Cross-cultural adaptation of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI) for use on Brazilian adolescents.

The present study aimed to perform the cross-cultural adaptation of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI) for native Brazilian Portuguese-speaking adolescents (DHLI-BrA). Cross-cultural adaptation consisted of the following steps: translation, assessment, and adjustments by the expert committee to ensure cultural equivalence; back-translation, and synthesis of back-translations. Cognitive testing was then performed in a pretest with adolescents using cognitive interviews with probing questions on the item's understanding interpretation and response options. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and McDonald's omega were used to estimate the instrument's reliability. Forty-two Brazilian adolescents participated in the study (mean age: 16.0 ± 2.0 years; range: 13 to 19 years). Items that were difficult to understand were adapted to the context of Brazilian adolescents. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and McDonald's omega for the 21 items of the DHLI-BrA were, respectively, 0.79 and 0.80. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the subscales of the self-report instrument was 0.53-0.79 (range), demonstrating good reliability in the total instrument and moderate reliability in the subscales. This study provides the cross-cultural adapted version of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI), which is an instrument for measuring digital Health literacy, for use in Brazilian adolescents (DHLI-BrA).

Seeking treatment for traumatic dental injuries in schoolchildren: A multilevel analysis.

To investigate individual and contextual factors associated with seeking treatment for traumatic dental injuries. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 739 pairs of guardians and children. Guardians answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, seeking treatment for a tooth injury in the child, and the Oral Health Literacy-Adult Questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and unadjusted and adjusted multilevel Poisson regression analysis (p<0.05). The prevalence of seeking treatment for traumatic dental injury was 44.7%. Sociodemographic variables associated were white skin of the child (PR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.08-1.76), mother's age older than 35 years (PR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.50-1.90), married parents (PR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.70-2.23), guardians with more than eight years of schooling (PR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.76-2.23), with adequate oral health literacy (PR = 3.33; 95% CI: 3.01-3.62) and the daily use of electronic devices by the child (PR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.02-1.50). On the contextual level, attending a private school (PR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.02-3.05) and the number of primary care units with oral health teams in the school district (PR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.12-2.38) remained associated. Among the children who suffered TDI, adequate oral health literacy on the part of the parents stood out among the factors associated with seeking treatment.

Seeking treatment for traumatic dental injuries in schoolchildren: A multilevel analysis

ABSTRACT To investigate individual and contextual factors associated with seeking treatment for traumatic dental injuries. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 739 pairs of guardians and children. Guardians answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, seeking treatment for a tooth injury in the child, and the Oral Health Literacy-Adult Questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and unadjusted and adjusted multilevel Poisson regression analysis (p<0.05). The prevalence of seeking treatment for traumatic dental injury was 44.7%. Sociodemographic variables associated were white skin of the child (PR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.08-1.76), mother's age older than 35 years (PR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.50-1.90), married parents (PR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.70-2.23), guardians with more than eight years of schooling (PR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.76-2.23), with adequate oral health literacy (PR = 3.33; 95% CI: 3.01-3.62) and the daily use of electronic devices by the child (PR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.02-1.50). On the contextual level, attending a private school (PR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.02-3.05) and the number of primary care units with oral health teams in the school district (PR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.12-2.38) remained associated. Among the children who suffered TDI, adequate oral health literacy on the part of the parents stood out among the factors associated with seeking treatment.

Resumo Investigar fatores individuais e contextuais associados à busca de tratamento para lesões dentárias traumáticas. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 739 pares de responsáveis e crianças. Os responsáveis responderam a um questionário abordando características sociodemográficas, busca por tratamento para traumatismo dentário na criança e o Questionário de alfabetização em saúde bucal para adulto. Análise descritiva e análise de regressão de Poisson multinível não ajustada e ajustada (p<0,05) foram realizadas. A prevalência de busca de tratamento para lesão dentária traumática foi de 44,7%. As variáveis sociodemográficas associadas foram a pele branca da criança (RP = 1,30; IC 95%: 1,08-1,76), idade da mãe maior que 35 anos (RP = 1,70; IC 95%: 1,50-1,90), os responsáveis casados (RP = 1,93; IC 95%: 1,70-2,23), com mais de oito anos de estudo (RP = 2,00; IC 95%: 1,76-2,23), com alfabetização adequada em saúde bucal (RP = 2,00; IC 95%: 1,76-2,23) e uso diário de dispositivos eletrônicos pela criança (RP = 1,26; IC 95%: 1,02-1,50). No nível contextual, frequentar uma escola particular (PR = 1,77; IC 95%: 1,02-3,05) e a quantidade de unidades básicas de saúde com equipes de saúde bucal no distrito sanitário da escola (PR = 1,78; IC 95%: 1,12-2,38) permaneceram associados. Entre as crianças que sofreram TDI, a alfabetização em saúde bucal adequada dos pais foi um fator que se destacou na busca por tratamento.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI) for use on Brazilian adolescents

