Oral health knowledge levels of Hispanics in Iowa

Hispanics disproportionately experience preventable oral health conditions in the United States. This study aimed to determine the oral health knowledge (OHK) of Hispanic adults in Iowa to identify potential gaps in knowledge.

This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of self-identifying Hispanic adults. Data pertaining to oral health literacy and demographic, cultural, and dental characteristics were collected. OHK was assessed with the Conceptual Measure of Oral Health Knowledge, and it was categorized as low or high. Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression models were conducted to identify the variables related to OHK (P < .05). Institutional review board approval was obtained.

Three hundred thirty-eight participants completed the questionnaire, 68% of participants completed the questionnaire in Spanish, and 51% of all participants had low OHK. Participants were less likely to correctly answer questions pertaining to children's oral health, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Low OHK was associated with having less than 12th grade education, lack of dental insurance, and preference for a Spanish-speaking oral health care provider.

OHK appears to be low in this population. Increasing OHK may help decrease oral health disparities and improve oral health outcomes. Furthermore, it is important that oral health care providers have an understanding of barriers that can impede patients' understanding of the health care system. Specifically, minority populations, such as Hispanics, may have a harder time because of certain cultural differences that exist among this ethnic group.