Determinants of oral health behaviors among high school students in Shahrekord, Iran based on Health Promotion Model.

Purpose: This paper reports on predictors of students' oral health behaviors, using variables based on the Health Promotion Model in an attempt to identify influential variables that may be addressed through intervention efforts.

Methods: A non-probability sample of 300 high school students was recruited from 4 high schools in Shahrekord City, Iran. The study took place between January and March of 2008. Appropriate instruments were used to measure the variables of interest. The statistical analysis of the data included bivariate correlations, t-test, one-way ANOVA and linear regression.

Results: The cognition variables - perceived self-efficacy, perceived benefits, perceived barriers and activity-related affects, and commitment to a plan of Oral health behaviors, were significantly related to oral health behaviors among the respondents. A negative association was found between oral health behaviors and perceived barriers. Interpersonal influences, such as modeling and norms, and situational influences were found to be significantly related to increased oral health behaviors. All of the Health Promotion Model variables were statistically significant predictors of oral health behaviors, and accounted for 65.1% of the variation.

Conclusion: Promotion of interpersonal modeling and the students' perceived self-efficacy should be priorities of any programs aimed at promoting oral health behaviors among students. It is also concluded that the Health Promotion Model may be used in developing countries, like Iran, as a framework for planning intervention programs in an attempt to improve the oral health behaviors of students.