The influence of different dimensions of oral health literacy on parental attitudes and comprehension of an information leaflet about permanent tooth avulsion.

Abstract

Permanent tooth avulsion requires proper management at the time of the accident and parental oral health literacy (OHL) may influence decision-making with regards to dental trauma. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of OHL on: (1) self-rated comprehension of an information leaflet (IL), (2) self-rated capacity to execute the tasks proposed on the IL, and (3) attitudes regarding the avulsion of a permanent tooth in children. A longitudinal study was conducted involving the reading of an IL by 466 parents/caregivers. Evaluations were performed prior to the IL (Phase I), immediately after the application of the IL (Phase II) and 60 days after the application of the IL (Phase III). Self-rated comprehension and capacity to execute the proposed tasks were analyzed in Phase II. Attitude was evaluated in all three phases. Functional OHL was measured using the BREALD-30 and interactive OHL was measured using HeLD-14. Correlations were found between self-rated comprehension and both the OHL/BREALD-30 score (rs=0.179; p= .012) and OHL/HeLD-14 score (r= 0.258; p< .001). Correlations were also found between the self-rated capacity to execute the proposed tasks and both the OHL/BREALD-30 score (rs=0.133; p= .047) and the OHL/HeLD-14 score (rs=0.225; p< .001). Higher BREALD-30 and HeLD-14 scores were associated with a better performance regarding parental attitudes toward permanent tooth avulsion comparing Phases I and II and Phases II and III (p< .05). Higher levels of OHL were associated with better parental self-rated comprehension of the IL and the capacity to execute the tasks proposed therein as well as more adequate attitudes regarding the avulsion of a permanent tooth.