Student attendance at dental checkups: An application of the Transtheoretical Model

Abstract

Objective To examine the application of key constructs of the Transtheoretical Model (stages of change and decisional balance) to attendance at dental checkups with a student sample. Method A questionnaire was completed by 224 students from the University of Derby. They were asked to report their intention and behaviour in relation to dental checkups (reflecting the stage framework) as well as rating 31 statements representing the Pros and Cons of dental checkups. Results Thirty (13.7 per cent) participants were classified into precontemplation, 69 (31.5 per cent) contemplation, 18 (8.2 per cent) preparation, 86 (39.3 per cent) action and 16 (7.3 per cent) maintenance. Support for the application of the stages of change model to dental checkups was found. The decisional balance measure (Pros and Cons) reflected hypothesised differences across the stages of change. Conclusion The findings suggest that applying the stages of change construct to dental checkup attendance can assist us in designing interventions that are more appropriately targeted by stage of change. For the large proportion of students not attending, we suggest minimising the Cons and maximising the Pros of dental checkups.