Abstract The present study aimed to perform the cross-cultural adaptation of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI) for native Brazilian Portuguese-speaking adolescents (DHLI-BrA). Cross-cultural adaptation consisted of the following steps: translation, assessment, and adjustments by the expert committee to ensure cultural equivalence; back-translation, and synthesis of back-translations. Cognitive testing was then performed in a pretest with adolescents using cognitive interviews with probing questions on the item's understanding interpretation and response options. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and McDonald's omega were used to estimate the instrument's reliability. Forty-two Brazilian adolescents participated in the study (mean age: 16.0 ± 2.0 years; range: 13 to 19 years). Items that were difficult to understand were adapted to the context of Brazilian adolescents. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and McDonald's omega for the 21 items of the DHLI-BrA were, respectively, 0.79 and 0.80. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the subscales of the self-report instrument was 0.53-0.79 (range), demonstrating good reliability in the total instrument and moderate reliability in the subscales. This study provides the cross-cultural adapted version of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI), which is an instrument for measuring digital Health literacy, for use in Brazilian adolescents (DHLI-BrA).

Resumo O estudo teve o objetivo de adaptar transculturalmente o Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI) para adolescentes nativos do idioma português do Brasil (DHLI-BrA). O estudo de adaptação transcultural consistiu nas seguintes etapas: tradução, avaliação e adequação de equivalência cultural da tradução por comitê de especialistas; retrotradução e síntese das retrotraduções. Foi realizada a testagem cognitiva em pré-teste com adolescentes, utilizando-se entrevistas cognitivas com perguntas de sondagem sobre a compreensão e interpretação dos itens e opções de resposta. O alfa de Cronbach e ômega de McDonald's foram utilizados para estimar a confiabilidade do instrumento. Participaram do pré-teste 42 adolescentes brasileiros com média de idade de 16,0 ± 2,0 (variação de 13-19) anos. Os itens com dificuldade de compreensão foram adaptados ao contexto dos adolescentes brasileiros. O coeficiente alfa de Cronbach e o ômega de McDonald's, para os 21 itens do DHLI-BrA foi respectivamente, 0,79 e 0,80. O coeficiente alfa de Cronbach para as subescalas do instrumento de autorrelato foi de 0,53-0,79 (variação), demonstrando boa confiabilidade no instrumento total e confiabilidade moderada nas subescalas. Este estudo fornece a versão adaptada transculturalmente do Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI), um instrumento de mensuração do letramento digital em saúde, para utilização em adolescentes brasileiros (DHLI-BrA).

Parental oral health literacy influences preschool children's utilization of dental services.

Parental behavior towards their children's oral health is strongly influenced by parent's Oral Health Literacy (OHL) level. This study evaluated the impact of parental OHL on preschool children's utilization of dental services. A cross-sectional study was conducted with parents of 419 children aged 3 to 5 years who answered a self-administered questionnaire about their perception of their children's oral health and whether their children had already been to a dental visit. Parental OHL level was assessed by the validated version of the Oral Health Literacy Adult Questionnaire (OHL-AQ) translated into Brazilian Portuguese. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses with robust variance were used for the data analysis (α = 0.05). Most children had already been to a dental visit (73%). Overall, 31.7% of the parents or guardians reported that their children had experienced dental pain or dental caries. Parental OHL level was classified by tercile as low, medium, and high. The final model showed independent associations between children who had already been to a dental visit and higher parental OHL level (PR = 1.16; 95%CI = 1.00-1.35) when compared to the lowest OHL level, higher parental educational level (PR = 1.39; 95%CI = 1.03-1.87) when compared to lower educational level, the report of children's pain and dental caries (PR = 1.22; 95%CI = 1.09-1.36) and married parents or parents in a common-law marriage (PR = 1.17; 95%CI = 1.03-1.93). The prevalence of children who had already been to a dental visit was higher among those parents with a higher OHL level when compared to those with a lower OHL level.

