The effect of oral health literacy of adolescents on their oral health status: A cross-sectional study from Southwestern Iran

BACKGROUND an‎d AIM: Oral health literacy (OHL) has proved to be important in diminishing oral health inequalities and in promoting oral health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between OHL and dental indices of 12- to 15-year-old students in Ahvaz, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 254 middle school students was selected by cluster random sampling method. The data were gathered using a previously-validated questionnaire, Oral Health Literacy Instrument (OHLI). Oral health status was evaluated using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with a significance level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: From a total of 254 students (mean age = 13.65 years, 51.57% male), 24.4% were caries-free. The OHL level of 50.2% of the students was inadequate and it was in positive correlation with the OHI-S, students’ gender, grade, and their fathers’ educational level (P < 0.05). The mean DMFT of the sample was 3.35 ± 2.72 and it was significantly higher among girls (P = 0.004). The mean OHI-S was 1.24 ± 0.91. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, students with higher OHL had better oral hygiene status and belonged to higher educated families. OHL-promoting programs for the students should be considered to improve their oral health and prevent future dental caries.