RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between self-control and self-confidence, and students' self-rated oral health and oral-health-related behaviours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study sample consisted of 178 first-year medical students. The questionnaire that was used in this study included information about sociodemographic factors, behavioural factors, self-reported oral health status, self-control and self-confidence. RESULTS: The results showed that mean levels of self-confidence in individuals with current extracted teeth and with poor/very poor perceived gingival condition were statistically significant and lower than those with no current extracted teeth and with self-rated excellent gingival health (P < 0.05). Also participants with self-reported gingival bleeding showed lower values of self-control compared with those with healthy non-bleeding gingiva (P < 0.05). When oral health behaviour was evaluated, it was shown that students with higher scores of self-control were more likely to use everyday mouthrinses (P < 0.05). The multiple linear regression analyses showed, for self-rated oral and gingival health status as dependent variable, a strong association with students' self-confidence level (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results support the view that self-confidence is related with oral health status, and individuals with impaired oral and gingival health have a low self-confidence level.
Asunto(s)
Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Estado de Salud , Salud Bucal , Autonomía Personal , Autoimagen , Controles Informales de la Sociedad , Ansiedad/psicología , Actitud Frente a la Salud , Atención Odontológica/psicología , Depresión/psicología , Estética Dental , Femenino , Enfermedades de las Encías/psicología , Hemorragia Gingival/psicología , Humanos , Masculino , Antisépticos Bucales/uso terapéutico , Satisfacción Personal , Estrés Psicológico/psicología , Estudiantes de Medicina/psicología , Extracción Dental/psicología , Cepillado Dental/psicología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
AIM: 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 AND MATERIAL: 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.