Some of the Strongest Predisposing Factors on the Behavior of Tooth Brushing among Iranian School Age Children

Background Oral Health is a criterion for general health. Oral diseases have a chronic process as well as multifactorial nature. Predisposing factors are the strongest factors in behavior formation at personal level. The aim of this study was to determine the strongest predisposing factors affecting oral health behavior among Iranian school age children. Materials and Methods This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 441 students (9-12 years old) in Rafsanjan city, Iran. Researcher-made questionnaire was used as data collection tool designed based on the reviewing scientific references, text and qualitative research, consisted of three parts including 8 demographic questions, 8 predisposing factors (Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceived Susceptibility, Severity and Benefits, Subjective Norms, Motivation to Comply and Observational Learning) and checklist of weekly behavior of tooth brushing. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 software. Results Mean score of majority of constructs, except for Knowledge, were at optimum level. Frequency of tooth brushing behavior of twice and more per day was equal to 66.1%. There was a statistically significant positive relationship between tooth brushing behavior and Knowledge of students (r=0.1, P<0.05). According to multi-criteria regression analysis, Knowledge and perceived severity had the strongest predicting role in daily behavior of tooth brushing. Conclusion Perceived severity and knowledge were most important predisposing factor and predictor of tooth brushing behavior among children. Considering these factors in designing interventions to improve the behavior of brushing is recommended.