Is oral health literacy associated with conceptions of care and behavior related to the prevention of COVID-19?

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of oral health literacy (OHL) on conceptions of care and behaviors related to COVID-19. The sample came from two preliminary cross-sectional studies that determined the level of OHL of parents/guardians of six-to-12-year-old children in two major Brazilian cities (Curitiba and Belo Horizonte). Functional OHL was measured using the Brazilian version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (BREALD-30) and the Health Literacy Dental Scale (HeLD-14) for the evaluation of interactive OHL. Participants were recruited through e-mail, social media, and telephone contact. The questionnaire on conceptions of care and behaviors related to COVID-19 was created based on the guidelines of the World Health Organization. Two hundred nineteen individuals participated in the study. There was no significant difference in socioeconomic and demographic variables and in the medians of BREALD and HeLD-14 between the two cities (P>0.05). Higher levels of functional OHL were associated with an appropriate conception that individual care affects collective care (P=0.038), but with an inappropriate conception of seeking medical assistance in cases of mild symptoms (P=0.030). Higher levels of interactive OHL were related to social distancing behavior in the city of Curitiba (P=0.049) and in the overall sample (P=0.040). It is concluded that functional OHL was associated with two of the investigated conceptions about COVID-19, while interactive OHL was associated with social distancing behavior. These data may suggest that different dimensions of the OHL can have an impact on different aspects of coping with the pandemic.

Associations between Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Pain and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life, Happiness, and Polymorphisms in Adolescents' Genes.

Adolescence is marked by changes and vulnerability to the emergence of psychological problems. This study aimed to investigate associations between anxiety/depression/chronic pain and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL)/happiness/polymorphisms in the COMT, HTR2A and FKBP5 genes in Brazilian adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted with ninety adolescents 13 to 18 years. Anxiety, depression and chronic pain were evaluated using the RDC/TMD. The Oral Health Impact Profile was used to assess oral OHRQoL. The Subjective Happiness Scale was used to assess happiness. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in COMT (rs165656, rs174675), HTR2A (rs6313, rs4941573) and FKBP5 (rs1360780, rs3800373) were genotyped using the Taqman® method. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed (p < 0.05). Chronic pain and depression were associated with feelings of happiness (p < 0.05). A significant inverse association was found between anxiety and OHRQoL (p = 0.004). The presence of minor allele C of COMT rs174675 was significantly associated with depression (p = 0.040). Brazilian adolescents with depression and chronic pain considers themselves to be less happy than others and those with anxiety are more likely to have a negative impact on OHRQoL. Moreover, the rs174675 variant allele in the COMT gene was associated with depressive symptoms in Brazilian adolescents.

The influence of different dimensions of oral health literacy on parental attitudes and comprehension of an information leaflet about permanent tooth avulsion.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Permanent tooth avulsion requires proper management at the time of the accident and parental oral health literacy (OHL) may influence decision-making with regards to dental trauma. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of OHL on: (1) self-rated comprehension of an information leaflet (IL), (2) self-rated capacity to execute the tasks proposed on the IL, and (3) attitudes regarding the avulsion of a permanent tooth in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted involving the reading of an IL by 466 parents/caregivers. Evaluations were performed prior to the IL (Phase I), immediately after the application of the IL (Phase II) and 60 days after the application of the IL (Phase III). Self-rated comprehension and capacity to execute the proposed tasks were analyzed in Phase II. Attitude was evaluated in all three phases. Functional OHL was measured using the BREALD-30 and interactive OHL was measured using HeLD-14. RESULTS: Correlations were found between self-rated comprehension and both the OHL/BREALD-30 score (rs = 0.179; p = .012) and OHL/HeLD-14 score (r = 0.258; p < .001). Correlations were also found between the self-rated capacity to execute the proposed tasks and both the OHL/BREALD-30 score (rs = 0.133; p = .047) and the OHL/HeLD-14 score (rs = 0.225; p < .001). Higher BREALD-30 and HeLD-14 scores were associated with a better performance regarding parental attitudes toward permanent tooth avulsion comparing Phases I and II and Phases II and III (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of OHL were associated with better parental self-rated comprehension of the IL and the capacity to execute the tasks proposed therein as well as more adequate attitudes regarding the avulsion of a permanent tooth.

