Evaluation of oral hygiene self-efficacy, knowledge, and motivation among young adults of rural-based tamilian population: A prospective cohort study

Background Oral hygiene is the most essential factor in the prevention and therapy of many diseases, especially the periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral hygiene-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and motivation of the young adults of rural-based Tamilian population, with their current oral hygiene practices to assess the effect of patient motivation after initial periodontal therapy. Materials and Methods A hundred patients filled out questionnaires based on their oral hygiene-related knowledge. Plaque index, gingival index, and gingival bleeding index were recorded and correlated with their questionnaire knowledge. Initial periodontal therapy and motivation were done to all patients. After 6 months, oral health status was evaluated again. Results There was a lower correlation value with insignificant P value between the questionnaire score and plaque and gingival index score, (r = 0.125, 0.166). However, the correlation between questionnaire score and modified papilla bleeding index score was high (r = 0.254) with significant (P = 0.011). After 6 months following the initial periodontal treatment, significant decrease in all the three indices scores was noted with significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion Oral hygiene-related motivational approaches targeting rural young adult population has the potential to predict oral hygiene behavior and influences the clinical outcomes.