Oral Health Beliefs and Behaviours Among Adults in the Seychelles: An Extended Health Belief Model Perspective

OBJECTIVES: This study explored oral health beliefs and behaviours among adults in the Seychelles through the perspective of the Extended Health Belief Model. The findings aim to inform contextually appropriate oral health promotion and prevention strategies for this population. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted among 84 purposively selected adults from Mahé, Praslin and La Digue in the Seychelles. Data were collected through 60 semi-structured individual interviews and three focus group discussions involving 24 additional participants. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using a hybrid deductive-inductive approach guided by the Extended Health Belief Model. Data collected from the structured introductory questions, including demographic and oral health-related information, were summarised using descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: Participants perceived themselves to be susceptible to oral diseases and regarded these conditions as serious, with pain serving as the primary cue to action for seeking dental care. Despite demonstrating awareness of recommended oral health practices, behaviours remained predominantly reactive rather than preventive. Preventive behaviours were influenced by culturally embedded beliefs, family and social norms, financial constraints, time limitations, fear and anxiety, and challenges within the oral health system. Although participants reported relatively high self-efficacy, this was not consistently reflected in their preventive oral health practices. CONCLUSION: Oral health behaviours among adults in the Seychelles were shaped by both individual beliefs and broader social, economic and health system factors. The Extended Health Belief Model provided a useful framework for understanding participants' oral health beliefs and behaviours. The findings further highlight the importance of considering the broader social, economic, cultural and health system context in which these behaviours occur. Oral health promotion strategies should therefore extend beyond information provision to address both individual beliefs and the conditions that influence people's ability to adopt and sustain preventive oral health behaviours.