Oral Health Literacy in older adults with Chronic Diseases
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Oral Health Literacy in older adults with Chronic Diseases
IRAS ID
276719
Contact name
E Gupta
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
5393 , Research Registry
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
Background: Low literacy is associated with poor health outcomes. Improving health literacy (HL) can increase people’s ability to effectively manage long-term health conditions by building resilience, encouraging positive lifestyle changes and empowering people. However, the current evidence on oral health literacy (OHL) in older adults specifically relating to long-term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes is scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the levels of OHL and knowledge of the link between oral health and long-term medical conditions and its impact on older people’s daily lives.
Methods: A primary care based questionnaire study in adults over 65 years registered with general practice in Grampian. We will recruit 30 GP practices in Grampian. The GPs will recruit a total of 300 older people who were diagnosed with heart disease, respiratory disease or diabetes at least one year ago. We will measure oral health literacy, knowledge of links between oral health and long-term medical conditions, daily oral health practices and impact of the mouth on patient’s daily lives.
Conclusion: Identifying the levels of oral health literacy in older adults with long-term medical conditions will help in finding new ways to improve oral health in this group. Consequently, strategies to improve OHL can reduce the burden on health and social care services with potential to reduce health inequalities.
REC name
South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SC/0127
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion