Health Belief Model Construct Associated with Oral Health Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26911/thejhpb.2026.11.03.08Abstract
Background: Daily toothbrushing and regular dental check-ups are essential components in the prevention of oral diseases. However, the low level of adherence to these behaviors highlights the need for a more comprehensive review of the evidence to understand the influencing factors. This study aimed to estimate the strength of association between constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and oral health behaviors.
Subjects and Method: This systematic review and meta-analysis searched PubMed and Google Scholar for full-text cross-sectional studies published between 2015 and 2025. Eligibility criteria were defined using the PICO framework: P= children; I= high perceived susceptibility, high perceived benefit, and high self-efficacy; C= low perceived susceptibility, low perceived benefit, and low self-efficacy; and O= daily toothbrushing and dental check-ups. A total of 14 eligible studies were included and analyzed using Review Manager 5.3.
Results: A total of 14 articles were included in this meta-analysis, originating from Norway, Spain, Australia, Taiwan, Iran, the United Kingdom, France, Ethiopia, Japan, the United States, and China. High perceived susceptibility increased the likelihood of daily toothbrushing (aOR= 1.31; 95% CI= 1.10 to 1.56; p= 0.003; I²= 55%) and dental check-ups (aOR= 1.39; 95% CI= 1.19 to 1.62; p<0.001; I²= 64%). High perceived benefit increased the likelihood of daily toothbrushing (aOR= 1.64; 95% CI= 1.39 to 1.94; p < 0.001; I²= 0%) and dental check-ups (aOR= 1.48; 95% CI= 1.31 to 1.66; p= 0.001; I²= 52%). High self-efficacy markedly increased the likelihood of daily toothbrushing (aOR= 6.43; 95% CI= 1.62 to 25.48; p< 0.001; I²= 97%) and dental check-ups (aOR= 2.38; 95% CI= 1.67 to 3.39; p< 0.001; I²= 98%).
Conclusion: High perceived susceptibility, high perceived benefit, and high self-efficacy significantly improve oral health behaviors in children.
Keywords:
health belief model, oral health, toothbrushing, childrenHow to Cite
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