The Impact of Oral Health Literacy on Oral Health-Related Behaviours Among University Students – A Cross-Sectional Study

Makafui Dawoe; Yeetey Akpe Kwesi Enuameh

doi:10.4314/just.v41i2.1561

Mr. Makafui Dawoe Presbyterian Hospital, Agogo, Asante Akim North https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4866-2965
Dr. Yeetey Akpe Kwesi Enuameh Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3772-7425

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/just.v41i2.1561

Keywords: Oral health, Oral health literacy, Oral health-related behaviours

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Oral health literacy (OHL) is a significant determinant of an individual’s oral health-related behaviours, outcomes, and total quality of life. This paper aims to assess the OHL of KNUST students and its effect on oral health-related behaviour.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. Participants were selected via simple random sampling. A self-administered questionnaire and the REALD-30 OHL assessment toolkit were used to collect data. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 14. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the statistical relationship between OHL and oral health-related behaviours.

RESULTS: The mean OHL score was 12.10 out of 30, with 88.50%, 8.82% and 2.67% having low, moderate, and high OHL levels, respectively. OHL levels significantly predicted dental visits (C=-0.15, p=0.013), their frequency (C=-0.29, p=0.008) and toothbrushing frequency (C=-0.199,p=0.006).

DISCUSSION: OHL levels significantly predicted dental visits, their frequency, and toothbrushing frequency. These findings agree with similar studies conducted around the world.

CONCLUSION: Efforts by health services and providers should be made to improve OHL in thestudy and the general populace to reap the benefits of improvements in oral health-related andgeneral quality of life.

Author Biographies

Mr. Makafui Dawoe, Presbyterian Hospital, Agogo, Asante Akim North

Makafui is a Dental Surgeon and Head of Dentistry at the Presbyterian Hospital, Agogo, Asante Akim North. He had his Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Master of Public Health education at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Makafui is actively involved in oral health education and primary oral healthcare. His research areas include Oral health literacy, Client satisfaction, service quality improvement and oral health policy development and integration.

Dr. Yeetey Akpe Kwesi Enuameh, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Yeetey is a Senior Lecturer of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, and Head of the Department of Community Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. He is a Clinical Research Fellow with the Kintampo Health Research Center (KHRC) of the Ghana Health Service, an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia, and the Director of the JBI Center of Excellence at the KHRC. Yeetey’s research areas include adolescent health; maternal, newborn and child health; sexual and reproductive health; communicable and non-communicable diseases; transportation–public health interphase; and evidence-based healthcare. Yeetey is fluent in Ewe, English, Fanti, Russian and Twi.