Investigating the relationship between self-reported oral health status, oral health-related behaviors, type A behavior pattern, perceived stress and emotional intelligence

Abstract

Aim: Our aim was to determine students' self-rated oral health and oral-health-related behaviors in relation to type A behavior pattern (TABP), self-perceived stress (PSS) and emotional intelligence (EI).

Material and methods: The present study sample consisted of 344 first to sixth year dental students. The questionnaire included information about socio-demographic factors, behavioral variables, self-reported oral health status, TABP, PSS and EI.

Results: Significant differences were found on EI and PSS Scale according to several variables: gender, year of study, anxiety in the every day life, perceived dental health, self-reported gingival condition, self-reported gum bleeding and reason for the dental visit (P<0.05). Oral health behaviors such as flossing and mouthrinse frequency and last dental visit were not influenced by TABP, EI or PSS-10 scales. However, the results showed that mean levels of TABP in individuals with a toothbrushing frequency more than twice a day were higher than, but not statistically different from, those of individuals brushing less than once a day. The scales are inter-correlated, as was replicated there: TABP with EI, EI with PSS, anxiety with PSS (P<0.01).

Conclusions: The result suggested that emotional intelligence might be a psychosocial risk marker that influences self-reported oral health status and behaviour.