Oral Health Literacy Factors Influencing on Oral Health Behavior among Undergraduate Students in Rajabhat University Network

Abstract

This research was a cross-sectional analytical study aimed to study the influence of oral health literacy and oral health behaviors of undergraduate students within the network of Rajabhat University network. The sample consisted of 355 students. using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected using the questionnaire on oral health knowledge and oral health behaviors, the reliability coefficient=0.8. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression test.

The results show that the majority of them were females, 66.5 them were Buddhists,86.5% and income range of 5,000 to 10,000 Baht, 48.2%. the majority of them Universal Coverage Scheme,47.9%. Over the past 12 months, had received routine oral health check-ups or dental appointments (43.1%). has oral health Literacy at median level, 64.5%, Oral health behavior at median level, 70.4%. The results show that knowledge and understanding of oral health and access to oral health information and services has a positive influence on oral health behavior was statistically significant at the p-value 0.05 level (p-value<0.001).
The could predict Oral health behavior 34.8% (R²=0.348,
p-value<0.001).

As the results, it can be seen that Oral health Literacy is Influences with the Oral health behaviors level. In the cognitive component of oral health. Access to oral health information and services and self-management to enhance oral health Able to use knowledge issues that influence oral health behaviors to design dental health education materials and organize activities to promote oral health and oral health behaviors that are appropriate for student groups.