The efficacy of peer-led oral health programs based on Social Cognitive Theory and Health Belief Model among Hong Kong adolescents: a cluster-randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Oral diseases are preventable through the building of good oral health behaviors. Theory-based behavior change was key to the efficacy of oral health promotion since conventional promotion strategies achieved only short-lived and limited improvements. The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of a peer-led oral health intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) and the social cognitive theory (SCT) on oral self-care behaviors among Hong Kong adolescents. One thousand one hundred and eighty-four adolescents in 12 schools participated and were randomly assigned to either intervention or control group, utilizing a cluster-randomized controlled trial design. Brushing/flossing frequency, HBM/SCT constructs, oral health knowledge, and dental anxiety were measured at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Changes in behaviors were assessed using mixed-effects model and the mediators of behavioral change were identified with parallel multiple mediation analysis. At 6 months, the intervention group showed a significant increase in the frequency of brushing and flossing compared with the control group. Self-efficacy was identified as mediator between treatment condition and behavioral changes of brushing and flossing. Combining theories of HBM and SCT is a promising avenue for efficacy in oral health behaviors. The effects were mediated through cognitive variables, which provided guidance for both theory and health intervention development.

Improving Hand Hygiene Behavior Using a Novel Theory-Based Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…These theoretical targets were selected based on prior evidence indicating that they are independent predictors of the target behavior. Strategies or techniques targeting constructs from these theories have also been shown to lead to behavior change in other health behavior contexts [ 36 , 37 ] and, mediation analyses of intervention research using techniques targeting change in these constructs have demonstrated that intervention effects act by affecting change in these constructs [ 38 , 39 ]. Specifically, the intervention adopted persuasive communication and mental imagery techniques which targeted behavior change through attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control from the TPB, and risk perceptions from the HAPA, and an implementation intention technique which targeted behavior change though the action planning construct from HAPA.…”

Effectiveness of theory-based educational interventions of promoting oral health among elementary school students

“…In the present study, education was provided both through observation (education by classmates and observation of classmates’ behavior in the Telegram group) and through the necessary persuasion of family members, teachers, the researcher, and classmates. Most studies have highlighted the predictive role of outcome expectancy on oral health-promoting behaviors and the effectiveness of interventions in promoting outcome expectancy status in participants [ 24 , 25 ].…”

Enhancing Sexual Health among the Youth in the United States: A Scholarly Exploration

“…As demonstrated by Xiang et al (2022), the Health Belief Model (HBM) stands as a foundational pillar in the world of behavioral theories, offering a structured and insightful framework to unwind the psychological complexities of health-related decision-making. In the specific context of sexual health, the HBM ends up being an indispensable guide, using an extensive lens through which to understand how young people perceive and browse the dangers and advantages braided with their sexual behaviors.…”