Development and Validation of the Locus of Control Scale for Oral Health Behavior

• Published in: JOURNAL OF DENTAL HEALTH Vol. 65; no. 4; pp. 339 - 347
• Main Authors: Sakiko SOUTOME, Kazumi KAJIWARA, Takahiko OHO
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japanese Society for Oral Health 30.07.2015
• ISSN: 0023-2831
• DOI: 10.5834/jdh.65.4_339

[Abstract]: [Objective]: To develop a locus of control scale for oral health behavior (LOCOH) that could be used to evaluate changes in both patients' behavior and consciousness regarding oral health, and to examine its reliability and validity. [Method]: First, an original scale comprising 38 items was designed and applied to 185 students. Next, by item analysis, we developed an original LOCOH comprising 16 items. The LOCOH score of each student was evaluated on the basis of the sum of all scores. The relationship between the LOCOH score and observed values on the self-efficacy scale for oral health was examined using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. [Results]: As a result of factor analysis, two factors were extracted: "external control for oral health" and "internal control for oral health". High-level reliability of the LOCOH was verified through sufficient internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.77-0.83). The LOCOH score showed a significant correlation with the generalized locus of control, suggesting its validity. The self-efficacy scales showed significant correlations with total, internal, and external scales of the LOCOH. [Conclusion]: High-level reliability and validity of the LOCOH indicate that it may be useful for the prediction and improvement of oral health behavior.