The Application of the Health Belief Model in Oral Health Education

Abstract

Background: The goal of this study was to determine the application of health belief model in oral health education for 12-year-old children and its effect on oral health behaviors and indexes.

Methods: A quasi- experimental study was carried out on twelve-year-old girl students (n-291) in the first grade of secon­dary school, in the central district of Tehran, Iran. Research sample was selected by a multistage cluster sampling. The data was obtained by using a valid reliable questionnaire for measuring the perceptions, a checklist for observing the quality of brush­ing and dental flossing and health files and clinical observation. First, a descriptive study was applied to individual percep­tions, oral behaviors, Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) and Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth Index (DMFTI). Then an educa­tional planning based on the results and Health Belief Model (HBM) was applied. The procedure was repeated after six months.

Results: After education, based on HBM, all the oral health perceptions increased (P<.05). Correct brushing and flossing are influenced by increased perceptions. A low correlation between the reduction of DMFTI and increased perceived sever­ity and increased perceived barriers are found (r= -0.28, r = 0.43 respectively). In addition, there was a limited correlation be­tween OHI and increased perceived benefits (r = -0.26).

Conclusion: Using health belief model in oral health education for increasing the likelihood of taking preventive oral health be­haviors is applicable.