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116 Jangid et al. | Journal of Clinical and Translational Research 2024; 10(2): 112-118
a study that revealed that individuals with an adequate level of 5. Conclusion
literacy possess both proficient reading and critical thinking
abilities, enabling them to apply information effectively to enhance This study categorized the scores into adequate, marginal, and
their oral health. In addition, the study found that over 50% of inadequate levels. Adequate OHL is correlated with better oral
the participants incorporated daily practices, such as flossing health behaviors among students. Current tools tend to focus
and using mouthwashes. These individuals demonstrate the heavily on word-recognition, numeracy, and reading skills, and
ability to effectively apply their knowledge in various contexts, lack emphasis on health behaviors and service utilization. Specific
whether in their homes and communities while shopping in the population-adapted tools, ensuring acceptability and cultural
competence, are necessary. In addition, tools should assess risk
marketplace, accessing oral health services, or recognizing their and effectively measure intervention-induced changes. The key
rights to access different services. Due to their enhanced OHL, it practical challenge in assessing OHL in study groups revolves
is not surprising that this particular group exhibits more favorable around the validation of assessment tools in the local language.
behaviors, such as regular use of oral hygiene tools like floss and Providing accessible information to those with inadequate literacy
mouthwash, as well as a higher frequency of dental check-ups can promote behavioral changes and improve oral health outcomes.
in the past 6 months compared to individuals with limited OHL. Oral health promotion programs should provide information at a
These findings align with the health promotion model proposed comprehensible level for inadequately literate people, to foster
by Nutbeam [30] and the health literacy model developed by behavioral changes and better oral health outcomes.
Sørensen et al. [31].
Jones et al. [23] discovered that individuals with insufficient Acknowledgments
OHL tend to make fewer visits to dentists and have poor oral
health. In addition, Baskaradoss et al. [32] revealed a connection We would like to thank our colleagues and the study participants
between the OHL of caregivers and the dental status of children, for their kind support during the study.
as reflected in their DMFT/dmft scores. Funding
According to Fazli et al. [33], demographic and socioeconomic
factors are differentially correlated with oral health behaviors and None.
oral health status. In contrast to our study, all students were of the Conflict of Interest
same age and background; therefore, sociodemographic factors
did not play a major role in the study. The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
The study was constrained by its relatively small sample size.
Enrolling students from a wider range of courses can strengthen Ethics Approval and Consent to Participant
their validity. The presence of language barriers posed challenges Ethical clearance was obtained before the study from the
during the research. It is important to note that this study Institutional Ethics Committee of NIMS Medical College
focused on a specific area and did not include an assessment of (reference no.: NIMSUNI/IEC/2017/14) and written informed
sociodemographic factors. consent was obtained from all participants.
In this study, we recommend that, due to low OHL, professionals
or doctors should use local terminology when communicating with Consent for Publication
patients and limit the use of medical jargon. Doctors need to make Not applicable.
extra efforts to ensure that patients understand the instructions
given by doctors. Therefore, oral health awareness programs Availability of Data
should be conducted to improve health literacy. Although the
participants conversed in English with the examiner, their English Data can be obtained from the corresponding author on request.
fluency was not assessed. Hence, tools to assess literacy and References
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.36922/jctr.23.00100