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

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.