Premium
The impact of oral health literacy on periodontal health status
Author(s) -
Wehmeyer Meggan M. H.,
Corwin Caleb L.,
Guthmiller Janet M.,
Lee Jessica Y.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2012.00375.x
Subject(s) - periodontology , medicine , periodontitis , health literacy , dentistry , population , family medicine , environmental health , health care , economics , economic growth
Objective The objective of this study was to describe oral health literacy ( OHL ) among periodontal patients and to examine its association with periodontal health status. Methods This cross‐sectional study included new and referred patients presenting to the U niversity of N orth C arolina G raduate P eriodontology C linic. Sociodemographic and dental history information were collected. OHL was measured using a dental word recognition instrument, R apid E stimate of A dult L iteracy‐30 ( REALD ‐30). Clinical periodontal examinations were completed. Results One hundred and twenty‐eight participants enrolled and 121 completed all study examinations and instruments. Despite a high level of education among participants in our study, low levels of OHL were found in one‐third (33 percent) of the study population. Thirty‐one percent had moderate OHL (score of 22‐25), 37 percent had high OHL (score ≥ 26). The mean REALD ‐30 score was 23. Fifty‐three percent of participants had severe periodontitis, 29 percent had moderate periodontitis, and 18 percent had mild or no periodontitis. Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between OHL and periodontal status ( P < 0.05). The effect of OHL on periodontal health status remained statistically significant ( P < 0.002) even after controlling for smoking, race, and dental insurance. Conclusion Lower OHL was associated with more severe periodontal disease among new and referred patients presenting to the U niversity of N orth C arolina G raduate P eriodontology C linics.