The Association Between Oral Health and the Tendencies to Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior in Biomedical Students-A Questionnaire Based Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being, and it is highly influenced by psychological factors. While mental health disorders are often associated with poor oral health, the impact of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) tendencies on oral hygiene behaviors remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between OCPD tendencies and oral health behaviors among biomedical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 biomedical students aged 18-30 years. Participants completed the Hiroshima University Dental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI) to assess oral health behaviors and the Five Factor Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Short Form (FFOCI-SF) to evaluate OCPD tendencies, and they were divided into high and low tendencies groups. Sociodemographic data were also collected. Statistical analysis of all collected data was performed using the MedCalc computer software for Windows^®. Results: The higher OCPD tendencies group was older (p = 0.003), with predominantly female students (p = 0.005), and with higher academic grades (p < 0.001). These participants exhibited significantly better HU-DBI total scores compared to the group with the lower tendencies (8.0 (7.0-8.0) vs. 7.0 (6.0-8.0); p < 0.001). Traits such as perfectionism, fastidiousness, and punctiliousness were significantly associated with better oral hygiene practices (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that OCPD tendencies in biomedical students positively influence oral health behaviors through traits like perfectionism and attention to detail, though excessive rigidity may pose risks such as over-brushing. However, future longitudinal larger-scale studies need to address these findings.

Keywords: biomedical students; obsessive–compulsive personality disorder; oral health; perfectionism.

Figure 1

Comparison of the HU-DBI total score between the group with the lower tendency toward OCPD (FFOCI-SF ≤ 144) and the group with a higher tendency toward OCPD (FFOCI-SF > 144). Abbreviations: HU-DBI—The Hiroshima University Dental Behaviour Inventory.

Figure 2

Correlation between the FFOCI-SF total score and HU-DBI total score (N = 384). Abbreviations: HU-DBI—The Hiroshima University Dental Behaviour Inventory; FFOCI-SF—Five Factor Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory—Short Form. * Spearman correlation coefficient.