Oral health literacy and oral health behaviors of disadvantaged women residing in the slum area of Zahedan, Iran: A cross-sectional study
نویسندگان
1 Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, North Kargar Ave, 1439955991, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, North Kargar Ave, 1439955991, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, North Kargar Ave, 1439955991, Tehran, Iran
4 Associated Professor, Department of Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Research Center for Caries Prevention, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
doi
10.34172/johoe.2312.1604چکیده
Background: Disadvantaged subjects are considered a high-risk group due to limited access, insufficient awareness regarding the importance of oral health, and lack of preventive behavior. This study explores oral health literacy (OHL), oral health behaviors (OHB), and factors associated with OHL among women living in Zahedan's slum areas in Iran.Methods: In 2020, a cross-sectional study was carried out on 216 disadvantaged women in the slums of Zahedan City in Iran. The women's OHL and OHB data were collected using the Persian version of the previously validated Oral Health Literacy-Adult Questionnaire. Statistical analysis, including descriptive and analytical statistics, such as multi-variable linear regression analysis, was conducted using the STATA software version 14.2.Results: All 216 female subjects residing in the slum areas of Zahedan City completed the questionnaire (response rate: 100%). The mean age of participants was 26.7(±5.03) years old. The respondents' mean score of OHL was 7.6 (±2.47) out of 17. 18.98% reported brushing their teeth twice or more daily, 83.3% used fluoride toothpaste, 37.96% had visited a dentist within the past year, 50.93% consumed sugary snacks less than twice per day, and 87.96% did not smoke. In the regression analysis, there was a significant positive relationship between OHL with age (P<0.001), occupation (P=0.03), and educational level (P<0.001).Conclusion: The level of oral health literacy among women in the slum area was insufficient. The significant positive associations between OHL and factors such as age, occupation, and education level suggest that targeted educational interventions and community-based programs may be needed to improve oral health knowledge and behaviors in this population.
