Dental behaviors of college students: application of the theory of planned behavior

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Publication Title

Journal of American College Health

Abstract

Objective: Poor dental hygiene is deleterious to overall health. The objective of this study is to assess factors that influence dental health behaviors of college students by applying constructs of the TPB. Participants: Three hundred and seventy (n = 370) college students, between the ages of 18 to 24, were recruited from a large university in the southeastern United States. Methods: Survey data were collected electronically via Qualtrics; binary logistic regression was used for analysis. Results: The sample (n = 370) consisted primarily of students aged 21 (n = 124, 33.5%), female (n = 337, 91.1%), and Non-Hispanic White (n = 294, 79.5%). Only 233 (63%) met the recommendations for brushing; and only 74 (20%) met the recommendation for interdental cleaning. Bivariate regression analysis indicated subjective norms and perceived behavioral control were significant. Conclusions: Findings indicate that interventions should focus on normative beliefs and perceived behavioral control by exploring external factors and teaching students how to master the practice of dental hygiene behaviors.

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2025.2583201

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