Perceived Oral Health Literacy, Behaviors, and Oral Health Care among Caregivers to the Homebound Population

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the level of perceived oral health literacy (OHL) among caregivers of the homebound population in the Chicago metropolitan area and how caregivers’ OHL impacts their oral care to the homebound population. The relationships between demographic characteristics, perceived OHL levels, personal oral health behaviors, and oral health care to clients were also assessed. This cross-sectional survey research examined 69 caregivers of the homebound population employed by home health agencies. The OHL was determined by the validated Health Literacy in Dentistry Scale (HeLD-14). Independent t-tests, chi-square tests set at p < .05 significance level, and logistic regressions were used for analysis. The mean age of participants was 43. The HeLD-14 scores indicated a high perceived OHL among this group. Caregivers came from diverse groups, and the majority spoke a second language at home. About 93% performed oral self-care the recommended amount of time or more, while only 57% did it for their clients. Those who cleaned clients’ mouth twice a day had a higher OHL score ( M = 23 compared to M = 19). About 43% did not check for sores in the client’s mouth, and those who checked had a higher OHL score ( M = 25 compared to M = 19). Controlling for OHL, age was a good predictor of oral care frequency to clients. These findings provide current evidence and add to the body of knowledge on OHL among homebound individuals. The results provide insights for designing a preventive approach in oral health care to the homebound population.

Homebound oral care for older adults: A qualitative study of professional carers' perspectives in Perth, Western Australia

“…Our findings are consistent with those of other studies reporting that carers for homebound older people face challenges in providing oral care due to insufficient oral health training 11,15,16 . While participants' clients in our study could choose to manage their own oral care, most participants felt they were ill‐equipped to provide appropriate care for those needing assistance.…”

“…Our findings are consistent with those of other studies reporting that carers for homebound older people face challenges in providing oral care due to insufficient oral health training. 11,15,16 While participants' clients in our study could choose to manage their own oral care, most participants felt they were ill-equipped to provide appropriate care for those needing assistance. This finding presents an opportunity for services to build the capacity of professional carers by offering appropriate oral health education and training and for the dental profession (dentists and oral health care professionals) to respond to this need by offering educational support and resources to carers.…”

“…This is concerning as poor oral health can lead to adverse outcomes including poor levels of nutrition, infections, disrupted sleep, low self‐esteem and social isolation, and can further compromise other health conditions 14 . Consequently, the role of carers in this context becomes increasingly important, 15 and in terms of oral care carers oral health literacy is important 16 …”

“…14 Consequently, the role of carers in this context becomes increasingly important, 15 and in terms of oral care carers oral health literacy is important. 16 Professional support workers and case managers (identified here collectively as professional carers) play an essential role in delivering and maintaining health including oral care for homebound older people. 17,18 However, they may encounter barriers to providing optimal care including limited education and training on dental issues, 19 time constraints, challenges delivering oral care including brushing another person's teeth, client's lack of co-operation, or lack of perceived need.…”