ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DENTAL HEALTH ATTITUDES AND PREVENTIVE BEHAV IOUR AMONG MIDDLE-AGED LITHUANIANS

Abstract

Aims: To assess dental health attitudes and their association with preventive behaviours among middle-aged Lithuanian university employees.

Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among all 35-44-year old employees (n=862) of four Universities in Lithuania. Assessment of preventive dental health behaviours included reported preventive dental visits (check-ups) and reported frequency of tooth-brushing. Dental attitudes were assessed with 5 statements on a 5- point Likert scale from entirely agree (score 5) to entirely disagree (score 1). Data on demographic characteristics were collected and included: gender, marital status, education and income. Statistical evaluation was by ANOVA and Chi- square test.

Results: A total of 553 (64%) subjects responded of whom 79% (n=439) were women, 72% (n=397) were married/ cohabiting, 82% (n=451) had a university degree. In addition, 39% (n=214) of the sample reported a medium household income, while 38% (n=210) were below and 23% (n=124) above it. A preventive check-up as the reason for habitual dental attendance was reported by 51% (n=282) of respondents, significantly more often by women (54% vs. 40%, p=0.011) and by those with higher income (61% vs. 44%, p=0.008). Of the sample 68% (n=374) reported brushing their teeth at least twice daily, significantly more often by women (73% vs. 50%, p<0.001) and those with university education (70% vs. 57%, p=0.013). The average sum score of statements on dental health attitudes assessment was 22.6 (SD=2.0, range 15-25). Higher scores for dental health attitudes were reported by those habitually visiting a dentist for preventive check-ups (22.9 vs. 22.3, p<0.001) and brushing their teeth at least twice daily (22.9 vs. 22.0, p<0.001), also by women (22.8 vs. 22.1, p=0.001) and those with university education (22.7 vs. 22.3, p=0.028).

Conclusions: In the population studied the women and subjects with university education demonstrated better dental health attitudes. Preventive dental health behaviour was associated with better dental health attitudes among middleaged Lithuanians.