Complex interrelations between self-reported oral health attitudes and behaviors, the oral health status, and oral health-related quality of life

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop and test a moderated mediation model that was able to describe the relationships between oral health-related attitudes and behaviors, oral health status (OHS), and oral health-related quality of life. The hypothesized relations corresponded to research questions such as “is a person’s oral health predicted by the actions that person takes in order to prevent oral health conditions?” and “do individuals with better oral health also have higher levels of oral health-related quality of life?”.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional correlational study with selected predictor variables was conducted in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, among 191 participants, enrolled in the fourth and sixth years of study at the Dentistry School of the Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Cluj-Napoca. Participants completed the Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory (HUDBI) questionnaire targeting specific behavior and attitude with respect to their dental self-care, Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) short questionnaire for measuring oral health-related quality of life, and the current OHS was assessed objectively using Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth/Surfaces (DMFT) index. Statistical analyses were done using structural equation modeling software.ResultsOur research showed relevant associations between HUDBI, DMFT, and OHIP. The relationship between HUDBI and OHIP was mediated by DMFT. Furthermore, HUDBI worked as a moderator between DMFT and OHIP. Thus, our study revealed a case for moderated mediation, which is usually ignored in similar research.ConclusionThe “straightforward” causality between oral health-related behavior and the actual OHS must be considered with caution, as well as their impact on the oral health-related quality of life. Further research is needed to investigate the interaction between variables, the strength of the interrelations and the magnitude of their interactions, and the confidence that can be placed in these measurements, with respect to the general population and/or those lacking domain-specific education.

Attitudes Towards and Habits in Oral Health of Adolescents in Herzegovina

“…The HU-DBI was originally designed in Japanese, and was later translated into English and many other languages. The reliability of the scale was confirmed by previous studies [18][19][20] . In our research, we used the Croatian version of HU-DBI, which has already been used in previous studies 21 .…”

Relationship between periodontal diseases and newly-diagnosed metabolic syndrome components in a sub-Saharan population: a cross sectional study

“…Oral health status is usually ignored when global health status of an individual is taken under consideration [ 5 ]. Interest in the effect of oral health on the prevention of systemic disease has gained importance in recent years with researchers recognizing the bi-directional relationship between both of them [ 6 ].…”

Associations between self-rated oral health, subjective oral conditions, oral health behaviours and oral health-related quality of life among college students: A study using structural equation modelling

“…The results indicated that oral health behaviours have a negative impact on OHRQoL. However, Vigu AL et al 's study of Romanian college students found a association between oral behaviours and OHRQoL [57].…”

“…The results indicated that oral health behaviours have a negative impact on OHRQoL. However, Vigu AL et al 's study of Romanian college students found a association between oral behaviours and OHRQoL [57]. A study by Broadbent et al found that oral health behaviours in adults have a signi cant impact on symptoms such as dental caries or tooth loss, thus further in uencing OHRQoL [29].…”