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ObjectivesTo examine the prevalence of and the factors associated with a number of remaining teeth (NRT) <20 among adults with disabilities.DesignA community-based, cross-sectional descriptive study.SettingThis study was part of a health promotion programme designed for community-dwelling adults with disabilities.ParticipantsA total of 549 adults with disabilities, aged 20–80 years, living in the community in Chiayi County in Taiwan.Outcome measuresVarious parameters, including NRT, oral health behaviours (ie, oral hygiene, dietary habits and substance use), comorbidities, disability classification and capability for performing activities of daily living, were measured. Data were statistically analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe mean NRT was 18.1 (SD=10.9); 44.8% of participants had NRT <20 (including 13.7% edentulous participants). Most participants had poor oral hygiene: 83.4% reported seldom using dental floss, 78% did not undergo regular 6-monthly dental check-ups and 77.4% seldom brushed their teeth after meal. After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, the intellectual disability group had a significantly higher risk of an NRT <20 than the physical disability group (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.30 to 4.08). Additionally, the rare use of dental floss and hypertension significantly increased the possibility of an NRT <20 (OR 1.73–2.12, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.71).ConclusionsAn NRT <20 and edentulism were highly prevalent among adults with disabilities, who displayed poor oral hygiene behaviours. Adults with intellectual disabilities had a greater likelihood of having an NRT <20 than did those with physical disability. In addition to unmodifiable factors, the poor use of dental floss was significantly associated with an NRT <20.

This study showed that the prevalence of depression among adults with type2 DM living in rural areas is relatively high. From the perspective of health promotion, future research should focus on how to improve quality of sleep by enhancing daily physical activity and on investigating the effect of promoting a more active lifestyle among those at risk on depression.

BackgroundDiabetic peripheral neuropathy (PN) and peripheral vasculopathy (PV) are major causes of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. The early detection of PN/PV with appropriate health counseling is the best strategy for preventing foot lesions. The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence and associated risk factors of PN/PV among rural community residents with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Taiwan from February to October 2012. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and health promotion scale, Michigan neuropathy screening instrument, and ankle-brachial pressure index values were measured.ResultsA total of 404 (55% women) participated in and completed the program. The overall prevalence of PN and PV was 34.5 and 17.1%, respectively. The majority of the participants (90%) did not receive early PN/PV detection by health care providers. After adjustment for the potential confounding factors, multivariate analysis indicated that the factors determining PN/PV were age (P <0.001), living around sea coastal regions (P <0.001), high HbA1C level (P <0.01), and fewer regular health-promoting behaviors (P <0.01).ConclusionThere was a high prevalence of PN/PV among rural T2DM residents who received insufficient early detection. The early detection of PN/PV and provision of health education with customized health-promoting behaviors of people with diabetes in the rural community are important issues.