R. Pavithra et al

Year : 2025 | Volume : 10 | Issue : 2 | Page : 13-24

Effectiveness of an Integrated Behaviour Change Model to Enhance Sense of Coherence and Oral Health Belief among 13–15-Year-Old School Children in Chennai City- An Interventional Study

R. Pavithra, MadanKumar PD

Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital, Thalambur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Address for correspondence:

Department of Public Health Dentistry,

Sri Venkateswara Dental College and Hospital, Thalambur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

pavithraravishankar@gmail.com

Aim:

To evaluate the effectiveness of an Integrated Behaviour Change Model to enhance Sense of Coherence, Oral Health Belief and Oral Health Related Behaviour among 13-15 year old school children in Chennai city.

Methodology:

An interventional study was carried out among 200 children aged 13-15 years. Oral Health Belief and Oral Health Related Behaviour were assessed. Sense of Coherence of students in intervention group was recorded using the 13-item Sense of Coherence Scale. Integrated Behaviour Change Model was used to improve Sense of Coherence, Oral Health Belief and Oral Health Related Behaviour of students in intervention group. Students in the control group received conventional oral health education. After six months, Oral Health belief and Oral Health Related Behaviour were assessed along with Sense of Coherence of students in intervention group.

Results:

After six months, the Oral Health Belief in the intervention group increased by 59% and Oral Health Related Behaviour was more among students in intervention group, than those in control group. Sense of Coherence score showed 10% increase in the intervention group.

Conclusion:

The intervention established in this study improved Sense of Coherence and Oral Health Belief.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this Article: Pavithra R et al., Effectiveness of an Integrated Behaviour Change Model to Enhance Sense of Coherence and Oral Health Belief among 13–15-Year-Old School Children in Chennai City- An Interventional Study. Int J Soc Rehab 2025; 10(2):13-24. doi: 10.56501/intjsocrehab.v10i2.ijsr0048