Mark D. Macek|Kathryn A. Atchison|Maria Rosa Watson|Jennifer Holtzman|William Wells|Bonnie Braun|Linda Aldoory|Diana V. Messadi|Melanie W. Gironda|D. A. Haynes|Ruth M. Parker|Haiyan Chen|Susan P. Coller|Jessica Richards
Assessing health literacy and oral health: preliminary results of a multi?site investigation
University of Maryland, Baltimore|University of California, Los Angeles|Primary Care Coalition of Montgomery County|University of California, Los Angeles|University of Baltimore|University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland, College Park|University of California, Los Angeles|University of Southern California|University of Baltimore|Emory University|University of Maryland, Baltimore|University of Maryland, Baltimore|University of California, Los Angeles
abstract objectives introduce multisite assessment oral health literacy describe preliminary analyses relationships health literacy selected oral health outcomes within context comprehensive conceptual model methods data analysis came multisite oral health literacy research study mohlrs federally funded investigation health literacy oral health mohlrs consisted broad survey including several health literacy assessments measures attitudes knowledge factors survey administered 922 initial careseeking adult patients presenting universitybased dental clinics california maryland descriptive analysis confidence filling forms word recognition reading comprehension comprised health literacy assessments dental visits oral health functioning dental selfefficacy outcomes results overall 21 participants reported difficulties practical health literacy tasks controlling sociodemographic confounders health literacy assessment associated dental visits dental caries selfefficacy however confidence filling forms word recognition associated oral health functioning periodontal disease selfefficacy conclusions analysis showed dental school patients exhibit range health literacy abilities also revealed relationship health literacy oral health straightforward depending patient characteristics unique circumstances encounter anticipate future analyses mohlrs data answer questions role health literacy various mediating factors play explaining oral health disparities