Factors Influencing Oral Health Behaviors among Primary School Children in Samroiyod District, Prachuabkirikhan Province

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive research was to explore the factors influencing oral health behaviors among primary school children. Samples were 184 of Prathomsuksa 4-6 schoolchildren in Samroiyod district, prachuabkirikhan Province, July, 2006. Data was using a questionnaires and analyzed by using computer by percentage mode, frequency, mean, standard division, Pearson's moment correlation coefficient, Eta and stepwise multiple regression. The study found that oral health behaviors in primary school children were at a good level, families income and parent's education were not significantly correlated to oral health behaviors (p > 0.05). Parent's role model, social support were significantly positive correlated to oral health behaviors (r = 0.655 and 0.54, p < 0.05). Factors of perceived benefits of action were significantly positive correlated to oral health behaviors (r = 0.285, p < 0.05). Factors of parent's role model, social support, parent's education and perceived benefits to action were able to predict 51.8 percent of variances of oral health behaviors. The equation was

Ż (DHB) = 0.495 (Model) + 0.275 (Social support) + 0.110 (Education) + 0.113 (Benefits).