Saeed Bashirian1, Shabnam Seyedzadeh-Sabounchi2, Samane Shirahmadi3, Akram Karimi-Shahanjarini1, Ali Reza Soltanian4, Farshid Vahdatinia5. 1. Department of Public Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran. 2. Community Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran. 3. Dental Research Center, School of Dentistry, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran. 4. Communicable Disease Research Center, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran. 5. Dental Implants Research Center, School of Dentistry, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Brushing teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste and flossing are considered as effective solutions for preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases. AIM: The aim of this study was to use the promoted social cognitive theory (SCT) to investigate factors influencing adherence to oral hygiene behaviors by elementary school children. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, 988 elementary school children were chosen using the multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the SCT scale, and its validity and reliability were confirmed. Theoretical models were examined using the structural equation modeling. RESULTS: The SCT explained 50% of the variance in brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and 55.6% of the variance in flossing behaviors. The total effect of family environment (β = .60, P < .05), self-efficacy in overcoming impediments (β = .50, P < .05), and emotional coping (β = .40, P < .05) variables in the conceptual model had significantly influenced tooth brushing behavior. The total effect of self-efficacy (β = .79, P < .05), family environment (β = .41, P < .05), and situational perception (β = .35, P < .05) variables of the conceptual model significantly influenced the flossing behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The SCT, self-efficacy, and family environment were strongly associated with brushing and flossing behaviors. Therefore, supportive family environments should be considered as one of the top contributors to successful oral health promotion.
BACKGROUND:Brushing teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste and flossing are considered as effective solutions for preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases. AIM: The aim of this study was to use the promoted social cognitive theory (SCT) to investigate factors influencing adherence to oral hygiene behaviors by elementary school children. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, 988 elementary school children were chosen using the multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the SCT scale, and its validity and reliability were confirmed. Theoretical models were examined using the structural equation modeling. RESULTS: The SCT explained 50% of the variance in brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and 55.6% of the variance in flossing behaviors. The total effect of family environment (β = .60, P < .05), self-efficacy in overcoming impediments (β = .50, P < .05), and emotional coping (β = .40, P < .05) variables in the conceptual model had significantly influenced tooth brushing behavior. The total effect of self-efficacy (β = .79, P < .05), family environment (β = .41, P < .05), and situational perception (β = .35, P < .05) variables of the conceptual model significantly influenced the flossing behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The SCT, self-efficacy, and family environment were strongly associated with brushing and flossing behaviors. Therefore, supportive family environments should be considered as one of the top contributors to successful oral health promotion.