Oral health litreracy in rural communities: Are we there yet?

This study examined health literacy levels among older adults (n=238) who lived in the rural Midwest in aspects of behavioral and oral health. METHODS: A survey tool, using the Knowledge, Attitude and Behavioral (KAB) approach was utilized to identify one's oral health literacy. Subjects (n=238) were chosen through a random selection of Senior Nutrition Sites (N=4) within a thirty one county area within a Midwest state. Respondents were asked questions related to myths/realities about oral health literacy, comfort levels related to access and topics for future trainings. FINDINGS: Providers were very responsive as the topics discussed were seldom discussed in training sessions, yet very important and useful in working with older adults with chronic health care needs. Survey results indicated that all participants (providers and consumers) gained information from sessions, especially related to the importance of oral health screenings. These results suggest the need for continued education on oral health topics to improve literacy levels. Subjects also revealed that a limited emphasis was placed on oral health if Medicare or Medicaid health coverage was non-existent. Implications for Health Literacy and Older Adults: Implications suggest that health promotion campaigns need to consider one's overall health literacy rather than merely the programs which can be reimbursed under the current health mechanisms. Policy and advocacy interventions can include the expansion of current coverage to prevention and health promotion efforts among older adults with a specific attention paid to oral health issues, especially for older adults in rural communities.