Effects of different toothpaste formulations on erosive tooth wear prevention: systematic review / Efeitos de diferentes dentifrícios na prevenção do desgaste dentário erosivo: revisão sistemática de literatura

Objective: erosive tooth wear is a multifactorial condition that results in loss of dental hard tissue, caused by a chemical and mechanical process. This paper aims to carry out a systematic review presenting the effects of different toothpaste formulations on the loss of dental enamel surface in vitro. Material and Methods: the searches were performed in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS and Scielo. Articles published from 2010 to 2020 were filtered, without language restriction. Articles that included abrasion and erosion protocols were searched, as they were more similar to clinical reality, since toothpaste is applied through tooth brushing. The searches with descriptors and free terms on the topic resulted in 992 articles, however only 12 were within the search criteria. Results: the selected studies appointed that association of conventional fluorides (NaF) with metallic fluorides can be a promising strategy for the reduction of surface loss by erosive tooth wear. Toothpastes containing sodium fluoride, as well as tin without chitosan, showed a reduction in surface loss, considered sufficient for individuals with medium exposure to acids. In children's toothpastes, the one containing sodium fluoride showed a reduction in surface loss when compared to non-fluoride dentifrices. Conclusion: different protocols may result in less or greater loss of enamel surface, and methodological differences should be considered. To clarify the effects of dentifrices on erosive tooth wear, other properties of dentifrices should be investigated. (AU)

Objetivo: o desgaste erosivo é uma condição multifatorial que resulta em perda de tecido duro dentário, causado por um processo químico e mecânico. Este trabalho tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão sistemática de literatura apresentando os efeitos de diferentes formulações de dentifrícios na perda de superfície de esmalte dentário in vitro. Material e Métodos: a busca foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS e Scielo. Foram filtrados artigos publicados no intervalo de 2010 a 2020, sem restrição de idioma. Buscou-se artigos que incluíssem protocolos de abrasão e erosão, por mais se assemelhar a realidade clínica, uma vez que o dentifrício é aplicado através da escovação dentária. A busca com descritores e termos livres sobre o tema encontrou 992 artigos, entretanto somente 12 estavam dentro dos critérios da pesquisa. Resultados: os estudos selecionados apontaram que associação dos fluoretos convencionais (NaF) com os metálicos pode ser uma estratégia promissora para a redução de perda de superfície pelo desgaste dentário erosivo. Dentifrícios contendo fluoreto de sódio, assim como estanho sem quitosana, apresentaram redução na perda de superfície, sendo considerada suficiente para indivíduos com exposição média aos ácidos. Em dentifrícios infantis, aquele que continha fluoreto de sódio apresentou uma redução de perda de superfície quando comparado com dentifrícios sem fluoreto. Conclusão:diferentes protocolos podem resultar em menor ou maior perda de superfície de esmalte e as diferenças (AU)

Is oral health literacy associated with conceptions of care and behavior related to the prevention of COVID-19?

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of oral health literacy (OHL) on conceptions of care and behaviors related to COVID-19. The sample came from two preliminary cross-sectional studies that determined the level of OHL of parents/guardians of six-to-12-year-old children in two major Brazilian cities (Curitiba and Belo Horizonte). Functional OHL was measured using the Brazilian version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (BREALD-30) and the Health Literacy Dental Scale (HeLD-14) for the evaluation of interactive OHL. Participants were recruited through e-mail, social media, and telephone contact. The questionnaire on conceptions of care and behaviors related to COVID-19 was created based on the guidelines of the World Health Organization. Two hundred nineteen individuals participated in the study. There was no significant difference in socioeconomic and demographic variables and in the medians of BREALD and HeLD-14 between the two cities (P>0.05). Higher levels of functional OHL were associated with an appropriate conception that individual care affects collective care (P=0.038), but with an inappropriate conception of seeking medical assistance in cases of mild symptoms (P=0.030). Higher levels of interactive OHL were related to social distancing behavior in the city of Curitiba (P=0.049) and in the overall sample (P=0.040). It is concluded that functional OHL was associated with two of the investigated conceptions about COVID-19, while interactive OHL was associated with social distancing behavior. These data may suggest that different dimensions of the OHL can have an impact on different aspects of coping with the pandemic.

