Sociodemography, Oral Health Status and Behaviours Related to Oral Health Literacy

Abstract

Objective: To assess the relationships of socio-demography, self-reported oral health status, and behaviour with oral health literacy (OHL) among adults. Material and Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted during a mega carnival in Kuala Lumpur. Socio-demographic, oral health status, and oral health behaviour data were obtained using a questionnaire, and OHL was determined by a validated Malay version of the 14 items Health Literacy in Dentistry Scale (HeLD-14). A total of 165 data of participating adults were tested using Pearson's correlation, Independent t-test and One-way ANOVA with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 30.4 years (S.D. 9.7 years). Malay HeLD-14 scores were higher among those who were from better socioeconomic class (household income within the top 20% of the population) (p<0.005) those with good self-reported oral health status (good oral health status, no active caries) (p<0.005) and those with good oral health behaviours (brushed daily, flossed daily, does not vape) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Household income, self-reported oral health status, and behaviours were significantly associated with oral health literacy. Therefore, oral health literacy assessment is vital to help tailor appropriate oral health education and care.

Assessment of Parents’ Oral Health Literacy and Its Association with Caries Experience of Their Preschool Children

“…The employment status (0.00 *) of the parents showed a significant relation with the OHL level. This agrees with a study conducted by Noor et al [ 42 ], wherein the authors revealed that 20% of the Malaysian population had significantly higher OHL scores when compared with different income categories. The literature has revealed that the employment status of the parents plays a significant role in improved OHL [ 64 , 66 ].…”

“…Childhood oral health depends on the awareness of their parents, as the OHL of parents affects the oral health-associated lifestyles of children, which are developed during the initial stages of childhood and continue in later stages [ 39 , 40 , 41 ]. The prevalence of caries among the Malaysian adult population was reported as 88.9% according to the National Oral Health Survey of Adults in Malaysia [ 42 ]. According to the Malaysian ministry of health, the prevalence of dental caries among preschool children was reported to be 71.3% [ 43 ].…”

“…This is in agreement with studies conducted by Baskaradoss [ 60 ], where the OHL level of participants was significantly associated with race (0.046 *) and educational level (0.004 *); among the Malaysian population, where 62.5% of parents had a high OHL level [ 46 ]; in the American population ( p = 0.02 *), where higher educational level was associated with improved OHL [ 61 ]; and among Iranians ( p = 0.001 *), which revealed that participants with less education had a lower level of OHL [ 31 ]. In contrast, no significant difference was noted in the OHL level of parents and their ethnicity in a study conducted amongst Malaysians [ 42 ]. A good educational background has an important influence on the OHL level of parents, because well-educated individuals have access to oral health care materials [ 62 , 63 ].…”

“…This may indicate that financial struggles create inequality in access to oral health education, information, and interventions that are required for parents to improve the oral health status of their preschool children [ 29 ]. It is obvious that employed parents can afford to seek oral care and ensure basic oral hygiene practices, for example, toothbrushes, fluoridated toothpaste, etc., and they can improve behaviour towards oral health care by sharing knowledge with friends and colleagues [ 42 ]. It is obvious that the sociodemographic status, along with the level of OHL, are substantial instigating factors to increase access to oral health care.…”

Associations between Health Literacy and Sociodemographic Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Malaysia Utilising the HLS-M-Q18

“…Prior to the development of the Malaysian adaptation of the HLS-EU-Q47, health literacy in Malaysia was assessed utilising different instruments ranging from the Newest Vital Signs [35] to tools addressing specific disease literacy such as in dentistry [36,37] and in mental health [38]. The HLS-M-Q18 has enabled the measurement of health literacy in line with current global standards.…”