Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory Research Articles

Self-reported oral health attitudes and behavior of dentistry students

Objectives: Dentistry students in the Philippines undergo 6 years of undergraduate dental education as their foundation to acquire the skills necessary to prevent, diagnose, and treat oral diseases, and educate their future patients. One of the learning outcomes of the entire course is to make them effective role models in the maintenance and improvement of their patient’s oral health. Throughout their undergraduate years, oral health attitudes and behaviors are formed and may be modified. This study aimed to compare 4th-year preclinical and 5th-year clinical dentistry students in terms of their oral health attitudes and behavior. Materials and Methods: The research employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design. Purposive sampling was done using the Hiroshima University-dental behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI) questionnaire. The questionnaire contains 20 questions, which focus on oral health attitudes and behavior, with a dichotomous response format of “Agree” or “Disagree,” giving one point in favor of good oral health attitudes and behavior for a maximum score of 12. Data was collected via an online survey using Google Forms shared in the appropriate year levels’ official social groups. Higher mean scores indicate good oral health attitudes and behavior. The HU-DBI scores of the two groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: A total of 225 dentistry students in a Philippine private dental college answered the survey, with 119 responses from the 4th year (41% response rate) and 106 responses from the 5th year (77% response rate). The overall mean score of answers favoring good oral hygiene was marginally higher in 4th-year preclinical students (M = 7.17, Standard deviation [SD] = 1.37) than in 5th-year clinical students (M = 7.15, SD = 1.24) but showed no statistical significance in their difference, z = −0.412, P = 0.681. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in the oral health attitudes and behavior between the 4th-year preclinical students and 5th-year clinical dental students. Future researchers can look into increasing the sample size and having respondents from other dental universities to provide a wider picture at a national level. Reinforcing oral health education for clinical students may be beneficial.

Evaluation of oral health behavior, knowledge and attitude among dental and nursing preclinical students

Aim: This study aimed to assess and compare the sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes of first- and second-year students from the Faculty of Dentistry and the Nursing Department. Methods: In the study, a 26-item questionnaire, consisting of the "Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI)" and an additional six questions, was distributed to the dental and nursing students of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University. Students were requested to voluntarily complete the questionnaire. Results: Total HU-DBI scores were analyzed based on participants' gender and year of education. No statistically significant difference was found in the total HU-DBI scores with respect to gender or year of education. However, it was observed that first-year nursing students had the highest HU-DBI scores (5.85 ± 1.46). The percentage of nursing students who agreed with the statements “I brush each of my teeth carefully” (p = 0.006) and “I put off going to a dentist until I have a toothache” (p = 0.002) was statistically higher than that of dental students. The percentage of second-year dental students (9.1%) who agreed with the statement “My gums tend to bleed when I brush my teeth” was lower than that of second-year nursing students (42.0%). Conclusion: The results of this study show that the behaviors and attitudes of dental and nursing students, who would guide and contribute to the future oral health of the society, should be enhanced.

Assessment of Self Reported Oral Health Attitudes and Behaviors of a Group of Dental Students using the Hiroshima University - Dental Behavioural Inventory in Turkey

Purpose: Dental students play a crucial role in promoting positive oral health attitudes and behaviors among their relatives and patients. Students' self reported oral health behaviors may tend to improve as they progress in their dental education. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the difference in self reported oral health behavior and attitudes of a group of Turkish first and final-year students using the Hiroshima University Dental Behavioural Inventory. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 237 students, including first and final-year, studying at XXX University Faculty of Dentistry, were invited. Of these, 187 students (108 first, 73 final-year) agreed to participate. Eleven students (7 first-year, 4 final-year) who did not fill out the questionnaire were excluded. The Hiroshima University Dental Behavioural Inventory was used to measure the behaviors and attitudes of the students regarding oral and dental health. Additionally, three items other than HU-DBI were added to the questionnaire. The analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test, and Independent t-test. Results: The responses of 178 students (107 first-year, 69 final-year; 122 female, 54 male) were analyzed. The self reported oral health behavior scores of the final-year students (6.21 ± 1.54) were statistically higher than the scores of the first-year students (5.03 ± 1.76) (p < 0.001). Although the score was slightly higher in females (5.57 ± 1.96) compared to males (5.33 ± 1.27), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.334). Conclusions: According to the results of this study, education may have a significant positive effect on self reported oral health behavior and attitude of dental students. Based on the findings of university-based evaluations as this study, curricula that can gain positive attitudes to students and oral hygiene programs aimed at improving students' self-care should be developed from the early years. However, further studies that also evaluate the effect of possible confounding variables on oral health behavior should be done to clearly highlight the impact of education.

