Associations Between Oral Health Knowledge, Locus Of Control, And Caries Status
Abstract
Introduction: Patient intervention and knowledge play important roles in the management of oral chronic diseases such as caries. Understanding the dynamics of a persons behavior is a complex area of study that if better understood could result in improved oral health. Oral Health Knowledge (OHK) and Locus of Control are two measureable determinants that may affect Oral Health Status (OHS). The Survey of Oral Health Knowledge in Adults (SOHKA) was developed to comprehensively assess OHK and is being validated in this multi-phase study. This study explores the associations among OHK, Locus of Control, and caries status in active duty service members. To date, no study has evaluated the impact of Locus of Control and OHK on OHS. Objective: To explore the associations among OHK and Locus of Control with oral caries status in active duty personnel. Methods: Study questionnaires were completed by 201 subjects and included demographic/behavior, SOHKA, and Locus of Control specific for oral diseases. Dental records from 102 subjects were reviewed for caries risk. Results: Oral health knowledge as measured by the SOHKA was not associated withcaries risk status (p greater than 0.05). Caries risk status was predicted by a Chance Locus of Control(p equals .037). Conclusion: Additional modification of SOHKA is required to establish associations among OHK, Locus of Control, and caries risk status. Utilizing Locus of Control and SOHKA may provide the potential to promote positive oral health behaviors and enhance the educational interventions and disease management that affect individual oral health and operational readiness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1063878
Entities
People
- William J Belknap
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences