ORAL HEALTH LITERACY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON PREVENTIVE DENTAL PRACTICES AMONG ADULTS IN PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL COMMUNITY STUDY

Authors

  • Sandeep Kumar BDS, MSc; PhD Scholar, Dept. of Science of Dental Materials, Bibi Aseefa Dental College, SMBB Medical University, Larkana, Pakistan Author
  • Abdul Bari Memon Associate Professor, BDS, MSc, PhD; Department of Community Dentistry, Bibi Aseefa Dental College / SMBB Medical University, Larkana, Pakistan Author

Keywords:

Adult population, Health literacy, Oral health, Oral hygiene, Pakistan, Preventive dentistry, Public health, Socioeconomic factors

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Oral health literacy (OHL) is a critical determinant of preventive dental behaviors, influencing an individual’s capacity to make informed health decisions. In Pakistan, oral diseases remain prevalent, and low literacy continues to hinder the adoption of preventive oral health practices. Understanding this relationship is essential for developing effective community-based interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To assess oral health literacy levels among adults in Pakistan and determine their influence on preventive dental practices across diverse sociodemographic groups.

 METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March to October 2023 across four provinces of Pakistan, including Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. A total of 404 adults aged 18–65 years were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the validated Oral Health Literacy Adult Questionnaire (OHL-AQ) and WHO Oral Health Questionnaire for Adults. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26, including descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression (p < 0.05 considered significant). Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad (Ref. No. SZABMU/IRB/2023/09/11).

 RESULTS: Of 404 participants, 47.0% had marginal OHL, 29.2% inadequate, and 23.8% adequate literacy. Adequate literacy was strongly associated with improved preventive practices, including brushing twice daily (79%), use of fluoridated toothpaste (68%), and regular dental visits (58%). A significant positive correlation was found between OHL and preventive behavior scores (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). Multiple regression identified literacy (β = 0.47, p < 0.001) and education (β = 0.21, p = 0.014) as key predictors of preventive practices.

CONCLUSION: Higher oral health literacy significantly enhances preventive dental behaviors among adults in Pakistan. Strengthening community-based oral health education and literacy programs can reduce disease burden and promote sustainable oral health outcomes.

 KEY TERMS: Adult population, Health literacy, Oral health, Oral hygiene, Pakistan, Preventive dentistry, Public health, Socioeconomic factors

Author Biographies

  • Sandeep Kumar, BDS, MSc; PhD Scholar, Dept. of Science of Dental Materials, Bibi Aseefa Dental College, SMBB Medical University, Larkana, Pakistan

    BDS, MSc; PhD Scholar, Dept. of Science of Dental Materials, Bibi Aseefa Dental College, SMBB Medical University, Larkana, Pakistan

  • Abdul Bari Memon, Associate Professor, BDS, MSc, PhD; Department of Community Dentistry, Bibi Aseefa Dental College / SMBB Medical University, Larkana, Pakistan

    Associate Professor, BDS, MSc, PhD; Department of Community Dentistry, Bibi Aseefa Dental College / SMBB Medical University, Larkana, Pakistan

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Published

2025-11-25

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): IJARP Volume 1 Issue 2 (2025)

Section

Articles