ASSESSMENT OF ORAL HEALTH LITERACY, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOUR AMONG PATIENTS WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Background: Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory conditions globally and a major cause of tooth loss. Its impact extends beyond oral health, contributing to systemic complications and reduced quality of life. In resource-limited settings, low oral health literacy, misconceptions about disease symptoms, and poor hygiene practices often exacerbate the burden of periodontal disease. Understanding the relationship between literacy, knowledge, behavior, and clinical outcomes is crucial for designing effective interventions. Objective: To evaluate oral health literacy, knowledge, behavior, and clinical periodontal status among patients in Peshawar, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months in selected periodontology wards, including Sardar Begum Dental College. A total of 272 adults aged 16–85 years with at least 20 natural teeth were recruited through non-probability sampling. Data were collected using a structured, researcher-administered questionnaire covering demographics, oral health literacy, knowledge, and behavior. Clinical periodontal assessment was performed by calibrated dental examiners using the 2018 American Academy of Periodontology guidelines. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25, applying descriptive statistics to summarize variables. Results: Of the participants, 54.4% were male and 45.6% female, with a mean age of 34.9 ± 14.85 years. Primary education was the highest qualification for 51.5% of respondents. Oral health literacy was limited: only 31.6% always understood dentists’ instructions, while 25.0% had never visited a dentist. Knowledge showed variation, with 86.4% recognizing plaque as a cause of gum disease but 45.6% believing bleeding gums were normal. Oral hygiene behaviors were poor; 47.8% brushed once daily, 30.1% twice daily, and 22.1% less than weekly. Flossing was neglected by 80.1%, while 23.5% smoked. Clinically, 87.9% exhibited periodontitis, including mild (36.0%), moderate (27.2%), and severe (24.6%) cases. Conclusion: Limited oral health literacy, misconceptions about early symptoms, and poor hygiene practices were strongly associated with the high prevalence of periodontitis in this population. Targeted educational and behavioral interventions are urgently required to improve literacy, promote preventive practices, and reduce disease burden.