Factors associated with the practice of periodontal management by diabetes educator nurses for outpatients with diabetes: A nationwide survey in Japan.

Aims: This study aimed to identify and prioritize factors contributing to the provision of periodontal care by certified diabetes nurse educators to outpatients with diabetes in medical settings in Japan.

Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 321 certified diabetes educator nurses from 1277 institutions. The practice of periodontal care was assessed, with factors contributing to periodontal care through items developed based on the capability, opportunity, and motivation-behavior model. Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression were performed.

Results: >70% of certified diabetes educator nurses did not provide periodontal care for diabetes patients. The respondents who assessed people's oral conditions were more likely to engage in individual or group education and consult for oral management professionals than those who did not. Significant factors for such assessment were low psychological capability and reflective motivation, irregular and weak intention to engage in oral management, and working at an institution without an outpatient department specializing in diabetes.

Conclusions: The education for certified diabetes educator nurses who do not work at an institution with an outpatient department specialized in diabetes care should be prioritized. Particularly, education to improve knowledge, skills, and confidence in oral assessments and to make periodontal management regular is needed.