The role of health literacy as a factor associated with tooth loss

Abstract

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE The objective was to analyze the role of health literacy (HL) as a factor associated with tooth loss among users of the Brazilian Health System with chronic non-communicable diseases. METHODS The cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with adult and elderly users chosen at ten Family Health Clinics in a draw in the town of Piracicaba, São Paulo State, Brazil. A questionnaire was applied with sociodemographic data (sex, age, skin color and education), behavioral data (brushing and flossing), determinants in health (type of dental health services and how often) and clinical data (pain). Mouth conditions were collected by intraoral examination of visible dental biofilm and community Pediodontal Index. The systemic clinical conditions (blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin and blood pressure) were extracted from the medical records. The explanatory variable was HL (low, medium and high), measured with the Health Literacy Scale (HLS-14). RESULTS The outcome was tooth loss measured by the index of decayed, missing and filled teeth. Logistic regression was performed using a conceptual model for HL (p 4 mm) (n = 0,31; 95%CI: 0,01–0,08), having visible dental biofilm (OR = 7,23; 95%CI: 3,19–16,41) and a higher level of blood sugar (glucose) (n = 1,98; 95%CI: 1.00–3,92). CONCLUSIONS tooth loss was associated with HL when adjusted by health behaviors; when sociodemographic variables and clinical conditions were included, it was less significant. In the final model, behaviors, determinants in health and clinical conditions were risk indicators of tooth loss, showing the multifactorial nature of this phenomenon.

Keywords

• Oral Health
• DMF Index
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
• Health Education, Dental