Stages of change of inter-dental cleaning behavior based on trans-theoretical model among pre-university students in Yazd, Iran

Orodental diseases have harmful outcomes in children and adults and encompass 5-10% of the total cost of health care. Trans-theoretical model predicts change and time of behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine stages of inter-dental cleaning behavior based on trans-theoretical model in male and female students in Yazd, Iran. This cross-sectional study included 361 pre-university students from 8 schools by cluster sampling method. Data were collected and recorded in a valid and reliable questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics, self-efficacy questions, and decisional balance (perceived advantages and perceived obstacles) and stages of change in inter-dental cleaning behavior. The data were analyzed by using SPSS software. 54.8% of the subjects were female and 45.2% male with a mean age of 17.35 ±.55 years. %50 of students (n=179) were in pre-contemplation, 5.3 % (n=19) in contemplation, 24.1% (n=87) in preparation, 8.6% (n=31) in action and 12.5% (n=5) in maintenance stages of inter-dental cleaning behavior. There was a positive significant relationship among stages of change with self-efficacy (r=0.33) and perceived benefits (r=0.19) also existed negative significant relation between stages of change and perceived barriers (r= -0.19). Constructs of the model were statically significant predictors of stages of change and accounted for 0.15% of the variation, so that self efficacy was the most important predictor (β=0.212). In this study, most students were in pre contemplation stage. They will be probably exposed to dental caries in the future. Trans-theoretical model can be used to determine strategies for every stage of change of teeth-mouth self-care behavior and also for educational interventions and programs.