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Association of Oral Health Literacy and Dental Visitation in an Inner-City Emergency Department Population

Author

Listed:
  • Emmett Henderson

    (Center for Health Outcomes Research, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA)

  • Preeti Dalawari

    (Department of Surgery, Division of Emergency Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA)

  • Jennifer Fitzgerald

    (Department of Surgery, Division of Emergency Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA)

  • Leslie Hinyard

    (Center for Health Outcomes Research, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA)

Abstract

To examine the association between oral health literacy (OHL) with sociodemographic variables and dental visitation in adults presenting to an urban emergency department (ED). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 556 adults aged 18–90. Interview data from the study were used to collect self-reported sociodemographic characteristics and dental visitation history. The OHL of the study participants was measured using the Health Literacy in Dentistry scale (HeLD-14), and the score was dichotomized into low and high OHL. Bivariate associations between sociodemographic variables and OHL were conducted using chi-square tests, and logistic regression was used to examine the association between OHL and dental visitation within the past year. Results: Sixty percent of participants reported having visited a dentist within the past year. Over two-thirds of the sample was classified as having low OHL. Low OHL was more common in non-White races, less-educated, single, unemployed, and lower-income individuals, and those without a primary care physician or dental insurance ( p < 0.05). Patients with low oral health literacy were 39% less likely to have visited the dentist in the past year (OR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.38, 0.96). Conclusions: This study highlights significant disparities in OHL. Interventions targeted toward the unique needs of underserved populations should be developed to improve health outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Emmett Henderson & Preeti Dalawari & Jennifer Fitzgerald & Leslie Hinyard, 2018. "Association of Oral Health Literacy and Dental Visitation in an Inner-City Emergency Department Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-10, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:8:p:1748-:d:163803
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2017.303760_6 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Lee, J.Y. & Divaris, K. & Baker, A.D. & Rozier, R.G. & Vann Jr., W.F., 2012. "The relationship of oral health literacy and self-efficacy with oral health status and dental neglect," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(5), pages 923-929.
    3. Lee, H.H. & Lewis, C.W. & Saltzman, B. & Starks, H., 2012. "Visiting the emergency department for dental problems: Trends in utilization, 2001 to 2008," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(11), pages 77-83.
    4. Sun, B.C. & Chi, D.L. & Schwarz, E. & Milgrom, P. & Yagapen, A. & Malveau, S. & Chen, Z. & Chan, B. & Danner, S. & Owen, E. & Morton, V. & Lowe, R.A., 2015. "Emergency department visits for nontraumatic dental problems: A mixed-methods study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(5), pages 947-955.
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