Influence of Parental Health Literacy on Change over Time in the Oral Health of American Indian Children.

ABSTRACT: In cross-sectional studies, parental health literacy (HL) is associated with children's oral health. It is unclear, however, whether HL influences pediatric outcomes. We examined the relationship of HL with change over time in parental oral health knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors, as well as pediatric oral health outcomes. We used longitudinal data from a study designed to reduce dental decay in American Indian children (N = 579). At baseline and annually for three years, parents answered questions assessing HL; oral health knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors; and pediatric oral health status. The number of decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces (dmfs) was computed based on annual dental evaluations. Linear mixed models showed that HL was significantly associated with all constructs, e

SUBMITTER: Brega AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8197463 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature