The relationship of health beliefs and psychological mood to patient adherence to oral hygiene behaviour

Patient adherence to oral hygiene instructions (compliance) is important for the success of periodontal treatment. However, there are many different definitions and measures of what constitute patient adherence. Also, many different models of patient behaviour have been studied, with inconsistent or conflicting findings. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between health beliefs (three aspects of dental health locus of control, health values and adherence intent), psychological mood and periodontal outcomes. Complete periodontal data were obtained for 47 untreated patients prior to instruction in oral hygiene, and again 4-6 weeks later. Psychological variables were measured by questionnnaire and adherence was measured by reductions in clinical variables (plaque and inflammation). Data were analysed using an item analysis of the questionnaire to assess the internal consistency of the subscales. The results showed overall stability in the psychological variables and reductions in the clinical variables. The main result was a series of negative associations between plaque scores and adherence intent. Inflammatory variables showed some association with psychological constructs related to dependence on external factors.