Assessment of oral health literacy in the general population and its associated factors (a cross-sectional study)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58342/MJ.V.3.I.1.13Keywords:
Oral health literacy, associated factors, preventive behaviors, access to services, Herat, AfghanistanAbstract
Introduction: Oral health literacy is a key determinant of oral health outcomes; however, evidence from Afghanistan, particularly Herat, is limited. The city’s socio-economic diversity and existing health challenges highlight the need to assess oral health literacy and its determinants to guide targeted interventions and public health policies.
Objective: To evaluate oral health literacy and identify associated factors among the general population of Herat.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from 23 September 2025 to 20 January 2026 among 371 residents aged ≥15 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale, covering oral health awareness, attitudes, preventive behaviors, access barriers, and information sources. Content validity was confirmed by five faculty experts, and reliability was acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.7). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, applying descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: Preventive behaviors and literacy-related indicators showed significant associations. Regular flossing (β=0.190, p=0.001), attention to fluoride use (β=0.199, p=0.002), annual dental visits (β=0.146, p=0.022), and receiving information from media (β=0.122, p=0.022) were positively associated with oral health literacy. In contrast, visiting dentists only for pain (β=−0.164, p=0.003), limited access to services (β=−0.124, p=0.019), and distance or transportation barriers (β=−0.122, p=0.034) showed negative associations. Education and socioeconomic status were positively correlated with preventive behaviors, while age and gender had minimal effects.
Conclusion: Although awareness and attitudes toward oral health are relatively favorable, sustained preventive behaviors require improved knowledge, reduced treatment-oriented attitudes, and better access to services. Strengthening education, promoting preventive practices, and addressing structural barriers are essential to enhance oral health literacy in the community.
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