Disparities in Oral Health Attitudes and Health Responsibility: A Cross-Sectional Comparison of Dental and Vocational Students Utilising the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioural Inventory and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II


Dayan E., Emiroğlu S.

European Journal of Dental Education, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/eje.70061
  • Dergi Adı: European Journal of Dental Education
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, EBSCO Education Source, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Public Affairs Index
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: dental education, health promotion, oral health attitudes/behaviours
  • İstanbul Kent Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Aim: The goal of this study is to examine the relationship between the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II and the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioural Inventory among dental and vocational school students in terms of healthy lifestyle habits and attitudes toward oral hygiene. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 373 participants (113 dental students and 260 vocational students) from Istanbul Kent University, using the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) scales. Responses to the HU-DBI questionnaire were analysed via chi-square tests, while scale scores were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: Dental students exhibited significantly higher HU-DBI scores compared to vocational students. A significant difference in HU-DBI scores was observed between 1st and 5th-year dental students. Notable disparities were identified between dental and vocational students in HU-DBI, total HPLP II, HPLP 1 (Health Responsibility) and HPLP 5 (Interpersonal relationships) scores. Conclusion: While dental education enhances students' dental awareness, no corresponding improvement was observed in healthy lifestyle scores. Curricular reforms are recommended to strengthen dental awareness education for non-dental students, alongside initiatives promoting holistic health practices across university populations.