Oral health literacy and knowledge about oral manifestations: study with par-ents of children with cancer

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationship between the level of Oral Health Literacy and knowledge about changes in oral health resulting from chemotherapy treatment. Methodology: Exploratory study. The target population consisted of parents of children undergoing cancer treatment and admitted to the Hospital Infantil de Joinville (SC). Sampling was obtained by convenience. Data were collected through the application of a questionnaire structured in three parts. Results: The group consisted of 63 parents and presented the following characteristics: majority female and mother of the child; average age of 36.8 years; majority with a secondary level of education and with salary income of up to three minimum wages. The majority classified themselves at the highest level of Literacy, according to the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry to Brazilian (REALDB-30) instrument. The majority stated that they had already received information on oral health topics. The best levels of the variables education, income, and younger age group were found, more frequently, in the best REALDB-30 index. The frequency of correct answers in the cognitive domain questions was 88.1%. The highest frequency of correct answers is found among participants with the best Oral Health Literacy index. Conclusion: The group participating in the study has a satisfactory level of Oral Health Literacy and a high level of correct answers on questions on the subject of chemotherapy and oral health.

Keywords: Health Education, Dental; Health Literacy; Child, Hospitalized; Oncology.