Modeling of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Determinants of Oral Health Behavioral Intention in Mothers of Children Under 6 Years of Age in Iraq Publisher

Summary: Can a mother's behavior predict her child's oral health? A study in Iraq found that perceived behavioral control was a key factor influencing mothers’ intentions. Focus on this for better outcomes! #OralHealth #BehavioralScience

Abdulameer Hadi Al Sarray R ; Amirian E ; Alzubidi M ; Mohebbi S Z
Source: Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Research Published:2026

Abstract

Introduction: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends improving oral health behaviors as essential for the prevention of Early Childhood Caries (ECC), and several studies have evaluated different approaches to explaining human behavior through behavioral and cognitive-behavioral theories. This study aimed to explain predictors of mothers’ behavioral intention regarding the oral health of their under-6-year-old children in Iraq based on the Theory of Planned Behavior using structural equation modeling. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage random sampling method, including 926 mothers of under-six-year-olds in Iraq in 2023. A valid questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behavior evaluated attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and behavioral intention. Descriptive analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to describe the data and examine the association among the variables. Results: Out of 926 children, 59.5% were girls. The mean age of the children was 4.0 (SD = 0.9) years, and the mean age of the mothers was 30 (SD = 5.2) years. The mean scores of the attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention were 17.5 out of 20, 14.8 out of 20, 18.7 out of 32, and 20.4 out of 24, respectively. Subjective norm score (estimation = 0.12, p-value < 0.001), perceived behavioral control score (estimate = 0.06, p-value < 0.001), and attitude score (estimation = 0.15, p-value < 0.001) positively predicted behavioral intention, with perceived behavioral control being the strongest predictor. Conclusion: The TPB was supported for predicting behavioral intention in our study population. The health holders should consider the TPB constructs, in particular perceived behavioral control, for improving behavioral intention. © 2026 Tehran University of Medical Sciences.