Parental oral health literacy influences preschool children's utilization of dental services

Abstract: Parental behavior towards their children's oral health is strongly influenced by parent's Oral Health Literacy (OHL) level. This study evaluated the impact of parental OHL on preschool children's utilization of dental services. A cross-sectional study was conducted with parents of 419 children aged 3 to 5 years who answered a self-administered questionnaire about their perception of their children's oral health and whether their children had already been to a dental visit. Parental OHL level was assessed by the validated version of the Oral Health Literacy Adult Questionnaire (OHL-AQ) translated into Brazilian Portuguese. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses with robust variance were used for the data analysis (α = 0.05). Most children had already been to a dental visit (73%). Overall, 31.7% of the parents or guardians reported that their children had experienced dental pain or dental caries. Parental OHL level was classified by tercile as low, medium, and high. The final model showed independent associations between children who had already been to a dental visit and higher parental OHL level (PR = 1.16; 95%CI = 1.00-1.35) when compared to the lowest OHL level, higher parental educational level (PR = 1.39; 95%CI = 1.03-1.87) when compared to lower educational level, the report of children's pain and dental caries (PR = 1.22; 95%CI = 1.09-1.36) and married parents or parents in a common-law marriage (PR = 1.17; 95%CI = 1.03-1.93). The prevalence of children who had already been to a dental visit was higher among those parents with a higher OHL level when compared to those with a lower OHL level.

Association between Level of Parental Oral Health Literacy and the Rational Use of Fluoride for Children from 0 to 4 Years of Age after Instruction: An Intervention Trial.

An inadequate level of oral health literacy (OHL) can hinder the understanding of dental information, which can have a negative impact on health promotion actions, such as the rational use of fluoride. The aims of the present study were (1) to look for association between parents/guardians' OHL and the amount of fluoride toothpaste used for children from zero to four years of age; (2) to compare the effect of different modes of educational interventions on the amount of fluoride toothpaste used for children from zero to four years of age; and (3) to assess the ability of parents/guardians to choose a toothpaste with adequate fluoride concentration, after the educational intervention. A randomized intervention study was conducted with parents/guardians of children from zero to four years of age (n = 145). The participants answered the Oral Health Literacy Adults Questionnaire and a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics. The participants were allocated to four intervention groups based on type of counseling (written, oral, written + photograph, and oral + photograph), with randomization stratified by level of OHL. The participants were instructed to place the adequate amount of toothpaste on a toothbrush for children from zero to four years of age (smear of 0.125 mg) before and after the intervention. The correct choice of toothpaste was also evaluated by the interpretation of the labels of four toothpastes of different brands and with different concentrations of fluoride. Associations between variables were tested using the Student's t test and one-way ANOVA. Level of OHL was associated with the amount of fluoride toothpaste deposited prior to the educational intervention (p = 0.021) and the percentage of approximation to the appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste (p < 0.05). The choice of toothpaste was associated with schooling (p = 0.031). In conclusion, parents/guardians with adequate OHL better quantified fluoride toothpaste before and after the educational intervention and also came closer to the appropriate amount of toothpaste after the educational intervention. No significant differences in the final amount of toothpaste placed on the toothbrush were found among the intervention groups. The choice of the correct toothpaste was associated with a higher level of schooling.

Different dimensions of oral health literacy are associated with social determinants of health in Brazilian adults.

Social determinants of health (SDH) are strongly associated with oral health outcomes, and oral health literacy (OHL) is a potential factor that can modify this association. This study evaluated the association between SDH and OHL, including functional and interactive dimensions of OHL. The cross sectional study was conducted with 354 adults recruited from public dental clinics in southern Brazil. Functional OHL was measured using the Brazilian version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (BREALD-30) and the Health Literacy Dental Scale (HeLD-14), for the evaluation of interactional OHL. SDH was evaluated through a structured questionnaire, and economic class was determined based on the Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria. The statistical analysis involved bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance (α=0.05) to estimate rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among the 354 participants, 284 (80.2%) were women and the mean age was 22.9 ± 4.9 years. The median BREALD-30 score was 24 (1st/3rd quintile: 20/27) and the median HeLD-14 score was 45 (1st/3rd quintile: 37/50). Most participants had up to eight years of schooling (71.5%) and belonged to the "C" Economic Class or lower (94.1%). The multiple regression analysis showed that schooling and economic class were associated with the BREALD-30 and HeLD-14 scores, income and age were associated with the HeLD-14 score, and marital status and occupation were associated with the BREALD-30 score. Different dimensions of OHL were associated with SDH in Brazilian adults. This aspect should be incorporated into strategies for improving OHL levels in individuals or populations.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep quality and sleep bruxism in children eight to ten years of age.

