Objective: In the Transtheoretical model, behavioral change processes through a series of stages (Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action and Maintenance). The purpose of the study was to determine if there were an association between decisional balance, self-efficacy and stage of change. A further aim was to assess stage of change for interdental cleaning before and after two different oral hygiene interventions.
Method: A randomized (n = 104), evaluator-masked, clinical trial, with two different active oral hygiene behavior interventions, was analyzed with respect to stage of change at baseline and 12 months after non-surgical treatment. An individually tailored oral health educational program [ITOHEP] based on social cognitive principles were compared with a standard oral hygiene education program [ST]. A questionnaire consisting of Stage of Change instrument, Decisional balance instrument, and Self-efficacy instrument was used.
Result: Nearly 36 % was in maintenance stage and 47% in the preparation stage. Individuals in the maintenance stage had significant higher self-efficacy than those in contemplation stage (p<0.001). There were no association between stage of change and decisional balance. Significantly more individuals was in the maintenance stage after treatment than before (p<0.001). At baseline there were no differences between groups. At the 12 month follow-up significantly more individuals in the ITOHEP group was in the maintenance stage (p< 0.05) and significantly more individuals in the ST group was in the preparation stage (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Individuals with higher self-efficacy were to a greater extent in maintenance stage. Oral hygiene behavior interventions influence patients to move on to the maintenance stage. Patients receiving an individually tailored program were more successful in movement towards maintenance stage compared to patients receiving standard health education.