Oral Health Knowledge, Oral Health-Seeking Behavior, and Associated Factors Among the Rural Population of Ernakulam...

Oral diseases affect over 3.5 billion people globally, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries such as India. Oral health knowledge (OHK) strongly influences oral health-seeking behavior (OHSB), yet data from rural Kerala are scarce. This study aims to assess OHK and OHSB, examine their association, and identify their determinants among rural adults in Ernakulam district.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 adults aged 18-60 years in Njarakkal Panchayat, Kerala, using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected through a pretested, validated interview schedule assessing OHK (37 items) and OHSB (7 items). Chi-square tests and multivariable log-binomial regression were used to identify predictors of adequate OHK and positive OHSB.

Adequate OHK and OHSB were found in 48.12% (95% confidence interval (CI): 38.58-57.80) and 41.25% (95% CI: 32.15-51.10) of participants, respectively. Younger age (<45 years) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (CI) (1.46 (1.15-2.12)), higher education (AOR (CI) (5.31 (3.97-6.66)), employment (AOR (CI) (1.69 (0.97-2.40)), and above-poverty-line status (AOR (CI) (3.30 (2.41-4.19)) were significantly associated with adequate OHK. Adequate OHK (AOR (CI) (3.35 (2.46-4.25)), younger age (AOR (CI) (1.27 (1.04-1.54)), higher education (AOR (CI) (4.84 (3.34-6.33)), and higher socioeconomic status(AOR (CI) (2.34 (1.54-3.13)) independently predicted positive OHSB. Tooth pain was the most common reason for dental visits (61.3%), while 72.9% avoided care, perceiving mild issues as self-manageable. Nearly half preferred private clinics due to poor accessibility of government services.

OHK emerged as a key predictor of OHSB in rural Kerala. Strengthening public dental services, integrating oral health education into primary care, and developing community-based programs can improve preventive practices, reduce delays in care-seeking, and narrow rural-urban disparities.