Abstract
Detecting patients with insufficient oral health literacy (OHL) and enhancing communication between healthcare providers and patients is crucial in addressing the prevalence of preventable diseases and the reluctance to adopt healthy practices. This research endeavors to examine the correlation between OHL and specific socio-demographic factors, as well as adult oral health status of people residing in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (REALD-30) was used to evaluate 150 participants who were chosen at random from the outpatient department of Shri Chatrapathi Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Sanstha (CSMSS). Using the 1997 World Health Organization oral health survey proforma, the demographic information and dental health status of each assessed individual were recorded. The Kruskal-Wallis test, correlations, analysis of variance, and t-tests were used in the statistical study. RESULTS: Statistically, there were no significant associations noticed between gender, age, or ethnicity and REALD30 scores. However, notable associations were observed between specific oral health-related factors and the obtained REALD scores, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, prevalence of prosthetic needs, loss of attachment scores and CPI (Community Periodontal Index). Additionally, REALD-30 scores exhibited negative correlations in Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) values. CONCLUSION: Sex, age, and ethnicity did not show associations with oral health literacy (OHL) within this sampled population from Aurangabad. However, a noteworthy association was identified between OHL and oral health status, revealing that lower OHL levels were linked to a deteriorating oral health status. Considering these findings, OHL instruments are crucial screening tools to determine who or what groups is most vulnerable to poor dental health.
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