Prediction of Dental Caries Preventive Behaviors using Health Belief Model (HBM)

Aims: One of the most important factors in public health is oral and dental health. Determining the level of knowledge and attitude and the applicable criteria are effective factors in reducing dental problems. This study was conducted to determine the effective factors on oral hygiene based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in students of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. Materials & Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical. The present study was conducted on 300 students that were selected by using a multi-stage random sampling method. The data collection tool was based on a standard questionnaire of health belief model. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software, descriptive statistics, and Pearson coefficient tests, variance analysis, Turkey test, and linear regression logistic regression was taken as a significant level of 0.05. Findings: The mean of health behaviors among students was moderate (52.38±5.95). The regression analysis showed that constructs perceived barriers, self-efficacy and perceived benefits predict tooth decay prevention behaviors (p≤0.05). Pearson's test showed a positive and significant relationship between perceived barriers and behavior (r=-0.471, p=0.00). Conclusion: In order to promote health behaviors among the student’s perceived barrier self-efficacy and perceived benefits, as the most important predictors of student behavior for holding educational courses should be used.