Cross Sectional Study Influences of Socio-Economic Status and Oral Health Literacy among Teaching Community of Ongkharak Thailand

Abstract

For individuals to prevent and manage disease Basic health knowledge is essential. Non-health professionals, such as teachers, may influence children's oral health decisions. In addition to Oral Health Literacy (OHL), teachers can spread more oral health knowledge than dental health professionals to try to shift the focus to preventive dentistry. If similar morality is promoted among students the perception of oral health is starting to change. Oral health is part of general health. Therefore, it has a direct effect on the overall well-being of a person. Knowledge of the oral health conditions and treatment needs of a diverse population is essential to develop appropriate preventive approaches. The purpose of this study was to study the relationship between oral hygiene and socio-economic status in the Ongkharak teacher community and conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study. The subjects were selected by simple random sampling method Simplified Oral Hygiene Index with Kuppuswamy’s socioeconomic status scale. As socioeconomic status decreased, mean OHI-S increased. Comparing mean OHI-S between different SES groups, ANOVA revealed significant OHI-S differences across groups. Mean OHI-S scores revealed significant associations with socioeconomic status. It has been reported that as socioeconomic status declines, the oral hygiene status of the teaching community worsens. Given the inadequate levels of OHL, promotion of teachers' oral health should be undertaken by including regular dental workshops by the government and dental professionals in educational institutions.