Oral Health Literacy And Digital Health Information-Seeking Behavior Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The rapid expansion of internet access and digital technologies has transformed the way adolescents obtain health-related information. Online platforms, including search engines, social media, video-sharing websites, and health portals, have become primary sources of oral health information. However, the abundance of online information, varying quality of digital content, and limited ability to critically evaluate health information may influence adolescents' oral health literacy and subsequent health-related decisions.

Aim: To assess oral health literacy and digital health information-seeking behavior among adolescents and to determine the association between oral health literacy and digital information-seeking practices.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 520 adolescents aged 13–19 years enrolled in government and private secondary schools. Participants were selected using a multistage random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire consisting of five sections: socio-demographic characteristics, internet usage, oral health literacy, digital health information-seeking behavior, and oral health practices. Oral health literacy was assessed using a modified Health Literacy in Dentistry (HeLD) questionnaire, while digital health information-seeking behavior was evaluated using a validated instrument adapted from the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS).

Results: Among the 520 participants, 54.2% were females and 45.8% were males, with a mean age of 15.8 ± 1.7 years. Google (92.3%), YouTube (74.6%), and Instagram (61.2%) were the most frequently used sources for oral health information. The mean oral health literacy score was 36.84 ± 6.12, while the mean digital information-seeking behavior score was 31.42 ± 5.48. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between oral health literacy and digital health information-seeking behavior (r = 0.512, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Adolescents demonstrated moderate-to-high oral health literacy and actively utilized digital platforms to obtain oral health information. Higher oral health literacy was significantly associated with healthier digital information-seeking behavior.