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. 2014 Winter;74(1):80-7.
doi: 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2012.00375.x. Epub 2012 Nov 2.

The impact of oral health literacy on periodontal health status

Meggan M H Wehmeyer  1 , Caleb L Corwin, Janet M Guthmiller, Jessica Y Lee
Affiliations

The impact of oral health literacy on periodontal health status

Meggan M H Wehmeyer et al. J Public Health Dent. 2014 Winter.

Abstract

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 University of North Carolina Graduate Periodontology Clinic. Sociodemographic and dental history information were collected. OHL was measured using a dental word recognition instrument, Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy-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 University of North Carolina Graduate Periodontology Clinics.

Keywords: health literacy; literacy; oral health; periodontal disease; periodontitis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Periodontal health status by oral health literacy category.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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