Factorial Validity and Reliability of the Executive Function-Related Toothbrushing Behavior Questionnaire Among...

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) often face challenges with toothbrushing due to executive function (EF) deficits.
• Effective assessment tools are needed to understand and improve oral hygiene practices in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Executive Function-related Toothbrushing Behaviour Questionnaire (EF-TB).
• To assess EF-related toothbrushing behaviors in adults with ID.

Main Methods:

• The EF-TB was administered to 92 participants with ID and 70 controls.
• Family members/guardians and facility staff completed the EF-TB and Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX).
• Factor structure, internal consistency, discriminant, and concurrent validity were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Exploratory factor analysis identified three factors: 'Systematic implementation', 'Sustained implementation', and 'Start and Finish'.
• The EF-TB demonstrated good internal consistency reliability and satisfactory discriminant validity.
• Acceptable concurrent validity was found through significant correlation with the DEX.

Conclusions:

• The EF-TB is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing EF-related toothbrushing behaviors in individuals with ID.
• EF-TB scores provide valuable insights for interventions aimed at enhancing oral health in this demographic.