Predicting Undergraduates' Intentions to Improve Oral Health Behaviors: The Importance of Self–Identity – A Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive ability of factors associated with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) on oral health behaviors.

Methods: The participants of this descriptive, cross–sectional study were 179 first year medical students at the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy that completed a questionnaire assessing TPB variables, self–identity and their current oral hygiene behaviors.

Results: Significant differences in self–identity regarding the toothbrushing behavior and reason for the dental visit were observed (p<0.0001). When participants were classified in 2 groups according to their levels of self–identity, significant differences were found according to their age, toothbrushing frequency, attitudes, perceived behavioral control and intention for improving oral hygiene (p<0.0001). Self–identity had a statistically significant positive correlation with affective attitudes, cognitive attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intention for improving oral hygiene. Hierarchical multiple regressions for toothbrushing frequency revealed that the TPB factors and self–identity explained 31% and 35% from the intention to improving behaviors, the coefficients for self–identity being significant. The structural equation model revealed the effect of self–identity on intention on improving oral health behaviors and the effect of past–behavior on self–identity.

Conclusion: The findings revealed the value of the extended TPB model as a predictor of intention to improve oral health behaviors. Dental educators should focus on issues of students' self–identity as a person concerned by their oral health.