Health Behaviour, Health Education, Oral Health Literacy, Periodontal Diseases, Periodontitis
Conditions
Keywords
Periodontitis, Health Behaviour, Oral Hygiene, Socioeconomic Status, Health Education, Smoking.
Brief summary
This observational cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between oral health literacy (OHL) and periodontal status among adult individuals attending Biruni University Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Türkiye. A total of 108 adults were evaluated using the Turkish version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (TREALD-30) to assess OHL levels. Periodontal examination included probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and plaque index. The study sought to determine whether lower OHL levels are associated with poorer periodontal health and to highlight the importance of improving health literacy in oral disease prevention and management.
Detailed description
This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Biruni University Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul, Türkiye, to evaluate the relationship between oral health literacy (OHL) and periodontal status among adult individuals. A total of 108 systemically healthy adults aged 18 years or older were included. Individuals with fewer than 20 teeth, history of periodontal treatment in the past 6 months, or systemic diseases affecting periodontal health were excluded. OHL was assessed using the validated Turkish version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (TREALD-30). Periodontal examination was performed by a calibrated periodontist and included full-mouth probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque index (PI). Periodontitis was defined according to the 2018 World Workshop classification system. The primary objective was to determine whether limited OHL is associated with worse periodontal parameters. Secondary objectives included evaluating the relationship between OHL and sociodemographic variables such as age, education, and smoking habits. Statistical analyses were performed using regression models to identify independent predictors of periodontal disease. The findings of this study aim to emphasize the role of oral health literacy as a potential social determinant of periodontal health and to guide the development of literacy-based preventive strategies in dental public health.
Interventions
OTHERObservational Assessment
No intervention was performed. Participants underwent a non-invasive periodontal examination and completed the Turkish version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (TREALD-30) questionnaire to assess oral health literacy.
Sponsors
Biruni University
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Systemically healthy adults aged 18 years or older Ability to read and understand Turkish Voluntary agreement to participate in the study
Exclusion criteria
Individuals with fewer than 20 teeth History of periodontal treatment within the past 6 months Presence of systemic diseases affecting periodontal health Individuals with mental retardation, cognitive impairment, or inability to complete the questionnaire due to illiteracy or communication difficulties
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Association between oral health literacy and periodontal status | Baseline (single examination at enrollment) | The primary outcome is the relationship between oral health literacy, measured by the Turkish version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (TREALD-30), and periodontal status based on the 2018 World Workshop classification. Periodontal parameters include probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Association between oral health literacy and demographic factors | Single time point (baseline examination) | To assess the association between oral health literacy levels and demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and educational attainment among adult participants. |
| Relationship between oral health literacy and smoking status | Single time point (baseline examination) | To determine whether smoking habits are associated with lower oral health literacy scores and poorer periodontal parameters. |
| Association between oral health literacy and oral hygiene behaviors | Single time point (baseline examination) | To evaluate the relationship between oral health literacy (measured by the TREALD-30) and self-reported oral hygiene practices, including toothbrushing frequency, use of interdental cleaning aids, and frequency of dental visits. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed