The role of psychological theories in oral health interventions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Objective In the present study, we attempted to assess how psychological theories (health belief model [HBM], theory of planned behaviour [TPB], social cognitive theory [SCT], clinical theories [CT] and other theories [OT]) influence oral health interventions. Methods PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Knowledge databases from 2000 to 2017 were searched. We defined psychological theories based on five subgroups: (A) HBM, (B) TPB, (C) SCT, (E) CT and (F) OT. Results From the 156 identified studies, 19 studies based on PICO were included. Our findings indicated that the standardized mean difference (SMD) of HBM was 0.37 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.51), which was statistically significant in improving oral health. The SMD of SCT was not significant (0.05 [95% CI: −0.33, 0.44]) in improving oral health. The SMD of TPB was significant (1.66 [95% CI: 1.06, 2.27]) in improving oral health. The SMD of CT (−4.6 [95% CI: −6.49, −2.71]) and OT (2.93 [95% CI: 1.55, 4.32]) revealed significant differences in improving oral health. Conclusion The current meta‐analysis showed that in general, psychological interventions that used OT, CT, HBM and TPB were effective in enhancing oral health status, and interventions that used SCT did not have an effect on improving oral health status. Oral health care providers who work with patients to take methods and improve behaviours that are related to appropriate oral health need to comprehend their applicability and strengths.

Determinants of intention to improve oral hygiene behavior among students based on the theory of planned behavior: A structural equation modelling analysis

“…Even though TPB is an effective framework for predicting oral health behaviors [35], no studies have been conducted in Ethiopia on the application of this theory to predict intentions/behaviors related to oral health. Furthermore, activities to promote oral hygiene in schools are overlooked in the country's education system.…”

“…Furthermore, activities to promote oral hygiene in schools are overlooked in the country's education system. If the opposite were to happen, identifying the psychosocial determinants of OHBI would be of paramount importance in the design and implementation of behavioral change interventions in oral hygiene among students [35]. However, little is known of such predictors in the study area or in the country in general.…”

The Association of Oral Health Status, demographic characteristics and socioeconomic determinants with Oral health-related quality of life among children: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

“…Environmental and sociodemographic factors can influence OHRQoL in children and other age groups [8,9]. Age [10], sex [11], socioeconomic status [12][13][14], socio-cultural factors [10,15,16], psychosocial factors [17][18][19] were associated with OHRQoL. For instance, income and family structure were significant predictors of children's OHRQoL, independently of oral diseases [20].…”

Oral health behavior among school children aged 11–13 years in Saveh, Iran: an evaluation of a theory-driven intervention

“…The theory of planned behavior (TPB) provides a good framework for understanding health education and has been applied previously in oral health settings [ 23 ]. TPB can be used alone as a theoretical basis for a health education program, and it can also be used in combination with other learning theories and approaches [ 24 ].…”

“…TPB can be used alone as a theoretical basis for a health education program, and it can also be used in combination with other learning theories and approaches [ 24 ]. Despite previous meta-analysis having established TPB as the most valid theory for predicting, describing, and understanding OH behavior [ 23 ] there are also limitations to using TPB including a gap between the intention and action of participants [ 23 , 25 , 26 ].…”