FACTORS INFLUENCING PREVENTIVE ORAL CARE BEHAVIORS: APPLYING THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR AND HEALTH BELIEF MODEL

Background: Preventive oral care is crucial for reducing the risk of oral diseases and promoting overall health. However, in Turkey, preventive care services have not yet reached the desired level and studies on the impact of health beliefs, trust, and dental anxiety on preventive dental attendance intentions and behaviors remains limited. Aim: This study examined the factors influencing individuals' behaviors in seeking preventive care, using a model that integrated the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Health Belief Model (HBM), anxiety, and trust. Method: The study employed a cross-sectional design, and data were collected through a survey from 523 participants in Ankara. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling, including reliability and validity assessment, bootstrapping for hypothesis testing, mediation analysis, and predictive assessment. Results: The findings showed that HBM constructs (except barriers), TPB constructs (except perceived behavioral control [PBC]), and anxiety predicted intention, while PBC, trust, and anxiety predicted behavior. Trust is negatively associated with anxiety and HBM barriers, while being positively associated with all other HBM and TPB constructs, including dental attendance, but shows no significant association with intention. Accordingly, anxiety and all TPB and HBM constructs (except PBC and barriers) fully mediated the relationship between trust and intention, whereas anxiety and PBC partially mediated the relationship between trust and behavior. Conclusion: This research provides valuable insights for oral healthcare providers to design targeted prevention and education initiatives, addressing various challenges like dental anxiety and trust that may hinder seeking preventive care.