Assessment of oral health literacy and oral health-related quality of life in Saudi university students: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Oral health literacy was recognized as important to encouraging oral health and avoiding oral health diseases. It is recognized that socioeconomic conditions are also influential factors in oral health. Therefore, oral health is an important part of individuals' quality of life and general health. This study was conducted to assess oral health literacy (OHL) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among undergraduate students studying at university. A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out from November to February 2023 among the students of King Khalid University. OHL and OHRQoL were assessed using a Rapid estimate of adult literacy in dentistry-30 (REALD-30) and oral health impact profile (OHIP-14). Further, Pearson's correlation tests were used to measure the correlation between REALD-30 and OHIP-14. Among the 394 completed respondents, the majority were aged >20 years (n = 221; 56.09%), aged <20 years (n = 173; 43.91%), female (n = 324; 82.23%) and male (n = 70; 17.7%). Participants from health-related colleges were (n = 343; 87.06%), and other colleges were (n = 51; 12.94%) *p < .04. Participants brushing frequency once daily were (n = 165; 41.88%) twice or more per day (n = 229; 58.12%) *p < .018. The overall mean REALD-30 score of the participants was 11.76 ± 0.17 indicating low OHL. The higher mean score of OHIP-14 for the following domains physical pain 12.93 ± 0.56, physical disability 12.05 ± 0.72 and psychological disability 12.71 ± 0.76. Oral health impact profile-14 and REALD showed a positive correlation for health-related colleges (r = .314; *p < .002) and other colleges (r = .09; p < .072). However, a significant correlation was observed between REALD-30 and OHIP-14 scores among health-related colleges (p < .05). The current study concluded that self-rated poor oral health is significantly linked with OHIP-14 scores. Furthermore, systematic health education programs such as regular dental check-ups for college students must be arranged to assist in changing the student's everyday life and oral health behaviours.