Gender Variations in the Psychological Factors as Defined by the Extended Health Belief Model of Oral Hygiene Behaviors

Abstract

Oral self-care practice is an effective preventive measure for maintaining good individual oral health which is an integral part of one's general health. The aim of this analysis was to investigate gender variations in the psychological factors as defined by the extended health belief model (HBM) and oral hygiene behaviors (OHB). Females reported higher values on perceived severity and self-efficacy and lower values on perceived barriers. Exploratory regression analyses revealed that for males perceived barriers and self-efficacy were relatively important determinant of OHB, whereas among females only self-efficacy was relevant. Gender variations in OHB and in the psychological determinants should be considered when designing practical recommendations for improving OHB.