This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep quality and possible sleep bruxism (SB) in children eight to ten years of age. The study hypothesis was that sleep disturbances influenced a higher occurrence of bruxism during the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal study was conducted at two time points: in person prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (T1), and online during the pandemic (T2). The sample comprised 105 children. Parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, the use of electronic devices, reported (vs. clinical) SB, and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) at both T1 and T2. McNemar's and Wilcoxon's tests were used to compare SB and sleep disorders at both time points. Poisson regression analysis determined the relative risk (RR) among the variables, and the incidence of possible SB (p≤0.05). The comparison of the two time points (T1 and T2) revealed a significant increase in possible SB (p<0.01) and sleep disorders (p < 0.04). Children whose parents had a lower schooling level (RR: 2.67; 95%CI: 1.19-6.01), those with their own electronic devices (RR: 1.97; 95%CI: 1.09-2.50), and those with sleep disorders during the pandemic (RR: 1.74; 95%CI: 1.35-2.24) were at greater risk of developing SB during the pandemic. Moreover, the incidence of bruxism and sleep disorders was greater during the pandemic. The factors influencing SB incidence during the pandemic were a lower level of mothers' schooling, greater access to electronic devices, and the occurrence of sleep disorders.

Factors associated with awake bruxism according to perceptions of parents/guardians and self-reports of children.

BACKGROUND: Bruxism is a repetitive activity of the masticatory muscles that has been associated with orofacial disorders and psychosocial factors AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate associations between possible awake bruxism (PAB) and family functioning, bullying, and dental caries in children 8-10 years of age. DESIGN: A school-based study was conducted with 739 pairs of parents/guardians and children. The parents/guardians answered the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales for the establishment of family functioning. Information on bullying due to dental conditions was collected from the children. Dental caries in the children was evaluated using International Caries Detection and Assessment System criteria. A directed acyclic graph was used to define the theoretical model and select control factors. Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by multivariate logistic regression for complex samples. RESULTS: Considering the parental reports, fewer years of mother's schooling, a low family income, very flexible family adaptability, and cavitated dental caries were associated with PAB. The female sex, bullying, and orofacial dysfunction were associated with self-reported PAB. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the factors associated with PAB differ according to the reports of parents/guardians or self-reports of children. Healthcare providers should consider both reports for a more effective intervention addressing PAB.

Different dimensions of oral health literacy are associated with social determinants of health in Brazilian adults

Abstract Social determinants of health (SDH) are strongly associated with oral health outcomes, and oral health literacy (OHL) is a potential factor that can modify this association. This study evaluated the association between SDH and OHL, including functional and interactive dimensions of OHL. The cross sectional study was conducted with 354 adults recruited from public dental clinics in southern Brazil. Functional OHL was measured using the Brazilian version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (BREALD-30) and the Health Literacy Dental Scale (HeLD-14), for the evaluation of interactional OHL. SDH was evaluated through a structured questionnaire, and economic class was determined based on the Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria. The statistical analysis involved bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance (α=0.05) to estimate rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Among the 354 participants, 284 (80.2%) were women and the mean age was 22.9 ± 4.9 years. The median BREALD-30 score was 24 (1st/3rd quintile: 20/27) and the median HeLD-14 score was 45 (1st/3rd quintile: 37/50). Most participants had up to eight years of schooling (71.5%) and belonged to the "C" Economic Class or lower (94.1%). The multiple regression analysis showed that schooling and economic class were associated with the BREALD-30 and HeLD-14 scores, income and age were associated with the HeLD-14 score, and marital status and occupation were associated with the BREALD-30 score. Different dimensions of OHL were associated with SDH in Brazilian adults. This aspect should be incorporated into strategies for improving OHL levels in individuals or populations.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep quality and sleep bruxism in children eight to ten years of age

