Ethics code: IR.BUMS.REC.1403.229
1- Health Metrics Research Center, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
2- Student Research Committee, Qaen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
3- BA in Public Health, Alborz Province Education Department, Karaj, Iran
2- Student Research Committee, Qaen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
3- BA in Public Health, Alborz Province Education Department, Karaj, Iran
Abstract: (25 Views)
Objective(s): Given the existence of different reports regarding the level of health literacy and limitations of studies conducted on adopting preventive behaviors against dental caries among adolescents and the importance of students' health as an important segment of society, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy and adoption of preventive behaviors against dental caries among students.
Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, 240 second-year high school students in Qayen city were selected through multi-stage random sampling in the academic year 2023-2024 to participate in the study. Data collection tools included demographic and background characteristics, the Health Literacy Assessment of Adolescents (HELMA) questionnaire, and a tool for measuring dental caries preventive behaviors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and descriptive statistics and logistic regression. In addition, the significance level in the present study was considered less than 0.05.
Results: The mean (and standard deviation) score of adopting behaviors that prevent tooth decay among students was 6.412 (0.258) out of 14, which was at an unfavorable level. Also, the mean (and SD) score of health literacy was 54.625 (3.258) out of 100, which was at a limited level. According to the results of logistic regression, the variables of body mass index, family economic status, and health literacy were effective factors in adopting behaviors that prevent tooth decay.
Conclusion: Adoption of preventive behaviors against dental caries was lower among students who had low body mass index, had families with unfavorable economic status, and had insufficient health literacy. Therefore, it is suggested that more attention be paid to these students in designing educational programs to promote the adoption of preventive behaviors against dental caries among students.
Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, 240 second-year high school students in Qayen city were selected through multi-stage random sampling in the academic year 2023-2024 to participate in the study. Data collection tools included demographic and background characteristics, the Health Literacy Assessment of Adolescents (HELMA) questionnaire, and a tool for measuring dental caries preventive behaviors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and descriptive statistics and logistic regression. In addition, the significance level in the present study was considered less than 0.05.
Results: The mean (and standard deviation) score of adopting behaviors that prevent tooth decay among students was 6.412 (0.258) out of 14, which was at an unfavorable level. Also, the mean (and SD) score of health literacy was 54.625 (3.258) out of 100, which was at a limited level. According to the results of logistic regression, the variables of body mass index, family economic status, and health literacy were effective factors in adopting behaviors that prevent tooth decay.
Conclusion: Adoption of preventive behaviors against dental caries was lower among students who had low body mass index, had families with unfavorable economic status, and had insufficient health literacy. Therefore, it is suggested that more attention be paid to these students in designing educational programs to promote the adoption of preventive behaviors against dental caries among students.
type of study: Descriptive |
Subject:
Social Determinants of Health
Received: 2025/03/9 | Accepted: 2026/01/28 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/07/20
Received: 2025/03/9 | Accepted: 2026/01/28 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/07/20
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