Theory-based educational intervention on oral hygiene behavior among university students: a randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Dental Hygiene

Background:

• Oral hygiene is crucial for overall health, yet suboptimal practices persist among university students.
• Theory-based interventions are needed to effectively modify oral hygiene behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)-based educational intervention with behavior change techniques (BCTs) on university students' oral hygiene.
• To assess the impact on oral hygiene behavior index (OHBI) and specific oral health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 71 university students.
• Intervention group received a 21-day TPB-based educational video; control group received conventional education.
• Oral hygiene behavior index (OHBI), caries activity, salivary hemoglobin, and bacterial count were measured at baseline and 3 months.

Main Results:

• The intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in OHBI scores compared to the control group.
• Significant improvements were also observed in caries activity and salivary hemoglobin levels within the intervention group.
• Total bacterial count showed a non-significant decrease in the intervention group compared to the control.

Conclusions:

• Theory-based educational interventions incorporating TPB and BCTs effectively enhance oral hygiene behavior and certain oral health markers.
• Further research is recommended to explore long-term effects and applicability across diverse populations.