Evaluation of Self-Reported Oral Health Attitudes and Behavior of Dental Students in Antalya, Turkey.

Background Dental students are expected to play a critical role in the oral health education of society as future providers of dental care, and their attitudes on this subject have a possible impact on the awareness of patients regarding the importance of preventing oral diseases and improving oral health. This study aimed to evaluate the oral health attitudes and behavior of dental students. Methodology The Turkish version of the Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI) questionnaire regarding oral health attitudes and behaviors with an additional nine questions was distributed among 250 native Turkish-speaking dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry in Antalya, Turkey. The validity of the nine questions added to the original questionnaire was evaluated by expert opinion and a pretest method. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis, and the statistical significance level was set at p-values <0.05. Results The mean age of the 250 students in the study was 20.96 ± 1.66 years. In total, 157 (62.8%) students were preclinical (first, second, and third year) dentistry students, and 93 (37.2%) students were clinical (fourth and fifth year) dentistry students. The mean HU-DBI score of all students was 5.95 ± 1.65, and the mean HU-DBI score of clinical students (6.42 ± 1.65) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of preclinical students (5.67 ± 1.59). The mean HU-DBI score of male and female students was 5.63 ± 1.55 and 6.24 ± 1.69, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The study showed significant improvement in the behavior and attitude regarding the oral health of the clinical dental students compared with the preclinical dental students. Conclusions Among dental students, clinical students and female students had generally better attitudes and behaviors about oral health self-care compared to preclinical students and male students, respectively.

Comparative Assessment of Oral Health Attitudes and Behaviors of First-Time and Previous Dental Patients UndergoingExodontia Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Private Dental Clinics in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

The COVID-19 lockdown affected oral health behaviors. This study aims to assess and compare the oral health attitudes and behaviors of first-time and previous patients undergoing dental extractions during the COVID-19 pandemic at private dental clinics in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients aged 18-65 years undergoing dental extractions at private dental clinics in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Four hundred and eighty patients were selected using a convenient sampling methodology. A structured, close-ended questionnaire investigated demographic information, tooth extraction attendance, and oral health attitudes and behaviors using 20 items Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HUDBI). A total of 480 exodontia patients [282 (58.8%) males and 198 (41.2%) females] participated in this study. All patients used a stiff-bristled toothbrush and wereconcerned about their teeth' color and bad breath. Similarly, all the participants did not feel brushed unless they used strong strokes, and the dentist told them to brush very well. An overall mean HUDBI score of 6.34±1.12 was observed. Patients with a primary education (5.61±0.79), income ≤5000 SAR (6.00±0.92), residing in rural areas (5.84±0.93), and government employees (5.62±0.96) exhibited lower HU-DBI scores compared to their counterparts. The study revealed a significant variation in HUDBI scores across different demographic factors, including education, income, residence, occupation, and reason for extraction (p<0.001). The HUDBI score of first-time attendees to dental extraction (5.88±1.03) was found to be significantly poorer than to those of previous attendees (6.63±1.09), (p<0.001). Patients who underwent dental extractions at private dental clinics in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, during the post-lockdown COVID-19 pandemic exhibited average oral health attitudes and behaviors. Oral health attitudes and behaviorsdiffered by socioeconomic status. Patients undergoing dental extractions for reasons other than dental caries and periodontal diseases and first-time attendees demonstrated poor oral health attitudes and behaviors.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors among Oral Hygiene toward Dental Students

Dentists are the role models for the society as far as oral health is concerned. However, student’s attitudes and practices were found to differ across academic levels and gender. The present study aimed to assess oral health attitudes and behavior among undergraduate dental students, and to analyze the variations in oral health attitudes based on level of education and gender using the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI). A self-administered questionnaire based on the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) was distributed to 260 undergraduate dental students at the International University of Rabat. Overall, the mean questionnaire score for the total sample was 6.33±3.16. Most clinical students reported brushing each of their teeth carefully. More clinical (33.88) than preclinical (2.87) students have used a dye to see how clean their teeth are (p<0.001). Moreover, larger proportion of men (27.4) than women (16.2) use a toothbrush with hard bristles (p=0.03). A higher proportion of women (100) do check their teeth in a mirror after brushing (p<0.001). Prompt initiatives should be launched to critically revise the dental program and the education processes, and to redesign these programs in a constructive and productive manner to positively influence students’ behavior and attitudes.

