Determinants of Oral Health Behaviors Among Preuniversity (12th-Grade) Students in Yazd (Iran)

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Abstract
This study examined the relationships among behavior-specific cognitions and oral health behaviors using Pender's revised health promotion model. Subjects were 300 preuniversity students from 6 high schools in the Yazd district in central Iran. Suitable instruments were designed to measure concepts in the model through validity testing with an expert health panel, and reliability testing with a small sample of students (n = 30). Instruments then were administered to students. Model testing was conducted to identify factors affecting students' practice of oral health behaviors. The results from structural equation modeling indicated that behavior-specific cognitions and affect had a direct effect on oral health behaviors, except activity-related affects. Self-efficacy had an indirect effect on oral health behaviors through perceived barriers. Self-efficacy mediated the effects of behaviors-specific cognitions and affect on oral health behaviors. Together, the variables accounted for 32% of the variance in oral health behaviors. Results of this study can be used to design and evaluate interventions to promote oral health behaviors among students.

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