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Oral Health Beliefs as Predictors of Behavior: Formative Research for Oral Health Campaigns in South Africa

Chapman, Stellina M. Aubuchon
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1385140049

Abstract Details

2013, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Communication Studies (Communication).
Worldwide, oral diseases (e.g., cavities, gum diseases, etc.) are major public health problems. Research has shown that individuals' beliefs and perceptions can influence behavior. Identifying individuals' beliefs and perceptions that influence oral hygiene behaviors may pave the way towards understanding these oral health and hygiene behaviors. Little is known about South Africans' oral hygiene behaviors and their cultural beliefs that surround these behaviors. Most available research on oral hygiene in developing countries relates to behaviors from the Western dental system. Thus there is a gap in data on the South African population regarding the oral health beliefs that surround both their indigenous and adopted Western behaviors. This dissertation research sought to validate the use of an Oral Health Beliefs Survey (OHBS) that assesses South Africans' oral health and hygiene beliefs within the constructs of the health belief model (HBM). Additionally, this study examines individual level variables to determine whether HBM constructs are associated with oral health and hygiene behaviors of South Africans. This exploratory study is the first step at establishing a framework for understanding current perceptions about oral health and hygiene in South Africa, as well as determining what factor(s) influence(s) the ability to practice healthier oral health behaviors. Findings from this study will be helpful in guiding future research and health communication campaigns on oral health and hygiene in South Africa. Suggestions for future researchers include taking either a structure-centered or culture-centered approach to uncover how culture shapes oral health-related beliefs and behaviors.
Benjamin Bates, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Amy Chadwick, Ph.D. (Committee Co-Chair)
280 p.
Communication; Health
Oral health; Oral hygiene; Brushing; Flossing; Going to the dentist; South Africa; Oral health beliefs; HBM; Health Belief Model; Campaigns; Health communication; Oral health campaigns; Quantitative

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Chapman, S. M. A. (2013). Oral Health Beliefs as Predictors of Behavior: Formative Research for Oral Health Campaigns in South Africa [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1385140049

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Chapman, Stellina. Oral Health Beliefs as Predictors of Behavior: Formative Research for Oral Health Campaigns in South Africa. 2013. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1385140049.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Chapman, Stellina. "Oral Health Beliefs as Predictors of Behavior: Formative Research for Oral Health Campaigns in South Africa." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1385140049

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.