The Application of the Health Belief Model in Oral Health Education

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