Health Belief Model and Social Support in Shaping Intentions for Oral Health Examinations

Bibliographic Data

ID21650744
AuthorsS Y Zhang (0009-0008-6682-4172, Fudan University), Shuruo Zhang (Fudan University, Shanghai, China), Hongyan Shi (0000-0001-8318-3305, Minhang District Dental Disease Prevention and Treatment Institute, Shanghai, China), Xinrui Shi (0009-0002-9081-5635, Fudan University, Shanghai, China), Xiaoming Xu (0000-0001-7266-7611, Minhang District Dental Disease Prevention and Treatment Institute, Shanghai, China), Jiwei Wang (0009-0008-2448-945X, Fudan University, corresponding author), Ji-Wei Wang (0000-0003-2530-7204, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume53
Issue3
Pages269-277
Publication date2026-06-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Education & Behavior (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1090-1981 • E-ISSN: 1552-6127
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10901981251382136
PMID41126790
OpenAlexW4415463993
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited38

Oral diseases are affecting over 3.5 billion people globally, but they are largely preventable. Regular oral health examinations (OHEs) help detect early signs of dental and systemic diseases, yet many individuals fail to seek OHE due to factors like cost and lack of awareness. This study explores the factors influencing individuals’ intention to undergo OHE using the Health Belief Model (HBM) and social support theory. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in January 2024 with 807 participants from Minhang District. Questionnaires assessed sociodemographic characteristics, health beliefs, and perceived social support. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the factor structure of the HBM scale, and hierarchical multiple regression was employed to identify predictors of participants’ intention to undergo OHE. Sociodemographic factors such as gender, education, income, and health insurance status significantly influenced OHE intention. Perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and family social support were key predictors. The integrated model combining HBM and social support theory effectively explained individuals’ intention to undergo OHE. These findings highlight the importance of raising awareness, reducing barriers, and utilizing family support to encourage preventive oral care. In addition, government efforts should focus on incorporating OHEs into routine health examination programs to ensure institutional support for preventive care

Exploratory factor analysis · Exploratory research · Focus group · Health belief model · Public health · Risk perception · Social influence · Social support · Structural equation modeling · Dental Health and Care Utilization · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Healthcare Systems and Reforms

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