Health literacy and oral health-related behaviors among young adults in Norway
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2340/aos.v84.44230Keywords:
Health literacy, preventive dentistry, public health dentistry, oral hygiene, dental health servicesAbstract
Objective: The transition from adolescence to adulthood represents an increase in autonomy and responsibility of oral health-related behaviors, in which health literacy might play a significant role. The objective of the study was to assess health literacy in a young adult population and determine whether health literacy is associated with their oral health-related behaviors.
Materials and methods: Utilizing data from the Fit Futures longitudinal cohort study, this cross-sectional analysis was based on self-administered questionnaires from the third wave, FF3. Health literacy was assessed using a short version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-Q12), while oral health-related behaviors were assessed through toothbrushing frequency and dental service utilization. In addition, socioeconomic factors were included as control variables. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression were performed.
Results: The findings indicated that 38% of the young adults had a score equivalent to having lower levels of health literacy. Higher health literacy scores were associated with more regular dental service use, even after adjusting for socioeconomic covariates.
Conclusion: Although most young adults had good oral health-related behaviors, it is concerning that a significant proportion still neglects regular dental visits and consistent tooth brushing. These findings highlight the need for greater emphasis on health literacy within public dental health services.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Lene Marita Steinvik, Gro Eirin Holde, Hanne S. Finbråten, Elin K. Evensen, Linda Maria Stein
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Acta Odontologica Scandinavica publishes original research papers as well as critical reviews relevant to the diagnosis, epidemiology, health service, prevention, aetiology, pathogenesis, pathology, physiology, microbiology, development and treatment of diseases affecting tissues of the oral cavity and associated structures including papers on cause and effect or explanatory/associative relationships for experimental or observational studies.
