Instability of self-esteem and affective lability as determinants of self-reported oral health status and oral health-related behaviors.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to examine the impact of the instability of self-esteem and affective lability on students' self-rated oral health and oral health-related behaviors.


METHODS
The present study sample consisted of 178 first year medical students. A questionnaire was used to collect information about socio-demographic factors, behavioral factors, self-reported oral health status, the instability of self-esteem, and affective lability.


RESULTS
Significant differences were found on the instability of self-esteem and affective lability on the following variables: gender, smoking, anxiety, depression, stress in everyday life, number of extracted teeth, and satisfaction with appearance of one's own teeth (Ps<0.05). The level of instability of self-esteem had a consistent association with the self-reported oral health status and satisfaction with appearance of teeth. The affective lability total score was a determinant of the number of extracted teeth, last toothache, self-rated gingival status, while anger was correlated with the number of current non-treated caries, extracted teeth, toothbrushing, and flossing frequency.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate there is an increased risk for impaired dental health among subjects with instable self-esteem symptoms or symptoms of anger.
Dumitrescu
Alexandrina L
AL
Department of Periodontology of Faculty of Dentistry at University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila in Bucharest, Romania. alexandrina_l_dumitrescu@yahoo.co.uk
Dogaru
Carmen B
CB
Dogaru
Cristian D
CD
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D009909:Oral Health; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires