Health Locus of Control: A Determinant of Oral Health among Tobacco users in Rural India

Purpose: The concept of health locus of control is important because of its relation with health attitudes, behavior and coping styles. This study was done to compare the locus of control orientation and oral health status of tobacco users with that of non-tobacco users.

Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on rural population in southern Indian state. All the participants were interviewed to gather data on their socio-demographic correlates, oral health related behavior and health locus of control with the help of a pre-tested questionnaire. Clinical examination was done using WHO oral health assessment form (1997).Main outcome measures were Locus of Control, Oral Health (dental caries status and periodontal status).

Results: Tobacco users were found to score lower on the dimension of Internality and higher on the Chance dimension compared to non-tobacco users. The prevalence and severity of periodontal disease was significantly higher in tobacco users than non-tobacco users irrespective of age and socioeconomic strata.

Conclusion: It was also concluded that non-tobacco users had internal orientation to health locus of control thereby being important behavioral factor controlling health in this group.Findings also demonstrated significant association between tobacco usage and adverse periodontal health.