ABSTRACT
Orodental diseases have harmful outcomes in children and adults and encompass 5-10% of the total cost of health care. Trans-theoretical model predicts change and time of behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine stages of inter-dental cleaning behavior based on trans-theoretical model in male and female students in Yazd, Iran. This cross-sectional study included 361 pre-university students from 8 schools by cluster sampling method. Data were collected and recorded in a valid and reliable questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics, self-efficacy questions, and decisional balance [perceived advantages and perceived obstacles] and stages of change in inter-dental cleaning behavior. The data were analyzed by using SPSS software. 54.8% of the subjects were female and 45.2% male with a mean age of 17.35 +/- .55 years.%50 of students [n=179] were in pre-contemplation, 5.3% [n=19] in contemplation, 24.1% [n=87] in preparation, 8.6% [n=31] in action and 12.5% [n=5] in maintenance stages of inter-dental cleaning behavior. There was a positive significant relationship among stages of change with self-efficacy [r=0.33] and perceived benefits [r=0.19] also existed negative significant relation between stages of change and perceived barriers [r= -0.19]. Constructs of the model were statically significant predictors of stages of change and accounted for 0.15% of the variation, so that self efficacy was the most important predictor [beta=0.212]. In this study, most students were in pre contemplation stage. They will be probably exposed to dental caries in the future. Trans-theoretical model can be used to determine strategies for every stage of change of teeth-mouth self-care behavior and also for educational interventions and programs