Increasing Health Literacy of Parents of Children Age 0 to 5 Regarding Oral Health and Immunizations

Abstract

Health literacy is “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information needed to make appropriate health decisions” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], n.d., para. 1). Low health literacy impacts patients and healthcare systems alike. Increasing parental health literacy of both vaccines and oral health can improve childhood health outcomes. This project utilized a Quick Response (QR) code placed on the back of age-appropriate Reach Out and Read books that providers distribute at well-child visits. Parents scanned the QR code, which led them to an educational website about oral health and immunizations for children from birth to five years of age. Website views and analytics were tracked along with responses from a voluntary survey found on the website. Data showed 236 unique views of the site with repeat traffic from November 1, 2020 until April 30, 2021. Parental survey responses were positive for learning, intent to change health habits, and intent to share the information they learned with others. Additionally, another organization has already duplicated the project to increase pediatric oral hygiene habits, and a North Carolina regional Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is in the process of adopting this project. With positive outcomes, this project will continue to expand and develop in the future.