The role of oral health literacy in shaping health behaviors among migrants in Norway. An integrative review

Abstract The escalating disparities in oral health represent a pressing global health concern, particularly in the migrant population. Poor oral health and limited oral health literacy (OHL) can lead to enduring health complications such as tooth decay and obesity, significantly diminishing quality of life. Despite its crucial role in overall well-being, oral health is often disregarded during acculturation. Furthermore, individuals with a migration background may face increased risk factors for poor oral health. Identifying the barriers to optimizing the overall health of migrant populations is necessary to address this neglect. Intervention programs have emerged as a beacon of hope for reducing oral health inequalities, enhancing knowledge, and fostering preventive practices. Additionally, there are currently no validated tools available for assessing oral health literacy (OHL) in migrant populations in Norway. A thorough review of the literature is needed to address this gap. An in-depth analysis of the literature and available tools for OHL assessments in clinical settings and primary care is presented in this integrative review, emphasizing their advantages and limitations. Implementing the PRISMA model, this integrative review was based on a systematic search of five electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) during the winter and summer of 2024. Of the 408 articles identified, twenty-five studies, including six dental studies, addressed self-reported health, attitudes, inequalities, and system navigation influencing oral health literacy and health behavioral aspects among migrants in Norway. Methodological quality, content analysis, and inclusion criteria focused on oral health outcomes, societal factors, cultural differences, and beliefs were assessed thematically for the selected studies. Results from studies indicated positive associations between OHL and risk factors, barriers, health perceptions, and healthcare experiences within the limited studies related to OHL, particularly health inequalities and health behavior themes. Further research is needed to identify the impact of interventions, oral health literacy, and behavioral changes on migrant health during acculturation. Longer-term studies and tools for improving oral health literacy should be recommended to ensure validity and a more comprehensive understanding of the applicability and effectiveness within the Norwegian population. Improving migrants’ health outcomes requires highlighting the importance of health behavior during the acculturation process.