Predicting the oral health-related behaviors of the Iranian elderly based on the extended theory of planned behavior.

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the predictors of oral health behaviors in older adults helps to design effective interventions. This will improve their oral health and overall well-being. The present study aimed to determine the predictors of oral health-related behaviors in Iranian elderly based on the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (ETPB).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Sanandaj City, western Iran, in 2024. In this research, 360 elderly people from retirement centers in Sanandaj City were surveyed using a multi-stage random sampling method. The data collection tools were the demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (ETPB) questionnaires, the Oral Health Literacy Adult Questionnaire (OHL-AQ), and clinical oral and dental examination. SPSS software version 26 was used for data analysis. The significance level was considered to be p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A mean age of 63.82 (± 5.15) years was estimated for the 360 ​​elderly. The linear regression results showed that all ETPB constructs predicted oral health behaviors in the studied elderly. This model could explain 40% of the variance in the oral health behaviors of the elderly. The strongest predictor of oral health behaviors was the behavioral intention construct (β = 0.404, p < 0.001. The Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) crown index showed a significant positive correlation with oral health behaviors (r = 0.278, p < 0.001) and OHL (r = 0.230, p < 0.001) as well as a significant negative correlation with attitude (r = -0.257, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The ETPB effectively identifies and predicts oral health behaviors in the elderly, with behavioral intention emerging as the strongest predictor. The DMFT-crown index correlated positively with oral health behaviors and oral health literacy, while attitude showed a significant negative association. Based on these results, interventions should prioritize strengthening behavioral intention, improving attitudes, and enhancing oral health literacy through theory-based educational programs to promote sustainable health practices in this population.