Structural equation modeling of the association between oral health literacy and dental caries in children

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the association between oral health literacy (OHL) and dental caries in children, evaluating the direct and indirect effects of brushing frequency, obesity, and socioeconomic factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 739 schoolchildren aged eight to ten years and their parents/caregivers who answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics and oral hygiene habits as well as the OHL – Adult Questionnaire. Cavitated dental caries in the schoolchildren was evaluated using International Caries Detection and Assessment System criteria. Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by structural equation modeling into the theoretical model (95% CI). Goodness-of-fit indices were considered satisfactory (root mean square error of approximation < 0.06; comparative fit index > 0.90–0.95; standardized root mean square residual < 0.10 and Tucker-Lewis Index > 0.90–0.95). Mother’s age (standardized coefficient [SC]: -0.08; p < 0.01), caregiver’s schooling (SC: -0.22; p < 0.01), obesity (SC: 0.13; p < 0.01), and brushing frequency (SC: -0.09; p < 0.01) had a direct effect on dental caries, whereas OHL had an indirect influence on the outcome. Mother’s age, caregiver’s schooling, brushing frequency, and obesity directly affected the occurrence of cavitated carious lesions in children in the mixed dentition phase, whereas OHL had an indirect effect on this clinical outcome.