Relationship between health literacy and toothbrushing practice among young adults

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to access the relationship between health literacy and toothbrushing practice in young adults. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study consisted of 218 respondents: college (except dental students) and noncollege students. All respondents completed a general health literacy questionnaire using the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) and the specific health literacy (SHL) questionnaire comprising questions on access, knowledge, and attitudes on toothbrushing. Respondents’ regular toothbrushing practice was evaluated by using a video camera recording. All the analyses were performed by using the t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation or Spearman rank correlation, and multiple linear regression statistical technique. Results: The mean scores of NVS and SHL were significantly different among the education groups (P < 0.001). Toothbrushing practice showed significantly (P < 0.05) correlations with gender, education, access, attitude, and SHL, but not with the NVS. The correlation of toothbrushing practice and SHL as well as access remained significant in multiple linear regression models after adjusting for gender and education (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Health literacy had a significant correlation with toothbrushing practice when measured with SHL. Access and SHL were the most influencing factors for toothbrushing practice in this study.