Oral health attitudes and behavior among undergraduate students

IntroductionOral health behavior is based on an acquired experience and cultural traditions. University education may smooth out cultural differences in oral health practice.ObjectivesOur goal is to study self-reported oral health attitudes and behavior of university students and the cultural basis for it.MethodsWe used the English version of the Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory to carry out an online survey of 136 university students of Morocco and Russia.ResultsOver half of the students (60.3%) do not feel anxious when visiting a dentist. Most of them take care of their gums (41.2%), teeth color (49.3%) and the degree of their cleanness (38.2%). The overwhelming majority of the students brush their each tooth very thoroughly (62.5%), they regularly examine their teeth in the mirror after brushing them (90.4%). They are well aware that tooth brushing alone cannot prevent a gum disease (63.2%), and they feel concerned about the possibility of having bad breath (73.6%). At the same time, over half of the students (61.7%) put off their visit to a dentist until they have a toothache, which is a negative behavioral factor. We did not reveal any gender or cultural differences between the students of the two countries, which can be regarded as a universalization factor of oral health behavior in young people who get higher education in universities.ConclusionsThe majority of the surveyed Russian and Moroccan university students have similar patterns of oral health attitudes and behavior. This assumption needs verification on a larger sample of students.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Comparative evaluation of oral health attitudes and behaviors among dental and medical students during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia.

The purpose of the study was to compare the oral health attitudes and behaviors of medical and dental students/interns during the Corona pandemic in Saudi Arabia using Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI). This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the oral health attitudes and behaviors of dental and medical students/interns in Saudi Arabia using an online Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory (HUDBI). An English version of the questionnaires consisting of personal information and 20 HUDBI items were responded by the 638 (46.8%) dental and 726 (53.2%) medical students/interns. The mean score of oral health attitude and behavior of the study participants was calculated based on 12 point scale of the HUDBI items. The Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests compared the HUDBI scores across different groups. The study sample's overall mean HUDBI score was 6.44±1.80 (Median 7). Dental students/interns (825.60) demonstrated a significantly higher HUDBI mean score than medical students/interns (556.75) (p<0.001). Similarly, female students (712.25) than the male students (712.25 vs. 642, p=0.001), and those studying in private universities compared to government universities (741.56 vs. 673.52, p=0.028) showed significantly higher HUDBI mean scores. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dental students/interns displayed a better oral health attitudes and behaviors than medical students/interns. Therefore, oral health promotion programs aimed at medical and dental students/interns are essential for improving oral health attitudes and behaviors.

Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors (KAB) of German Dental Students: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Germany's 2030–oral health agenda incorporates behavioral targets such as twice-daily toothbrushing and routine dental check-ups. Given the professional and social roles of dentists in oral health promotion, the oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) of dentists and dental students became worth investigation. The present study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study that aimed to evaluate oral health KAB of German dental students using the Hiroshima University – Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI). A total of 508 dental students filled in the questionnaire, out of which 74.2% were females, 38.8% were clinical students, 11.4% reported tobacco smoking at least once week, 26.6% reported drinking alcohol at least once a week, and 82.9% reported suffering from problematic internet use. The overall HU-DBI score was high (7.67 ± 1.32), and it was slightly higher among females (7.70 ± 1.33) than males (7.59 ± 1.29), and gender-diverse students (7.33 ± 1.37). Clinical students (7.88 ± 1.26) had a significantly higher HU-DBI score, especially in the domain of oral health behaviors, compared with preclinical students (7.53 ± 1.34). A significant improvement in oral health behaviors and HU-DBI score was found between the third- vs. the fourth year, which corresponds to the period when prophylaxis, hygiene, and periodontology courses are delivered. Tobacco smoking was significantly associated with poor oral health knowledge, behaviors, and overall HU-DBI score. Problematic internet use and alcohol drinking had slightly lower HU-DBI scores. The findings of the present study call for early implementation of preventive dentistry elements in German curricula and addressing oral health needs of gender minorities in Germany by future epidemiologic studies.

Czech and Slovak Dental Students' Oral Health-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviours (KAB): Multi-Country Cross-Sectional Study.

