title: Motivation of adult female patients seeking orthodontic treatment: an application of Q-methodology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Motivation is the impetus for patients to seek orthodontic treatment, affecting adherence, treatment outcomes, and satisfaction. The aim of this study was to assess the motivation of adult female patients seeking orthodontic treatment, and classify the patients according to their motivations.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study used Q-methodology as the main tool. Q-samples were collected and categorized (35 items). Forty-two adult female patients were interviewed before treatment as the P-sample, and their responses were categorized into the Q-methodology grid. Participants were asked to rank-order a set of 35 statements (Q-sample) from "agree most" to "disagree most" (Q-sorting). The finished Q-grids were analyzed using PQ method 2.35.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four main factors were identified based on how adult female patients ranked statements: factor 1, patients who focus on their self-perception of their appearance; factor 2, patients who are concerned about the esthetics and function of their teeth; factor 3, patients who are easily influenced by others; factor 4, patients who want to improve their confidence and avoid negative thoughts caused by their teeth. The remaining patients who had other views did not match any of the above four groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The motivations of adult female patients seeking orthodontic treatment are complex. This study found that most adult female patients fell into one of four typical factor groups. Our findings may improve the adherence of adult female patients by developing a more ideal treatment program.
authors.affiliation: School of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Lu Cheng District, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Xia
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.affiliation: School of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Lu Cheng District, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Jiaxin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cai
authors.affiliation: School of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Lu Cheng District, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Beibei
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics, Wenzhou Medical University, Lu Cheng District, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Linjie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Lu Cheng District, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Feiou
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lin
keywords: Q-methodology; adult female patients; orthodontic treatment