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Predicting Flossing through the Application of the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change among Minority Adolescents in the United States

Authors :
Manoj Sharma
Kavita Batra
Ching-Chen Chen
Chia-Liang Dai
Ravi Batra
David P. Cappelli
Source :
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; Volume 19; Issue 22; Pages: 15106
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Adolescents from minority groups are particularly susceptible to poor oral hygiene behaviors, including lack of daily flossing. This cross-sectional study aimed to conduct an exploratory behavioral research to identify evidence-based (theory-based) approaches to promote flossing behavior among African American/Black and Latinx/Hispanic (minority) adolescents. A 39-item psychometrically valid web-based questionnaire was used to collect responses from a nationwide sample of minority adolescents aged 10–17 years residing in the United States. The data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate statistical methods. Of 520 minority adolescents (260 African American/Black and 260 Latinx/Hispanic adolescents), the proportion of flossing was nearly equally split in the sample. A significantly higher proportion of minority adolescents who were flossing had access to floss as opposed to those who were not flossing (86.8% vs. 69.8%, p < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of minority adolescents who were not flossing did not visit the dentist over the past year as opposed to those who floss (25.2% vs. 14.7%, p < 0.001). Among the participants who were not flossing, gender, grade level, instruction in school regarding flossing, and multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change constructs were the significant predictors (p < 0.001) of initiating and sustaining flossing. The findings of this study will serve as baseline data for developing and evaluating effective evidence-based interventions using the MTM.

Details

ISSN :
16604601
Volume :
19
Issue :
22
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International journal of environmental research and public health
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....7dfca01d9db8d2b6fac3d26e797c2060