Oral Health Literacy and Dental Care-Seeking Behavior Among Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
TL;DR
There was a general correspondence of attendance with categorical literacy levels; however, no clear correspondence was identified for adjusted associations.
Abstract
Background: Oral health literacy can impact preventive dental attendance and early care-seeking. This study aimed to determine the relationship between oral health literacy and dental care-seeking behaviors in adults. Methods: 130 adults' data from July to December 2023 was analyzed. A 12-item questionnaire was scored from 0–12, with 0 indicating a low level, 12 a high level, and intermediate scores a moderate level. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, the Mann–Whitney U test, and binary logistic regression. The regression was only conducted in participants who reported having an oral-health problem (N = 92) and adjusted for age, sex, education, literacy score, and household income. Results: Participants' mean age was 38.6 ± 11.1 years; 65(50.0%) had a moderate literacy level, and 98(75.4%) had a previous appointment with a dentist. 56(43.1%) reported regular/preventive attendance and 42(32.3%) reported symptom driven attendance. The attendance pattern was correlated with literacy category (χ²=25.22, p<0.001). Among participants reporting oral-health issues, 36(39.1%) delayed care, with differences by literacy category (χ² = 6.38, p = 0.041). However, continuous literacy scores (p = 0.116) and adjusted regression (aOR = 0.858, 95% CI: 0.688–1.072; p = 0.177) showed no significant association with delayed care. Conclusion: There was a general correspondence of attendance with categorical literacy levels; however, no clear correspondence was identified for adjusted associations. Validated measures and larger samples could be used in future studies to evaluate literacy in relation to access barriers.