Relationship of locus of control with plaque and gingival status before and after oral health education in a group of college students - an experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: In health psychology, several models are being constructed to understand human behaviour. Multidimensional health locus of control (MHLC) is one among them. We sought to know the relationship of MHLC with dental plaque and gingival status before and after oral health education programme among 286 college students, aged 18-21 years in Davangere city. METHODS: Multidimensional health locus of control questionnaire consisting of questions measuring internal health locus of control (IHLC), powerful others health locus of control (PHLC) and chance health locus of control (CHLC) was administered to students. Dental plaque and gingival health status were recorded using Plaque Index (PLI) and Gingival Index (GI), 1967. Oral health education was provided using power point presentation after the baseline oral examination. After 10 weeks of intervention, the students were given the same proforma followed by the assessment of plaque and gingival status. RESULTS: A negative correlation was observed between PHLC and IHLC with PLI and GI and positive correlation of CHLC with PLI and GI at a level of P < 0.01. The difference between 'pre-test' and 'post-test' mean PLI scores, GI scores, PHLC was found to be statistically significant at a level of P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Oral health education was found to be effective and this could change the behaviour of individuals.