scholarly journals The role of communication and oral health literacy in prevention and promotion of oral health

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-57
Author(s):  
Lidushka Vasileska ◽  
Elena Kosevska ◽  
Tanja Lekovska Stoicovska ◽  
Vjosa Rechica

  Dental care prevention involves prophylactic oral health practices and strategies that are primarily targeted to diseases of the oral tissues with the focus on prevention of certain conditions. Not enough attention has been given to the communication between the dentist and the patient as well as the ability or the inability to understand patient's health information. The aim of this paper is to present the current practices and regulations related to the effective communication between oral healthcare professionals and patient population, and their representation and influence in improving and raising the profile of the oral health on a national level. Materials and method:A systematic literature search was conducted including published scientific articles between 1977 and 2018. Studies discussing the improvement of oral health in the function of general health and well-being in the patient population of all ages were analyzed. The main focus was put on the commitment of the oral health community in the global agenda and the importance of integrating multifactorial approaches to prevention. Particular attention was paid to the representation of the skills for effective communication between health care professionals and patient population, and the medical education (health education), which should result in the individual's health literacy. Results: During the global struggle to improve the oral health, efforts are being made to enhance current practices and share knowledge about preventive care and treatment in oral health science and education in order to ensure the general health and well-being of the patient population of all ages. Unfortunately, the commitment to take action in raising effective communication and oral health literacy is minimal. Conclusion: Improving the communication between the oral health care professionals and the patient population in the direction of an interactive, dynamic and flexible process, as well as raising the level of oral health literacy among the population through targeted and carefully developed medical education should be the first step in any preventive program for raising the level of oral health.

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn E. Landry

There is no denying the global influence of eHealth, in its various forms, on the health care system in the 21st Century. Health care professionals are often familiar with technological tools used to enhance health outcomes by assisting clinicians in meeting the needs of the patient population. In an age of social media, web-based information, and material available literally in an instant, it is crucial for nurses to use and proactively share their knowledge regarding accessing and finding credible sources of online health information with the patient population. By improving health literacy among consumers, self-sufficiency and competence can be developed and promoted to improve health outcomes, placing the patient in a participatory starring role of managing and improving his or her overall well-being.


2021 ◽  
pp. 108482232110084
Author(s):  
Agata Wilk ◽  
Lisa LaSpina ◽  
Linda D. Boyd ◽  
Jared Vineyard

This study aimed to explore the level of perceived oral health literacy (OHL) among caregivers of the homebound population in the Chicago metropolitan area and how caregivers’ OHL impacts their oral care to the homebound population. The relationships between demographic characteristics, perceived OHL levels, personal oral health behaviors, and oral health care to clients were also assessed. This cross-sectional survey research examined 69 caregivers of the homebound population employed by home health agencies. The OHL was determined by the validated Health Literacy in Dentistry Scale (HeLD-14). Independent t-tests, chi-square tests set at p < .05 significance level, and logistic regressions were used for analysis. The mean age of participants was 43. The HeLD-14 scores indicated a high perceived OHL among this group. Caregivers came from diverse groups, and the majority spoke a second language at home. About 93% performed oral self-care the recommended amount of time or more, while only 57% did it for their clients. Those who cleaned clients’ mouth twice a day had a higher OHL score ( M = 23 compared to M = 19). About 43% did not check for sores in the client’s mouth, and those who checked had a higher OHL score ( M = 25 compared to M = 19). Controlling for OHL, age was a good predictor of oral care frequency to clients. These findings provide current evidence and add to the body of knowledge on OHL among homebound individuals. The results provide insights for designing a preventive approach in oral health care to the homebound population.


Author(s):  
Davis AL ◽  
◽  
Zare H ◽  
Kanwar O ◽  
McCleary R ◽  
...  

Objective: The authors conducted an integrative literature review of recent studies that explored the impact of interventions implemented in the U.S. that focused on improving access to dental care for low-income and vulnerable populations. Methods: The authors conducted an integrative literature review of studies published between 2012-2018 that addressed six oral health policy spheres. 1) Community-based dental access programs; (2) Medicaid reimbursement and expansion; (3) Student loan support; (4) Oral health services in non-traditional settings and dental residency programs; (5) Programs to improve oral health literacy; and (6) Use of dental therapists. Results: The authors included 39 articles for qualitative synthesis. Numerous public health initiatives and programs exist in the US aimed at increasing access to quality oral health care. Medicaid expansion, increased Medicaid fee-for-service reimbursement rates, and state loan repayment programs have demonstrated some success in improving access among underserved populations. A diversified dental workforce, with community dental health workers and mid-level providers like dental therapists, as well as interprofessional training of nurses and primary-care physicians in oral health have also shown positive impacts in advancing health equity. Further studies are needed to understand how oral health literacy programs can affect access and utilization of dental services. Conclusions: Improvements to the oral health care safety net will require a holistic and multifaceted approach in order to reduce oral health disparities. Policy levers should work, not in isolation, but rather in complementary fashion to one another.


