Factors predicting the oral health behaviors of the Iranian students in the District 1 Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this examination is determining the predictors of oral health behaviors among Iranian students in district 1 Tehran based on the health belief model with added commitment to plan construct. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 351 four grade female students in the first district of Tehran, Iran in 2017. The multi‑stage random cluster sampling method was used to recruit students. The inclusion criteria were being in four – graded level of elementary schools of the 1st district in Tehran, being female students aged between 9-11 years and being physically and psychologically healthy student. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the variables that predict oral health behaviors. Results: Totally, (N= 31.8%) students reported that they were brushing less than twice a day and (N= 55.2% ) students claimed using of dental floss once a week or less than once a day. The results indicated that perceived self-efficacy (OR=1.46, 95% CI=0.57-3.78, P<0.001), commitment to plan (OR=1.13, 95% CI=1.04-1.23, P<0.001) and cues to action (OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.14–1.76, P=0.002) were the significant predicting variables of brushing twice a day, and use of dental floss once a day or more (OR=1.02, 95% CI=0.23-3.53, P=0.003). Conclusion: This study has shown the effectiveness of the health belief model with added commitment to plan construct to predict oral health behavior in female students. Thus, it seems that the model as a acceptable framework for designing training programs to improve oral health behavior in students.