance. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with programme participants to explore perceptions and experiences of the intervention. Surveys revealed a statistically significant increase in patients' correct responses about diabetic oral health (p < 0. 05) compared to baseline, indicating improved knowledge on preventive dental care practices over time. Interviews highlighted themes such as increased confidence in managing diabetes through better dietary and oral hygiene habits. The community-based education programme demonstrated promising behaviour change outcomes among diabetic patients in Accra, contributing positively to their overall health management strategies. Further research is recommended to assess long-term sustainability of these programmes and explore integration with existing healthcare systems. Tailored educational materials should be developed for diverse cultural contexts. diabetes, oral health education, behaviour change, qualitative research, community-based interventions Treatment effect was estimated with logit (pᵢ) =₀+^ Xᵢ, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.