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 cross-sectional 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 socio-economic 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.
Keywords:
Health Education; Health Literacy; Attitude to Health; Oral Health