EC Dental Science

Background: Oral Health Literacy (OHL) has been linked to better oral health outcome and presumably healthy decisions. This study aimed to assess (OHL) level. Also, to evaluate the association between OHL with clinical and socioeconomic factors.

Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study using adult sample from Umm Al-Qura University dental teaching hospital. The validated, Arabic translated, comprehensive measure of oral health knowledge tool was used to assess OHL. Decayed, Missed and Filled Teeth (DMFT) and missing teeth status (yes/no) were measured via clinical and radiographic oral examination. Several covariables were also collected including age, gender, educational level, presence of any chronic diseases, nationality and whether the subjects were recruited from the screening or clinics.

Results: The mean (standard deviation) for OHL was 12.51 (4.59) out of 23. There was no significant difference in OHL with varying levels of DMFT (P-value 0.467) as well as whether subjects lost their teeth (P-value 0.50). However, there was a significant difference in OHL score in subjects with various educational levels (P-value < 0.001), being Saudi (P-value 0.0116), being females (P-value 0.0043) and examined during dental treatment (P-value 0.01).

Conclusion: From the studied sample, OHL was largely poor or fair. Disparities in OHL were observed with demographic and socio-economic factors.

Keywords: Dental Caries; Missing Teeth; Oral Health Literacy; Oral Health

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