Using Māori community aspirations to advocate for oral health integration into diabetes care.

Abstract

Aim: Diabetes and periodontal disease are two chronic diseases that disproportionately impact Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. This study aimed to identify the aspirations of Māori adults with diabetes and their whānau regarding integrating oral health into diabetes management.

Method: This Kaupapa Māori research engaged with Māori adults diagnosed with diabetes and their whānau across two community wānanga in Porirua. Both wānanga were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The researchers conducted a thematic analysis to identify key themes reflecting the participants' aspirations regarding oral healthcare within the context of their diabetes management.

Results: The aspirations of 26 participants were captured in the study. Māori adults with diabetes experience several barriers to accessing dental care and they outlined opportunities to integrate oral healthcare into managing diabetes health, including: need for multidisciplinary care, improved access to education and information on the impact of diabetes on oral health and connection to Te Ao Māori.

Conclusion: Despite the impact of diabetes on periodontal disease, oral health seldom features in diabetes management and care. Māori community aspirations highlight the urgent need for oral health to be integrated into diabetes management.