Investigation of the Patients' Attitudes Referring To Dental Centers toward Some Common Beliefs about Oral Health in Isfahan, Iran, During 2020

The lifestyle of people is influenced by various factors, such as common beliefs in society. Analysis of the oral health behaviors of people helps to set the correct behavioral correction strategies. In order to establish a proper relationship between healthcare providers and patients, it is necessary to have a correct understanding of peoples' beliefs in this regard. This study aimed to investigate the attitudes of patients referring to dental centers towards some common beliefs in the field of oral health.

This descriptive cross-sectional study included 392 patients referring to different dental treatment centers in Isfahan, Iran, during 2020. The patients were then selected using the two-stage random cluster sampling method. A researcher-made questionnaire was prepared by reviewing previous studies and professors' opinions. After obtaining the reliability and validity of the tool, it was used to assess the patients' attitudes. The questionnaire was then completed by the patients in person. The collected data were statistically analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) using t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman correlation coefficient, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The mean score of the patients' attitude was obtained at 3.15±0.29. There was no significant difference between males and females regarding the mean score of attitudes. Furthermore, no significant relationship was observed between the mean score of the patients' attitudes and their age (P=0.486). However, there was a significant relationship between the mean score of the patients' attitude and their education level (P=0.001).

According to the results, half of the patients had a moderate level of attitude. This indicates the need to inform and educate people, as well as change their attitude towards receiving oral health services. In addition, national media can play a more prominent role in achieving this goal.