2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 7512515315p1-7512515315p1
Author(s):  
Susan M. Knier ◽  
Julie L. Watson ◽  
Jennifer O’Connor Duffy

Abstract Date Presented 04/22/21 Health care professionals are vulnerable to stress overload and risks that threaten health and well-being. This study investigated the impact of mindful self-compassion (MSC) training on people working in health care. Overall, self-compassion and subscale scores showed significant improvement. Participants indicated that self-compassion and positive mind states were integrated into their lives. OTs could assimilate MSC as an adjunct approach for their clients and their selves. Primary Author and Speaker: Susan M. Knier


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Calvasina ◽  
Herenia P. Lawrence ◽  
Laurie Hoffman-Goetz ◽  
Cameron D. Norman

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 74-79
Author(s):  
Gayathri Devi Kumaresan ◽  
Saravana Kumar

ABSTRACT Background Oral health is integral part of general health and well-being. Tooth decay and gum disease are most widespread conditions affectingschool children's and documentation of children's dental healthis limited. Aim The aim of the following study is to create awareness on dental health care and knowledge among school children's in Chennai using a questionnaire. Materials and Methods The subjects for this study were randomly selected in the age group of 8-16 years. A total of 200 children were selected, of which 92 were males and 108 were females. Results The results showed that 55.50% of children brush their teeth twice daily, 100% of the participants use tooth brush and paste to clean their teeth, 66.50% of the participants change their tooth brush once in a month, 20.25% of participant change their brush once in 2 month, 9.25% of participant change their brush once in 3 month. 39.50% of participant cleans their tongue regularly by using tooth brush and tongue cleaner. 26.50% of children's wash their mouth after eating sticky foods and chocolate. 10.5% of children visit dentist regularly for dental checkup. 99.5% of participant knew that tobacco cause ill effects on oral and general health.


2003 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bev O'Connell ◽  
Susan Bailey ◽  
Arlene Walker

Research has indicated that carers are concerned about their ageing status, their deteriorating health and their abilityto continue to care for their dependants. Given that the health care system will become increasingly reliant on carersthe health care needs of carers should be a concern for all health care professionals. This paper describes the first stageof a project designed to enhance older carers health promotion knowledge and skills and improve their healthpromoting behaviors. This stage investigated the mental and physical health status of older carers. It also soughtinformation on older carers' levels of participation in health related and social activities and identification of barriersto participation in these types of activities. The results highlighted that carers responding to the survey experiencedcompromised physical and mental health. Many carers reported being unable to participate in social and health-typeactivities as they were unable to leave the care recipient. Of note, is that carers identified their own mental fragilityand felt they needed further emotional support.


2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soorej Jose Puthoopparambil ◽  
Beth Maina Ahlberg ◽  
Magdalena Bjerneld

Purpose – The immigration detention environment largely influences the health and well-being of detainees by either aggravating medical conditions or contributing to new illness. There is limited research on how detainees experience and try to cope with this environment. The purpose of this paper is to describe experiences of detainees in Swedish immigration detention centres. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews were conducted in three detention centres with a total of 21 detainees who had been detained for at least two weeks. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings – The detainees likened immigration detention to imprisonment. They experienced lack of control over their life situation mainly through arbitrary restrictions and lack of proper response from authorities making it appear futile to seek help. This perceived lack of control forced them into passivity. Differences in amenities provided in the centres were observed and some of these were reported to assist in making detention more bearable. Research limitations/implications – This study provides only one stakeholder perspective. The perspectives of other stakeholders, such as detention staff, health care professionals and volunteers must be explored to improve understanding and mitigate the effects of detention. Originality/value – Irrespective of the better standards of detention in Sweden, the detainees considered detention as imprisonment affecting their health and well-being. If states deem detention to be necessary, improved staff-detainee interaction should be ensured through proper staff training, arbitrary restrictions within detention should be avoided and health care services should be improved.


2005 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 27-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsti Dyer

Supporting parents in coping with stress and loss improves the health and development of their child. This article looks at the need for monitoring the health and well-being of parents of infants in the NICU, including practical matters for health care professionals providing follow-up care. It is important to increase public and professional awareness of the grief response. Practical suggestions for coping with the NICU experience, many of them from professionals who are also parents of NICU patients, are offered for grieving parents and family members.


2021 ◽  
pp. 263183182110301
Author(s):  
Aritra Chatterjee ◽  
Tilottama Mukherjee

Conversion therapies are founded on the premises of altering one’s sexual orientation/gender identity to compulsory cis-heterosexuality. They target LGBTQIA+ individuals globally and negatively impact their psychosexual health and well-being. These therapies were not discredited explicitly in the Indian mental health context until 2020. In the current article, two case vignettes are sampled from self-identified transgender individuals who faced conversion efforts in various capacities, their families, and health care professionals being collateral stakeholders in the process. These case vignettes are shaped from first-person narrative accounts elicited from the participants in narrative inquiry format through virtual interactive sessions. The cases are critically discussed in the light of the present clinical-scientific consensus and future implications. The routes to more affirmative mental health ecosystems are explored through probable intersectoral linkages.


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