Self‐concept and dental health behaviours in adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relation between some dental health behaviours and 2 measures of self-concept in adolescents. Data from a survey of 41142, 12-16-year-old children from 244 secondary schools throughout England were analysed to obtain information about their frequencies of toothbrushing, use of dental floss and dental attendance, and whether they recalled advice about toothbrushing, in relation to self-esteem and health locus of control (HLOC). Subjects completed a questionnaire, anonymously, in school class. The results showed a significant positive correlation (Spearman) between the frequencies of flossing and toothbrushing, in both sexes, and between social group and toothbrushing frequency, where brushing frequency increased as socio-economic status improved. Some association between use of floss and social group emerged, but this was smaller and less consistent than that observed with toothbrushing brushing frequency. Self-esteem was positively correlated with toothbrushing frequency at ages 12-15 years, while HLOC showed correlations at some ages but not others. Use of dental floss showed no relation to self-concept. Subjects with more favourable self-concept were more likely to make more frequent dental visits than those with a poorer self-view. There was a strong and consistent correlation between recalled advice about toothbrushing and lower self- esteem and external locus of control. The results are in agreement with our earlier reports and suggest that self-concept may play a significant role in mediating changes in dental health behaviour.

Development and Validation of a Socio-Dental Impact Locus of Control (SILOC) Scale

“…A more external locus of control as shown by higher SILOC scores was associated with higher dental neglect, caries, and plaque and gingivitis prevalence as well as with a tendency to postpone needed dental treatment. Previous research has shown that an external locus of control was associated with poorer oral health indicators [11,13,14] well as poorer dental attendance [17,29,30], which were in agreement with the findings of our study. These factors were considered for validation of the SILOC as they have been shown to be associated with locus of control in the past.…”

“…Previous studies have shown a relationship between locus of control and oral health status, but the findings have been contradictory [11,13,14]. Similarly previous studies have shown a relationship between locus of control and oral health behaviors as well [15][16][17][18] but with equally contradictory results [19][20][21].…”

A school-based epidemiological study of dental neglect among adolescents in a deprived area of the UK

“…36 They have distinct dental needs due to a potentially high rate of caries, increased risk of TDIs, a tendency towards poor nutritional habits and the initiation of tobacco use, eating disorders as well as unique social and psychological needs. [37][38][39] Public dental health interventions to address DN may be more relevant for deprived adolescents whose dental needs are at greater risk of neglect than for adolescents across the population as a whole. Finally, as DN may overlap with other types of child neglect, resources could be more efficiently allocated.…”

Patient compliance and locus of control in orthodontic treatment: A prospective study

“…17,18,27 Among the various psychological inventories, the LOC scale has proved particularly useful, especially in the prediction of healthenhancing behavior. [3][4][5][6][7][8] This study was inspired by a previous report that concluded that LOC information might be useful to enhance patient compliance in orthodontic treatment. 9 Although a specific LOC questionnaire for orthodontic patients 9 is available, there were 3 reasons for selecting the RICS and the NSECS in this study: (1) the RICS and the NSEC have already been used many times in their translated forms with proven reliability and validity for the general population and orthodontic patients 15,16,[23][24][25][26] ; (2) a minimum elementary level of education is required for use; and (3) these tests are practical for use in clinical practice with free distribution and rapid completion, and most patients can complete them in 15 minutes.…”

“…2 LOC has been studied in many subjects to enhance the understanding and prediction of human behaviors, especially those affecting health. 3 In dentistry, LOC studies have been used to enhance oral hygiene, [4][5][6] to evaluate prognosis of periodontal treatment, 7 and to investigate the relationship between LOC and craniomandibular dysfunction. 8 More specifically, a LOC scale, introduced for orthodontic patients and their parents, has been shown to be a valid and reliable tool for orthodontist-patient communication.…”