Relationship between digital oral health literacy and digital device utilization among adults in Gangwon-do

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the level of digital oral health literacy among Korean adults in Gangwon-do. Methods: A survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with adults aged 30–89 residing in Gangwon-do, South Korea. The independent variables were socio-demographic characteristics, including gender, age, education level, income, and occupation. The dependent variable was digital oral health literacy. The statistical analysis included Independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis, all performed using the SPSS 27.0 software program. Results: The elderly and those with poor socioeconomic status (p<0.001) had lower average scores due to poor digital oral health literacy. The ease of searching for oral health information and the utilization of digital devices to search for information on oral health displayed a significant relationship (r=0.730, p<0.001). To develop the use of digital devices, simplifying the search for oral information (p<0.001) is essential. Conclusions: All socio-demographic characteristics, except gender, displayed a correlation with the level of digital oral health literacy. Both environmental and individual aspects of the respondents’ living conditions must be considered to improve digital oral health literacy.