Journal of School of Public Health and

Background and Aim: This paper reports on the predictors of high school students' oral health behaviors (OHBs) based on the Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM) in an attempt to identify effective factors that may be addressed through intervention efforts.

Materials and Methods: A multistage cluster sample of 403 high school students were recruited from 8 high schools in Marivan County, Iran. The study was conducted between April and July, 2010. Appropriate instruments were used to measure the relevant variables. The statistical analysis of the data included bivariate correlations, t-test, one-way ANOVA and linear regression.

Results: All HPM variables (perceived self-efficacy, perceived benefits and barriers, activity-related affects, interpersonal and situational influences and commitment to a plan of OHBs) were significantly related to OHBs among the respondents (p < 0.01), and a negative association was found between OHBs and perceived barriers (p < 0.01). All HPM variables were statistically significant predictors of OHBs and accounted for 42.2% of the variance.

Conclusion: Promotion of interpersonal influences and the students' perceived self-efficacy and also commitment to a plan of action should be priorities of any program aimed at promoting OHBs among students. School health care providers should suggest strategies to overcome the barriers of performing OHBs, rather than noting the benefits of these behaviors.