Abstract: This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep quality and possible sleep bruxism (SB) in children eight to ten years of age. The study hypothesis was that sleep disturbances influenced a higher occurrence of bruxism during the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal study was conducted at two time points: in person prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (T1), and online during the pandemic (T2). The sample comprised 105 children. Parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, the use of electronic devices, reported (vs. clinical) SB, and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) at both T1 and T2. McNemar's and Wilcoxon's tests were used to compare SB and sleep disorders at both time points. Poisson regression analysis determined the relative risk (RR) among the variables, and the incidence of possible SB (p≤0.05). The comparison of the two time points (T1 and T2) revealed a significant increase in possible SB (p<0.01) and sleep disorders (p < 0.04). Children whose parents had a lower schooling level (RR: 2.67; 95%CI: 1.19-6.01), those with their own electronic devices (RR: 1.97; 95%CI: 1.09-2.50), and those with sleep disorders during the pandemic (RR: 1.74; 95%CI: 1.35-2.24) were at greater risk of developing SB during the pandemic. Moreover, the incidence of bruxism and sleep disorders was greater during the pandemic. The factors influencing SB incidence during the pandemic were a lower level of mothers' schooling, greater access to electronic devices, and the occurrence of sleep disorders.

Oral health literacy as a priority to reduce disparities in oral health among adolescents

O alfabetismo em saúde bucal é um determinante social e estrutural de saúde reconhecido por seu papel relevante na saúde bucal e na utilização de serviços odontológicos. Estudos tem abordado esse tema na adolescência porque é uma fase crítica do desenvolvimento humano e requer atenção para mudanças físicas, cognitivas e sociais. Essa abordagem é importante para fortalecer políticas públicas que visem reduzir as disparidades de saúde bucal nessa população por meio de ações promovidas por profissionais da saúde, gestores e pela população em geral. O presente comentário pretende abordar as contribuições do alfabetismo em saúde bucal para a saúde bucal em adolescentes, bem como discutir novas perspectivas de estudos sobre essa temática.

Oral health literacy is a social and structural determinant of health recognized for its important role in oral health and the use of dental services. Research has focused on adolescence because this life period requires attention to physical, cognitive and social changes. This is an important time to focus on youth and we can do this through actions promoted by health providers, managers and the general public. This commentary aims to address how oral health literacy contributes to oral health in adolescents, as well as to discuss new perspectives for studies on this topic.

Association of Oral Health Literacy and School Factors with Untreated Dental Caries among 12-Year-Olds: A Multilevel Approach.

Dental caries are a global health problem that affects all age groups and must be considered a public health priority due to its significant financial costs and impact on the quality of life. This study evaluated the association between oral health literacy (OHL), school factors, and untreated dental caries in 12-year-old Brazilian adolescents using a multilevel approach. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with 740 adolescents randomly selected from private and public schools in Campina Grande, Brazil. Two dentists were trained and calibrated to diagnose dental caries using the Nyvad index and OHL using the Brazilian Rapid Estimate of Literacy in Dentistry (BREALD-30). The caregivers of the adolescents reported demographic data (sex, skin color, and socioeconomic status). Data of school factors such as the type of school and the school grade retention rate were classified through a 2-step hierarchical cluster analysis to obtain the school environment. A robust multilevel log-linear negative binomial regression for complex samples was performed (p < 0.05). In the analysis, adjusted by individual determinants, nonwhite skin color (RR = 2.20; 95% CI 1.56-3.12), a low socioeconomic status (RR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.09-2.34), a low OHL score (RR = 0.94; 95% CI 0.91-0.98), and low satisfaction with the last dental appointment (RR = 2.25; 95% CI 1.67-3.04) were associated with untreated dental caries. The following factors remained associated with untreated dental caries in the final model: students from an unfavorable learning environment (RR = 2.20; 95% CI 1.27-3.80), nonwhite skin color (RR = 1.92; 95% CI 1.27-2.91), a low socioeconomic status (RR = 1.82; 95% CI 1.12-2.94), a low OHL score (RR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.91-0.98), and low satisfaction with the last dental appointment (RR = 2.07; 95% CI 1.47-2.91). Untreated dental caries in early adolescence were impacted by the school environment, the socioeconomic status, OHL, and the adolescent's satisfaction with the last dental appointment.

