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Self-Efficacy, Psychological State, Oral Health Behaviour, and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Chinese Patients With Periodontal Disease

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Periodontal disease, a major oral disease, includes various inflammatory diseases that affect the tooth support structure (gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament) and can lead to tooth loss and promote systemic inflammation, affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy, psychological state, oral health behaviours, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with periodontal disease. METHODS: Convenience sampling was implemented to recruit participants diagnosed with periodontal disease. Data on demographic characteristics, tooth brushing frequency, and self-reported oral health status were collected using a structured questionnaire. Participants were assessed using the General Self-Efficacy Scale, 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Finally, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to identify associations. RESULTS: Of the 366 participants included in the study, 77.6% reported brushing their teeth at least twice daily, and 53.4% reported using dental floss at least once daily. The mean OHRQoL score (OHIP-14) was 24.7. The SEM showed a good fit. Depression was negatively correlated with self-efficacy (β = -0.235, P < .001), while self-efficacy was positively correlated with oral health behaviours (β = 0.176, P < .001). Furthermore, oral health status, socioeconomic status, depression, and anxiety were significant predictors of OHRQoL. CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy played an important role in establishing good oral health behaviours. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Future interventions should prioritize enhancing self-efficacy and paying more attention to psychological factors (such as depression) to effectively promote oral health behaviours.

Source: International Dental Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2026.109669