Scale of self-efficacy in oral hygiene (OHSE): analysis of psychometric properties in Spain.

AIM: Oral self-efficacy has been shown to be an important variable in predicting successful treatment, preventing health risks and encouraging health-promoting behaviour. In the context of oral health, it is of paramount importance to facilitate the use of the Oral Hygiene Self-Efficacy Scale (OHSE) in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the OHSE scale in a sample of Spanish adults and offer standards for interpreting the scale.

METHOD: A sample of 360 people aged from 18 to 75 years was assessed using the OHSE scale. The scale was culturally adapted and translated, reliability tests, construct validity, comparison of means by sex and age group were carried out, and scales for evaluating the responses were prepared.

RESULTS

After eliminating six items, the reliability and validity analyses showed adequate psychometric properties. There were no differences between sex or age group.

CONCLUSION

The OHSE scale for a Spanish adult population has sufficient empirical support to be considered a valid and useful instrument with solid psychometric properties and it offers an opportunity for oral health education intervention programs aimed at the adult population.