Assessment of the Predictors of Compliance in Orthodontic Patients using the Health Benefit Model

Abstract

Introduction: Orthodontic treatment success hinges not only on clinical need but also on the patient’s subjective perception of that need, which greatly influences compliance and treatment outcomes. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Health Belief Model (HBM) in predicting compliance among orthodontic patients, aiming to identify the best predictors of compliance to help healthcare professionals design more effective treatment plans.

Methodology: The study involved 65 patients aged 12-18 years undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy. A structured questionnaire based on HBM constructs was distributed to these patients before treatment, with responses scored on a 4-point Likert scale. Patients were observed clinically for one year to assess compliance, categorized into compliant (C1) and non-compliant (C2) groups, and matched to their predicted compliance from the questionnaire.

Results: HBM-based questionnaire effectively predicted compliance, with C1 patients showing more positive perceptions of HBM constructs compared to the C2 group, thus validating HBM's utility in this context. The odds ratio of 2 with a 95% confidence interval highlighted a strong association between predicted and actual compliance. The model summary revealed a high R² value of .952, indicating a strong link between compliance and HBM constructs, with cues to action showing the highest correlation.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the study confirms that the Health Belief Model is a valid and reliable tool for predicting patient compliance in orthodontic treatment, aiding orthodontists in improving treatment outcomes through better understanding and addressing patient perceptions.