The Effect of Education Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior on Caries Prevention of Permanent Teeth in Fifth Grade Students in Khaf City

Using models and theories of health education plays an important role in promoting oral health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of education based on the theory of planned behavior on caries prevention of permanent teeth in fifth grade students in the city of khaf. In this interventional semi-experimental، a sample of fifth grade students (N=61) from the city of Khaf (in winter of 2014) were selected by stratified cluster sampling. The subjects were divided into two groups of experimental and control groups. A questionnaire was given to each of them measuring demographics، knowledge، attitudes، subjective norms، perceived behavioral control، behavioral intention and behavior. The questionnaires were completed by students during the three periods: before، immediately after and one month after the intervention. Data were analysed using SPSS software version16. 5 using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation test، Repeated Measures ANOVA and linear regression models (a=0. 05). The results showed significant differences in mean of attitude، subjective norm، perceived behavioral control، behavioral intention and behavior of brushing and flossing in the experimental group after the intervention had occurred (P<0. 001)، but no significant change was observed in the control group (P>0. 05). The theory of planned behavior could be used as an appropriate theoretical framework for the design and implementation of oral health interventions.