Dentists play a key role in the primary prevention of oral diseases and related systemic complications; therefore, their views on behavioural interventions need to be aligned with the current agendas for oral health. Likewise, dental students’ oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours (KAB) are of practical importance, as they are the future opinion leaders for oral health in their respective communities. A cross-sectional survey-based study was designed to evaluate the oral health KAB of dental students in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The study utilized translated versions of the Hiroshima University Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI), and it aimed to recruit students from all Czech and Slovak dental schools. A total of 487 students were included in this study, out of which 372 (76.4%) were females, 271 (55.6%) were enrolled in preclinical years, 68 (14%) reported smoking tobacco at least once a week, and 430 (88.3%) reported problematic internet use. The mean HU-DBI score of Czech and Slovak dental students (8.18 ± 1.80) was comparable with the previously reported scores of dental students in Nordic and Western European countries. Czech students (9.34 ± 1.29) had a significantly higher score than their Slovak counterparts (7.56 ± 1.73). In both countries, preclinical students (8.04 vs. 8.35), the students who reported tobacco smoking (7.63 vs. 8.27), and those who reported problematic internet use (8.11 vs. 8.70) had significantly lower HU-DBI scores than their counterparts, respectively. In the Czech Republic, the significant increases in HU-DBI scores occurred after the first academic year when the students received preventive dentistry courses; therefore, one can put forward that early implementation of preventive elements in undergraduate dental curricula may yield better and more sustainable oral health gains for the students. Future research on Czech and Slovak dental curricula need to re-evaluate the oral hygiene and anti-smoking components and their impact on students’ views and attitudes.

Estonian Dental Students' Oral Health-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours (KAB): National Survey-Based Study.

The strategic plan for dentistry and oral health in Estonia of 2030 focuses on oral health promotion and disease prevention through undergraduate dental curricula and fostering public health-oriented research among students. The present study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study to evaluate oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours (KAB) of dental students in Estonia. The study was carried out in the spring semester of 2020, and it used a modified version of the Hiroshima University Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI). A total of 129 students responded to the survey, constituting a response rate of 93.5% due to the total population sampling (census) technique used in this study and the small target population size. Out of the 124 students included in the final analysis, 79% were females, 62.1% were clinical students, 11.3% reported smoking tobacco at least once a week, and 86.3% reported problematic internet use. The present study found that mean HU-DBI score of Estonian dental students was 8.09 ± 1.22 which is so far the highest recorded HU-DBI score in Europe. There was no significant difference between female vs. male or preclinical vs. clinical students in terms of HU-DBI score. While clinical students reported less faulty oral hygiene practices, such as hard toothbrush use and aggressive toothbrushing, preclinical students reported a slightly higher mean HU-DBI score. Smoking behaviour was more common among male and clinical students, and it was also associated with alcohol drinking and worry about teeth colour and halitosis.

Oral Health-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours of Arab Dental Students: Multi-National Cross-Sectional Study and Literature Analysis 2000-2020.

Dental students are the future leaders of oral health in their respective communities; therefore, their oral health-related attitudes and behaviours are of practical value for primary disease prevention. The present study aimed to evaluate oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of dental students in Arab countries and explore the potential sociodemographic predictors of their oral health outcomes. A multi-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted during the academic year 2019/2020 in three Arab countries: Lebanon, Syria, and Tunisia. The study used a validated Arabic version of the Hiroshima University Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) composed of original twenty items that assess the level of oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours, and four additional dichotomous items related to tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, problematic internet use, and regular dental check-up The HU-DBI score ranges between 0 and 12. A total of 1430 students took part in this study, out of which 60.8% were females, 57.8% were enrolled in clinical years, 24.5% were tobacco smokers, 7.2% were alcohol drinkers, and 87% reported internet addiction. The mean HU-DBI score was 6.31 ± 1.84, with Lebanon having the highest score (6.67 ± 1.83), followed by Syria (6.38 ± 1.83) and Tunisia (6.05 ± 1.83). Clinical students (6.78 ± 1.70) had higher HU-DBI scores than their preclinical peers (5.97 ± 1.86). The year-over-year analysis revealed that dental public health and preventive dentistry courses had significantly and positively impacted the undergraduate students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours. The gender-based differences were not statistically significant, with a modest trend favouring males, especially oral health behaviours. Tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and problematic internet use were associated with lower HU-DBI scores. In the Arab world, the economic rank of the country where the dental students live/study was weakly correlated with the students’ mean HU-DBI score.

ATTITUDES TOWARDS AND HABITS IN ORAL HEALTH OF ADOLESCENTS IN HERZEGOVINA.

