Promoting Immunization and Oral Health Literacy Among Parents

Abstract

Pediatric periodontal and immunization-preventable disease are leading causes of pediatric morbidity. Evidence-based literature supports that improving parental health literacy can reduce pediatric periodontal and immunization-preventable disease. Numerous educational techniques have been researched to promote health literacy. Technology-based education, specifically quick response (QR) codes and website platforms, have been increasingly examined. This quality improvement (QI) project implemented a QR code-linked website that aimed to promote functional, interactive, and critical health literacy regarding pediatric oral health and immunizations. The target population was parents with children ages zero to five years. The QI initiative was in partnership with nonprofit organization Reach Out and Read and four East Carolina University Doctor of Nursing Practice students. The project was implemented in four pilot clinics in North Carolina between November 2020 and April 2021. Website traffic analytics and parental surveys were utilized to determine the project’s impact on parental health literacy.