The relationship between oral hygiene-related self-efficacy, general self-efficacy and daily plaque control

To assess validity and reliability of Turkish oral hygiene-related self-efficacy (OHSE) scale, and the scores of general self-efficacy (GSE) and OHSE in the patients with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis (CP). Additionally, the effect of motivation and oral hygiene instructions on the OHSE scores and plaque index (PI) was also aimed.

GSE and OHSE scores were obtained from 210 patients with gingivitis and CP (Group A). After determination of "cut-off" values on OHSE scores, patients with OHSE scores <30 (OHSE-low) and ≥50 (OHSE-high) were included in Group B (gingivitis, N = 25; CP, N = 27). PI values were determined, and motivation and oral hygiene instructions were performed in Group B at baseline. PI measurements and OHSE questionnaire were repeated at 1 and 3 months.

The intraclass reliability coefficient and Cronbach's alpha for Turkish translation of OHSE scale were 0.920 and 0.911. OHSE scores significantly correlated with GSE scores and smokers had lower OHSE scores than those of non-smokers in patients (n = 210). In both gingivitis and CP groups, OHSE scores increased and PI values decreased at 3 months. PI values were lower in gingivitis and CP groups with OHSE-high scores compared to patients with OHSE-low scores at 3 months.

Within the limitations of this study, it seems that Turkish version of OHSE questionnaire is reliable and valid. Patients with OHSE-low scores in both gingivitis and CP groups were less successful in performing daily plaque control, compared to patients with OHSE-high scores.