Self-liking, self-competence, body investment and perfectionism: associations with oral health status and oral-health-related behaviours.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate whether self-liking, self-competence, body investment and perfectionism were associated with self-reported oral health status and oral-health-related behaviours.


METHODS
The study sample consisted of 217 first-year dental students. The questionnaire included information about sociodemographic factors, behavioural variables, self-reported oral health status, self-liking, self-competence, body investment and perfectionism.


RESULTS
Significant differences were found on self-liking, self-competence and body investment subscales according to several variables: perceived dental health, current non-treated caries, current extracted teeth, satisfaction by the appearance of own teeth, the last time toothache occurred, self-reported gingival condition and self-reported gum bleeding. When oral health behaviours were analysed, an association between self-liking, self-competence and body investment subscales and flossing, mouthrinse and dental visit pattern was revealed. Toothbrushing frequency once a day or less was observed in persons with low-levels of self-liking, body care, body protection and perfectionism. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that age, gender, smoking habits, anxiety, stress, depression in everyday life, self-liking, self-competence, body image, care and protection were positively associated with oral health behaviours.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggested that self-liking, self-competence and body investment subscales might be the psychosocial risk markers that influence self-reported oral health status and behaviour.
Dumitrescu
Alexandrina L
AL
University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Carol Davila', Bucharest, Romania. alexandrina_l_dumitrescu@yahoo.co.uk
Toma
Carmen
C
Lascu
Viorica
V
D000367:Age Factors; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D004245:DMF Index; D003729:Dental Care / Q000523:psychology; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009909:Oral Health; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010551:Personality; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000523:psychology; D014099:Toothbrushing; D055815:Young Adult
D009067:Mouthwashes