Evaluation of oral hygiene self-efficacy, knowledge, and motivation among young adults of rural-based tamilian population: A prospective cohort study

• Main Authors: Meenalochani Balasuppramaniem, Elanchezhiyan Sundaram, Rajkumar Daniel Gainneos, Vennila Karunamoorthy, Viola Esther Panneerselvan, Pavithra Thiruppathi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2017-01-01
• Series: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
• Subjects: Initial periodontal therapy; motivation; oral hygiene; periodontitis; self-efficacy
• Online Access: http://www.jisponline.com/article.asp?issn=0972-124X;year=2017;volume=21;issue=1;spage=55;epage=59;aulast=Balasuppramaniem

Background: Oral hygiene is the most essential factor in the prevention and therapy of many diseases, especially the periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral hygiene-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and motivation of the young adults of rural-based Tamilian population, with their current oral hygiene practices to assess the effect of patient motivation after initial periodontal therapy. Materials and Methods: A hundred patients filled out questionnaires based on their oral hygiene-related knowledge. Plaque index, gingival index, and gingival bleeding index were recorded and correlated with their questionnaire knowledge. Initial periodontal therapy and motivation were done to all patients. After 6 months, oral health status was evaluated again. Results: There was a lower correlation value with insignificant P value between the questionnaire score and plaque and gingival index score, (r = 0.125, 0.166). However, the correlation between questionnaire score and modified papilla bleeding index score was high (r = 0.254) with significant (P = 0.011). After 6 months following the initial periodontal treatment, significant decrease in all the three indices scores was noted with significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Oral hygiene-related motivational approaches targeting rural young adult population has the potential to predict oral hygiene behavior and influences the clinical outcomes.