Investigation of the Status and Associated Factors of Oral Health Habits in Mothers Visiting Health Centers in Shahrekord

Abstract

Background: Oral health habits are key factors in preventing oral diseases. This study aimed to investigate the status and factors associated with oral health habits in mothers visiting health centers in Shahrekord.

Method: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2023 on 167 mothers visiting comprehensive health service centers in Shahrekord. Sampling was done in a simple random way. Moreover, data were collected using the standard Adult Oral Health Literacy Questionnaire (OHL-AQ). A total health habits score was calculated from six behavioral items (questions 15-20), with each item scored based on behavior desirability, resulting in a possible range of 15 to 26. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA after confirming normality (Shapiro-Wilk test) and homogeneity of variance (Levene's test).

Results: The mean total score of mothers' health habits was 21.29 ± 2.36. 52.7% of mothers brushed their teeth once a day and 91% always used toothpaste. However, 19.2% never used dental floss. The most important sources for receiving oral health information were news (46.1%) and family (34.1%). The mean health habits score was significantly higher in mothers with university education (21.79) and those over 35 years of age (21.63) (p<0.05). No significant relationship was observed between the number of household members and health habits score.

Conclusion: While toothpaste use and dental visits are at desirable levels, dental floss use requires targeted improvement. Given that education and age were associated with better oral health habits, and that news media and family were the primary information sources, oral health interventions should prioritize younger and less-educated mothers through family-based programs and trusted media channels. These findings can inform health policy makers in designing demographic-sensitive oral health promotion strategies.