FREE CAMPAIGN
From September to December 2025
BARBADOS
Connecting the Dots
This year's Mind Your Mouth Campaign is all about connecting the dots between your mouth and your overall health.
We're focusing on how oral health links with diabetes and heart disease — two of the biggest health challenges facing Barbadians today. Targeting adults aged 40–79, we're collecting real-world information not just about teeth and gums, but also about blood pressure, diet, lifestyle habits, and general health.
Why? Because your mouth doesn't exist in isolation — it's part of your body's story.
Information Sheet for Participation in Research
The following information is being presented to help you decide whether or not you want to take part in research study. Please read this carefully. If you do not understand anything, ask the person in charge of the study.
Title of research study: Think Globally: Act Locally – Oral Health, NCDs, Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease in the Barbadian Population
Persons in charge of study: Dr. Marsha Alicia Straker – Principal Investigator, Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome
Description and Purpose
You are invited to participate in a research study that explores the relationship between oral health and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes and cardiovascular disease, in the Barbadian population.
The study aims to:
- Assess oral health conditions (dentition, periodontal status, salivary flow) in adults with and without diabetes.
- Identify possible links between oral health and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
- Provide recommendations for integrating oral health assessment into NCD prevention and treatment strategies in Barbados.
The study involves:
- Completing a short self-assessment questionnaire.
- Undergoing a brief oral examination and simple clinical measures (blood pressure, dentition, periodontal status, salivary flow test).
Participation will take approximately 20–30 minutes.
Benefits of Being a Part of this Research Study
While there are no direct financial benefits, participants will receive a written summary of their measured health data, including blood pressure, oral health assessment, and salivary flow status. This information may be useful to share with your healthcare provider.
Your participation will also help improve understanding of the links between oral and general health, contributing to better health care policies and services for Barbadians.
Risks of Being a Part of this Research Study
Risks are minimal and similar to those experienced during a routine dental or medical check-up. You may experience slight gum sensitivity or mild discomfort during the oral exam or salivary flow test. These procedures are non-invasive and carry no significant health risks.
Payment for Participation
You will not be paid for your participation in this study.
Confidentiality of Your Records
Your privacy is important. All data collected will be kept confidential and stored securely. Your name or other identifying information will not be linked to the results. Only authorized members of the research team will have access to de-identified data.
Results of this study may be published in scientific journals or presented at conferences. However, your individual privacy will always be maintained, and you will not be personally identified in any publication or presentation.
Volunteering to Be Part of this Research Study
If you have read this form and have decided to participate in this project, please understand your participation is voluntary and you have the right to withdraw your consent or discontinue participation at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. Additionally, you have the right to refuse to answer particular questions.
Questions and Contacts
If you have any questions about this research study, contact the investigator: Dr. Marsha Alicia Straker at 235-2008 or by email oralhealthsentinels@gmail.com
If you have questions about your rights as a person who is taking part in a research study, you may contact the Cave Hill Research Ethics Committee at 417-4847 or by email at researchethics@cavehill.uwi.edu
Your mouth holds answers
together, we can unlock them
Gum disease, cavities, and oral hygiene are closely tied to conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. By studying these connections, we can:
