The application of Integrated Behavioral Model in determining preventive behaviors dental caries in mothers with 4-6 year-old children in Birjand

Mothers are the main key to improving the oral health of children, and their beliefs in this area are very influential on the way children's oral care works. The aim of this study was to determine the status of knowledge, attitude and performance of mothers about the preventive behaviors of dental caries in 4-6 year old children based on integrated behavioral model. This descriptive analytic cross sectional study was conducted on 275 mothers with 4-6-year-old children referring to Birjand Comprehensive Health Services Centers in 2018. They were selected through randomized multi-stage cluster sampling method. The research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire based on the constructs of the integrated behavioral model, whose validity and reliability were checked and verified (Cronbach's alpha = 0.99). Data were analyzed by SPSS software (Version 19) using one-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc test, linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficient. Mean score of mothers' knowledge was 5.03 ± 2.48 and mean score of mothers' performance was 2.64 ± 2.11. There was a positive and significant correlation between performance scores and the mean scores of different constructs of the integrated behavioral model (P <0.001). Regression analysis indicated that the variables of knowledge and behavioral control were effective variables on performing preventive behaviors of dental caries. Based on the results of this study, knowledge and behavioral control constructs was predictor of the preventive behaviors of dental caries. It is suggested that this model be used to examine other health behaviors.