SUMMARYThe aim of the study was to determine attitudes towards and habits in oral health of adolescents in Herzegovina, as well as to evaluate the possible differences in habits among individuals of different adolescent categories. The study included 120 participants (35 male and 85 female) divided into three adolescent categories, as follows: early (11-14 years of age), middle (15-18 years) and late (19-21 years) adolescence, from the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, who presented for dental examination. All participants completed the socio-demographic questionnaire and standardized Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI). The answers provided by study adolescents in the HU-DBI showed statistically significant differences among particular age groups, i.e. between early and middle adolescence in items 7 (p=0.046) and 15 (p=0.007); between middle and late adolescence in items 8 (p=0.021), 11 (p=0.04) and 12 (p=0.027); and between middle and late adolescence in item 11 (p=0.032). Respondents in middle adolescence had poorer oral hygiene attitudes than those in early and late adolescence. In order to improve the oral hygiene habits of adolescents in Herzegovina, it is necessary to put emphasis on continuous education about oral hygiene habits during their secondary education.

Evaluation of oral-health behavioral attitudes of dental students in Switzerland and Brazil.

This study evaluated the effect of progressive training on the oral health behaviors of dental students from Switzerland and Brazil. Dental students from two dental schools (in Zurich, Switzerland, and Goiania, Brazil) were recruited for this study. Dental behaviors of the students in the final 3 years of their 5-year dental curriculum were assessed with the 20-item Hiroshima University-Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI). Nonparametric tests were used to assess intergroup and intragroup differences (significance level: α = 0.05). 190 students (Zurich: n = 121, mean age ± SD = 25.5 ± 4.5 years; Goiania: n = 69, mean age ± SD = 23.5 ± 2.9 years) of a possible 277 students completed the survey (response rate = 68.6%). The overall mean HU-DBI score was 8.16 ± 1.35 (8.02 ± 1.27 in Switzerland and 8.41 ± 1.47 in Brazil). Age (P = 0.225) and sex (P = 0.145) were not associated with the scores, but the respondent's nationality seemed to play a role (P = 0.024). Progressive training had no effect on the scores (P = 0.766). The present findings show that progressive training has no effect on the oral health behaviors of dental students but the nationality might be a factor.

Correlation Of Mother's Behavior In Autistic Children With DMF-T Value And Dental Care Need

Background: The prevalence of autism is 6 per 1000 people, usually seen before a child is 3 years old. The main characteristics of autism are related to problems of social interaction with others, disturbances in communication, repetitive, behavioral repetition, and cognitive instability. Purpose: To analyze the relationship between the mother’s behavior with autistic children in terms of DMF-T values and dental care needs. Methods: This study is observational analytic by using cross-sectional research design. Data collection was obtained from the filling out of the HU-DBI (Hiroshima University - Dental Behavioral Inventory) questionnaire. Results: After analyzing the results of the study, it is known that the significance value (p) is> 0.05, so there is no correlation between mother's behavior and DMF-T / dmf-t value (DMF-T score) both in terms of knowledge, attitudes, Practice and correlations with dental care needs. Conclusion: the results of research that has been done shows that there is no significant relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practice in maintaining oral health with caries index and care needs in children with autism.

Self-Reported Oral Health Attitudes and Behaviors, and Gingival Status of Dental Students.

AimThe aim of this study was to assess self-reported oral health attitudes and behaviors of the Iraqi dental students and compare the variations in these attitudes and behaviors that linked to dental education level and gender.Materials and MethodsA self-administered questionnaire depended on the English version of the Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI) was prepared, the questionnaire given to 198 dental students.ResultsAbout 91.4% of the dental students were worried about the teeth colour, and merely minor percentage of them (18.8%) thought it is not crucial to seek dental advice until they acquire a tooth pain; however, 26.3% of the students were disturbed because of their gum colour, and 75.3% of them examined their teeth after brushing. Besides, 72.2% of the students replied that gum disease could not be prevented by tooth brushing only, 60.1% of the students do not give visiting the dentist such concern, and 14.1% of dental students were smokers. The plaque and gingival indices were significantly higher in preclinical students than clinical students.ConclusionIraqi dental students had somewhat good oral health behavior and attitudes; however, extra concentrating is required on the anticipatory and behavioral aspects of oral self-care practices. Female dental students displayed better oral health behavior and attitudes than male colleagues on some issues.

