The association between oral health literacy and oral health behaviors in North Korean defectors: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background The present study aimed to investigate the association between oral health literacy and oral health behaviors among North Korean defectors. Methods This study involved the collection of self-reported questionnaires from 123 North Korean defectors visited a dental clinic that offered complimentary services, to receive dental treatment in a metropolitan area of South Korea from December 2017 to April 2018. Oral health literacy was measured with the Test of Korean Functional Health Literacy in Dentistry (TOKFHLiD), which consists of 30 items concerning verbal oral health literacy and 42 items concerning functional oral health literacy (28 items for reading comprehension and 14 items for numeracy). In addition, the questionnaire contains 15 and 14 items related to demographic characteristics and oral health behaviors (interest, lifestyle, diet, prevention), respectively, for a total of 101 items. Results The mean oral health literacy score was 44 (out of a maximum possible score of 72). Oral health literacy and oral health behaviors were positively correlated ( r = 0.526, P < 0.001), and oral health literacy also had a significant effect on oral health behaviors (Beta = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.04–0.33). However, although functional oral health literacy had a significant effect on oral health behaviors (Beta = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.01–0.43), verbal oral health literacy did not (Beta = 0.13, 95% CI: − 0.06-037). Conclusions Educational interventions are needed to improve oral health literacy, and thus oral health behaviors, as a part of the health promotion measures undertaken to facilitate the stable adjustment of North Korean defectors in South Korean society.

Oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices and oral health-related quality of life among stroke inpatients: a cross-sectional study

“…Stroke patients have a substantially lower OHRQoL, a larger number of missing teeth, and poorer plaque and gingival index scores than nonstroke patients [ 55 , 56 ]. In addition, stroke patients tend to have a higher burden of dental caries, periodontitis, and tooth loss, as well as a lower frequency of dental visits [ 55 , 56 ]. Oral diseases, including tooth loss, can negatively affect OHRQoL [ 57 , 58 ].…”

Factors Associated with Health Literacy, Self-Efficacy, Social Support, and Oral Health Care Behaviors Among Elderly in Northern Border Community Thailand

“…This is consistent with a previous study, which found that elderly participants had poor oral health literacy scores because they had limited knowledge of oral health information. 39 Even though health providers communicated with the elderly in their local language, their limited health literacy prevented them from understanding health information. 39 One study similar to ours also found that one third of elderly people had poor health literacy regarding oral healthcare behaviors.…”

“…39 Even though health providers communicated with the elderly in their local language, their limited health literacy prevented them from understanding health information. 39 One study similar to ours also found that one third of elderly people had poor health literacy regarding oral healthcare behaviors. 22 It was also found that elderly people with an insufficient level of health literacy could have a decreased ability to learn and understand knowledge related to oral healthcare behaviors.…”

“…As a result, they would practice self-care behaviors toward oral healthcare incorrectly; for instance, they would brush their teeth incorrectly, not use dental floss, and consume sugary food, which leads to cavities and tooth decay. 39,40 Poor health literacy is one of the barriers that prevents oral health hygiene and appropriate oral healthcare practices among the elderly. 40 Oral health literacy was found to be a highly significant positive predictor of oral healthcare behaviors.…”

“…41 As a previous study reported, a positive correlation between oral health knowledge and health behaviors resulted in people implementing correct practices, such as teeth brushing skills and maintaining personal oral hygiene. 39,42 Therefore, to increase cognitive skills, specific communication methods to improve the elderly's oral hygiene should be appropriate in their context and should be easy to understand and comprehend.…”