Assessment of Oral Health Literacy and Dental Service Utilization in Coastal Community Dental Clinic

Thesis Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between oral health literacy and dental service utilization within a coastal community, addressing the persistent disparities in oral health outcomes and access to dental care that are influenced by socioeconomic, educational, and geographical factors. Despite the increasing efforts to promote oral health awareness, limited empirical evidence exists regarding how oral health literacy specifically impacts the community’s patterns of dental service use, particularly in coastal regions characterized by unique environmental and socioeconomic challenges. The primary aim of this research is to assess the level of oral health literacy among residents and examine its influence on their utilization of dental services within the coastal community dental clinic. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design grounded in the health belief model and the social cognitive theory to frame the investigation. The population comprised adult residents aged 18 years and above from the coastal community served by the dental clinic, with a sample size of 400 participants selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness across age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, including validated instruments such as the Oral Health Literacy Adult Questionnaire (OHL-AQ) and a dental service utilization survey. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic characteristics, oral health literacy levels, and dental service utilization rates. Inferential analyses included multiple regression models to evaluate the association between oral health literacy and frequency of dental visits, controlling for confounders such as income, education level, and oral health status. ANOVA tests examined differences in literacy levels and service utilization across demographic groups. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses provided supplementary insights into barriers and facilitators influencing dental service use. Expected findings indicate that overall oral health literacy among community residents is moderate, with significant disparities based on educational attainment and income levels. It is hypothesized that higher literacy levels correlate positively with increased and more consistent utilization of dental services. Additionally, the study predicts identification of key barriers—such as transportation difficulties, lack of awareness, and perceived cost—that hinder optimal dental service utilization despite adequate literacy. The regression analysis is anticipated to reveal that oral health literacy independently predicts dental service utilization, emphasizing its role as a critical determinant in promoting oral health equity. This research contributes to existing knowledge by providing context-specific data on how oral health literacy influences preventive and curative dental service behaviors in a coastal community setting, which has been underrepresented in prior studies. The application of the health belief model enhances understanding of individual perceptions and attitudes toward oral health, informing tailored intervention strategies. The findings will offer evidence-based recommendations for oral health promotion programs, aiming to improve literacy and thereby enhance access to dental care. The study concludes that improving oral health literacy is integral to increasing dental service utilization, and that multifaceted approaches—including community education, outreach initiatives, and policy adjustments—are necessary to address identified barriers. It advocates for integrating literacy enhancement into existing oral health programs and suggests further longitudinal research to assess the long-term impact of literacy interventions. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the interactive dynamics between literacy and service utilization, with practical implications for enhancing oral health outcomes in coastal and similar underserved communities.