Investigating the relationship among self-reported oral health status, oral health-related behaviors, and self-consciousness in Romanian dental patients.

Abstract:  BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether self-consciousness, self-reported oral health status, and oral health-related behaviors were associated in a Romanian population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected between January and March 2008. The sample consisted of 180 Romanian adults (mean age: 35.8 years; 72.6% women; 57% married) who were a random population drawn consecutively from the registry file of a private dental practice in the Iasi area. The questionnaire included information about demographic, psychologic, self-reported oral health, and oral health-related behavior items. The self-consciousness (SC) scale with three subscales (public SC, private SC, and social anxiety) was applied. RESULTS: Significant differences were found on the public SC scale in relation to denture/removable false teeth and on the total SC scale in relation to periodontal problems. When oral health behaviors were analyzed, private SC was associated with oral health behaviors (flossing, use of mouthrinse, and dental visit frequency). There was no association between toothbrushing frequency and the self-consciousness subscales. CONCLUSION: The moderating effects of self-consciousness should be considered when evaluating risk-reduction interventions and tailoring intervention efforts to oral health promotion.