The Association Between Oral Health Literacy and Oral Health Behaviors Among Thai Older Adults in Health Region 6, Thailand

Pannapa Jittimanee; Pajaree Abdullakasim; Yuvadee Rodjarkpai; Nipa Maharachpong

doi:10.33165/rmj.2026.e272839

Authors

Pannapa Jittimanee Department of Health Education, Faculty of Public Health, Burapha University, Chon Buri, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4924-7150
Pajaree Abdullakasim Department of Health Education, Faculty of Public Health, Burapha University, Chon Buri, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4020-5053
Yuvadee Rodjarkpai Department of Health Education, Faculty of Public Health, Burapha University, Chon Buri, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1191-1742
Nipa Maharachpong Department of Health Education, Faculty of Public Health, Burapha University, Chon Buri, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2838-1805

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33165/rmj.2026.e272839

Keywords:

Oral health behaviors, Oral health literacy, Older adults, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Older individuals are susceptible to oral diseases, which are among the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Proper oral health behaviors (OHB) can prevent or manage most oral diseases.

Objective: To investigate the associations between oral health literacy (OHL) and OHB among older adults in Eastern (Health Region 6) Thailand.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 385 older adults. A multistage sampling technique was used for sample selection. The questionnaires comprised 3 sections, including demographic characteristics, an OHL questionnaire, and an OHB questionnaire. Data was obtained through face-to-face interviews with participants. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze variables that were associated with OHB.

Results: A total of 385 older adults, with a mean (SD) age of 64.78 (3.03) years, participated in the study. Only 32.2% demonstrated good OHB. In the adjusted models, good OHB scores significantly correlated with secondary school education level (OR [95% CI], 3.20 [1.62-6.45]), bachelor’s degree and higher education level (OR [95% CI], 1.73 [1.01-2.98]), ever receiving oral health information (OR [95%CI], 2.53 [1.13-6.19]), alcohol drinking (OR [95% CI], 0.24 [0.07-0.70]) and an adequate level of OHL within 2 of 6 domains: media literacy (OR [95% CI], 1.73 [1.11-2.70]) and self-management skill (OR [95% CI], 2.45 [1.53-3.96]).

Conclusions: This study revealed that older adults in Health Region 6 have a low OHB level. Therefore, it is essential to increase the appropriate promotion of OHB, with behavioral modification programs for improving OHL, particularly in the areas of media literacy and self-management skills.

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