Effect of health literacy on oral health and oral health behaviour

Abstract

Background: Oral health is an important part of overall health and it concerns more than healthy teeth and the absence of disease. Health literacy (HL) defined as “the personal, cognitive and social skills which determine the ability of individuals to gain access to, understand, and use information to promote and maintain good health†is consistently associated with a wide range of health related outcomes including health status, use of preventative health care, mortality and hospitalizations. Associations of HL with oral health is not well studied. The aim of our study is to examine the associations of health literacy and oral health of Slovak population sample. Method: Cross-sectional study on 360 participants (RR=72%; 47.8 % of males, mean age=39, SD=14) recruited in dental offices was conducted. Data on demographics, 9 domains of health literacy and oral health status indicators were collected by questionnaire. The effect of health literacy on oral health behaviour status (OHBS) indicators were analysed using U-test and logistic and linear regression. Findings: Women reported better OHBS compared to men (chi2=9.82; p<0.01) and better HL in 3 domains (Domains: 1, 5, 9, Betas range 0.11-0.18, p<0.05). Most of HL domains were positively associated with OHBS (Betas range 0.27-0.41, p<0.05) except domains 6.Ability to actively cooperate with healthcare providers and 7.Navigating the healthcare system. Discussion: Better health literacy relates to better oral health behaviour indicators. Concept of multidimensional HL proved to be perspective predictor of oral health. Health literacy should be considered when planning oral health interventions.