Associação entre o alfabetismo funcional e o reconhecimento da palavra bruxismo em adolescentes / Association between functional literacy and the recognition of the word bruxism in adolescents

Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre alfabetismo funcional e o reconhecimento da palavra "bruxismo" entre adolescentes. Métodos: Foi um estudo transversal realizado em uma cidade de porte médio no Brasil. A amostra consistiu em 375 escolares de 12 anos e 368 de 15 a 19 anos selecionados aleatoriamente. Dois examinadores calibrados (Kappa > 0,80) aplicaram o instrumento de alfabetismo em saúde bucal validado para adolescentes o Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry ­ BREALD-30 e o reconhecimento da palavra "bruxismo" foi utilizado como variável dependente, além de um questionário sobre o alfabetismo funcional (Índice de Alfabetismo Funcional ­INAF). Os pais/cuidadores responderam um questionário sociodemográfico. Foi realizada análise não-ajustada e regressão logística para amostras complexas(p < 0,05). Resultados: No modelo final, os adolescentes de 12 anos que tiveram mais chances de não reconhecer a palavra "bruxismo" foram os de escola pública (OR = 2,83; 95% IC: 1,79-4,46; p = 0,001), sem plano de saúde (OR = 2,02; 95% IC: 1,21-3,37; p = 0,007) e com menor nível de alfabetismo funcional (OR = 2,66; 95% IC: 1,66-4,26; p < 0,001). Adolescentes de 15 a 19 anos que tiveram maior chance de não reconhecer a palavra "bruxismo" foram os com menor nível de alfabetismo funcional (OR = 3,29; 95% IC: 1,93-5,60; p < 0,001), que residiam com mais pessoas em casa (OR = 2,04; 95% IC: 1,02-4,11; p = 0,040), que tinham pais/responsáveis com baixo nível de escolaridade (OR = 1,97; 95% IC: 1,15-3,36; p = 0,013) e que nunca foram ao dentista (OR = 3,08;95% IC: 1,26-7,52; p = 0,03). Conclusão:O reconhecimento do termo "bruxismo" entre os adolescentes de 12 anos foi influenciado pela presença deplano de saúde e por um maior nível de alfabetismo funcional. Na faixa etária maior, o maior nível de alfabetismo funcional, o menor número de pessoas em casa, a maior escolaridade do responsável e a ida ao dentista influenciaram no reconhecimento do termo.

Aim: To evaluate the association between functional literacy and the recognition of the word "bruxism" among adolescentes.Method: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in a mid-sized city in Brazil. The sample consisted of 375 schoolchildren, age 12, and 368, aged 15 to 19 years, selected at random. Two calibrated examiners (Kappa > 0.80) applied the oral health literacy instrument, validated for adolescents, the "Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry" (BREALD-30) and the recognition of the word "bruxism" was used as a dependent variable, in addition to a questionnaire on functional literacy (Functional Literacy Index ­ INAF). Parents/caregivers answered a sociodemographic questionnaire. Unadjusted analysis and logistic regression were performed for complex samples (p < 0.05). Results: In the final model, the 12-year-old adolescents who were most likely not to recognize the word "bruxism" were those from public schools (OR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.79-4.46; p = 0.001), without health insurance (OR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.21-3.37; p = 0.007), and with a lower level of functional literacy (OR = 2.66; 95% CI: 1, 66-4.26; p < 0.001). Adolescents, aged 15 to 19, who had a greater chance of not recognizing the word "bruxism" were those with the lowest level of functional literacy (OR = 3.29; 95% CI: 1.93-5.60; p < 0.001), who lived with more people at home (OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.02-4.11; p = 0.040), who had parents/guardians with a low level of education (OR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.15-3.36; p = 0.013). and who had never been to the dentist (OR = 3.08; 95% CI: 1.26-7.52; p = 0.03). Conclusion: The recognition of the term "bruxism" among 12-year-olds was influenced by the presence of a health plan and a higher level of functional literacy. In the older age group, the higher level of functional literacy, the smaller number of people at home, the higher level of education of the person in charge, and the individual's visit to the dentist influenced the recognition of the term.