Oral and General Health Study Examines Oral Health Literacy

Oral and General Health Study Examines Oral Health Literacy

Funded by the Oral and Dental Research Trust and the Institute of Dentistry at Aberdeen, Dr Ekta Gupta has completed a study into Oral Health Literacy in older people.

Improving Health Literacy can increase older people’s ability to effectively manage long-term health conditions. However, the evidence on Oral Health Literacy in older adults specifically relating to chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, is scarce.  The purpose of the study was to explore the level of Oral Health Literacy, focusing on the knowledge of older people with regard to the link between oral health and chronic medical conditions and oral health behaviours.

To gather her data, Dr Gupta conducted a questionnaire survey in adults over 65 years old registered with a GP practice in Grampian who had any form of heart disease, breathing problems or diabetes diagnosed at least one year ago.   The identification and recruitment of potential participants was undertaken via the NHS Research Scotland Primary Care Network and National Institute for Health Research [NIHR] Primary Care Network.   Dr Gupta recruited an impressive 400 participants, well above the target initially set.

Information was collected on participants age, gender, socio-economic status, marital status, postcode, race/ethnicity and dental behaviours.  The study measured Oral Health Literacy, knowledge of links between oral health and chronic medical conditions and impact of mouth on patients’ daily lives.

By identifying the levels of Oral Health Literacy in older adults with chronic diseases will help in devising oral health promotion strategies which build resilience, encourage positive lifestyle changes and empower people to effectively manage long-term health conditions.  Consequently, strategies to improve Oral Health Literacy can reduce the burden on health and social care services with potential to reduce health inequalities.

Dr Ekta Gupta is the Institute of Dentistry’s Academic Lead for Dental Public Health & Research, and Research Group Lead for Public Health & Health Services.   To find out more about Dr Gupta’s research interests please visit her online profile by following the link: Dr Ekta Gupta Online Profile.

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