. Azam Goodarzi; . Alireza Heidarnia; . Sedigheh Sadat Tavafian; . Mohammad Eslami
Volume 9, Issue 1 , January 2019, , Pages 1-9
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is assessing predictors to oral health behavior in Iranianstudents based on the health belief model.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional ...
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INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is assessing predictors to oral health behavior in Iranianstudents based on the health belief model.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted on 416 (applying thestatistical estimation) of fifth‑grade female students of Tehran in 2016. Random cluster samplingmethod was used to recruit students. The inclusion criteria were being grade five female student(aged 10–12 years), and studying in governmental schools, and having a signed consent from thechild’s parent or legal guardian. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the variables thatpredict oral health behaviors.RESULTS: Overall, 416 female students were entered into the study. Of these, only55.3% of the students reported that they were brushing at least twice a day, 22.4%were using dental floss at least once a day, and 23.1% reported checking their teethevery 6 months. The results obtained from the logistic regression analysis indicated thatperceived self‑efficacy, was the significant predicting factor for brushing at least twice a day(odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.06–1.69, P = 0.012) and use of dentalfloss at least once a day (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.14–2.27, P = 0.007). Furthermore, mother’s jobpredicted use of dental floss at least once a day by (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.07–3.10). Perceivedbenefits were the significant predicting factor for 6 months check (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.14–2.77).CONCLUSION: The current study provides evidence oral health can be promoted by increasingperceived self‑efficacy and enhancing perceived benefits in female students.