The research of health education programme efficiency in changing the attitudes and behaviours of dental students in the field of oral health

Introduction/Aim. The interest in oral health quality and the tendency to evaluate, provide, improve and compare it, are constantly improving. The main aim of this research was to examine the effectiveness of health education programme to change habits, attitudes and behaviours of dental students. Methods. The research was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry in Pancevo. The first stage was related to the survey, the measurement of oral health status and the implementation of targeted health education. The second stage was conducted after the health education intervention, as a survey of attitudinal and behavioural changes and clinical measurement of oral health change. The sample consisted of 65 first-year and 54 fourth-year students, a total of 119 students. The following were defined as research instruments: the research record, questionnaires [the original questionnaire, Hiroshima University Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) questionnaire] and health education intervention for modelling factors that determine attitudes and behaviours related to oral health. The Decayed-missing-filled (DMF) index was used to evaluate oral health and hard dental tissue conditions. Results. At the beginning of the research we asked the students: ?Do you think your mouth and teeth condition is good?? Contrary to our expectations, 15.4% of the first-year students and 37% of the fourth-year students did not know the answer, or thought they had a problem. 80% of the first-year and 85.2% of the fourth-year students had positive attitude about the statement that once in six months they should go to the dentist for a check-up. 7.7% of the first-year students did not remember the last time they had visited a dentist. The implemented health education intervention led, to some ex-tent, to changes in habits, attitudes and behaviours of students related to oral health. Conclusions. Students of dental medicine do not have sufficiently clear attitudes and safe behaviour regarding oral health. Targeted health education intervention represents the method of choice to take care of one?s own health.

The application of artificial intelligence algorithms for testing the correlation between the state of oral health and adolescent behavior concerning oral health

Background/Aim. A period of adolescence is characterized by turbulent emotional, physical and physiological changes. There are numerous risk factors that may endanger the oral health of adolescents as the influence of parents reduces, while the influence of the environment and peers increases. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the behavior of adolescents concerning oral health, using a new statistical method ? artificial intelligence algorithms. Methods. In the first part of the survey, data on the behavior of adolescents related to oral health were collected. Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU DBI) questionnaire was used, and additionally expanded with three questions. The second part of the study included clinical examination. The research was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry in Pancevo, Serbia. The first and second grade high school students were selected for the observation unit. The total sample consisted of 374 students (128 males and 246 females). We applied a special programming language called Python for parsing data, creating a database in digital form, processing data by standard statistical methods and through the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) method. Results. The artificial intelligence algorithms clustered the respondents into two groups, based on their responses from the HU DBI questionnaire. Thus, the quality of the method and the need for analysis of this type in dental studies are demonstrated and proven. Conclusion. Based on the results obtained through artificial intelligence algorithms, we could conclude that respondents should rather be clustered into characteristic groups and analyzed than divided and observed according to sex, as it is the intuitive division.

A comparative study of oral health attitude and behavior of dental and public health students in Ardabil, Iran using the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the self-reported oral health attitude and behavior of undergraduate dental and public health students, in Ardabil city, Iran to analyze the differences based on the field of education, gender, and level of education. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on 195 (119 dental and 76 public health) students using Hiroshima University Dental-Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI). Demographic questions including gender, educational field, and level of education were added to the questionnaire. The frequency of responses to the questions in the questionnaire was separately analyzed, tabulated, and reported. The effect of educational field and gender and level of education of students on their oral health attitude and behavior was analyzed using the chi-square test and Pearson correlation coefficient. The value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were some differences in oral health behavior between dental and public health students. Public health students showed more frequent use of hard toothbrush (P = 0.05) and hard strokes (P = 0.02). Overall, there were no statistically significant differences between female and male students (P > 0.05). No change in attitude occurred by an increase in the level of education (P > 0.05). Conclusion: There were some differences in dental health attitude and behavior of dental and public health students.

Action Taken in Managing Dental Health of Children due to Mother’s Oral Health Literacy Level

Background. The index of dental care needs of children from year to year tend to increase as shown in the results of the National Basic Health Research (Riskesdas). Children are individuals who still need the involvement of parents, especially mothers, in determining the attitudes and actions they will take to manage their dental health.&#x0D; Methods. This study is a cross-sectional research in which a total of 108 women of childbearing age were randomly selected. An assessment was carried out on the actions taken by the mother in managing her child’s dental health using the HU-DBI instrument (Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory), and Health Literacy in Dentistry (HeLD), to see the relationship with the level of dental health literacy they have.&#x0D; Results. There was a significant difference in the aspect of understanding, in different decision making (p=0.044) between the group of mothers who had a low HeLD score (3.52±0.77) and the group of mothers who had a high HeLD score (3.70±0.46).&#x0D; Conclusion. The results showed that the aspects of understanding, ability to receive-treat-translate dental health information, and literacy level would lead to different actions in managing children’s dental health.