Using the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior to Assess Adults’ Intentions of Preventive Dental Care

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to test an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) that includes attitudes, subjective norms and self-efficacy, sociodemographic variables, dental beliefs and insurance on the intention to seek preventive dental care among adults in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 397 Saudi adults living in Makkah. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was performed to analyze the various factors that affect the likelihood of people seeking dental care. RESULTS: The results of the study revealed that perceived norms (estimate = 0.14; P = 0.004) and self-efficacy (estimate = 0.22; P < 0.001) were associated with the likelihood of people getting preventive dental care. However, attitudes showed no effect on the likelihood of people seeking dental care. The study also explained that the relationship between the beliefs of people and the intention to receive preventive care was moderated by subjective norms and perceived behavioral control (indirect effect t = 0.089, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study’s results revealed that an integrative model of behavior prediction could be used to design effective interventions and strategies to enhance the likelihood of individuals seeking preventive dental care. In particular, these strategies should focus on enhancing subjective norms and self-efficacy.