Disparities in oral health attitudes and health responsibility: A cross-sectional comparison of dental and vocational students utilising the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioural Inventory and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II

Abstract

Aim: The goal of this study is to examine the relationship between the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II and the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioural Inventory among dental and vocational school students in terms of healthy lifestyle habits and attitudes toward oral hygiene. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 373 participants (113 dental students and 260 vocational students) from Istanbul Kent University, using the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) scales. Responses to the HU-DBI questionnaire were analysed via chi-square tests, while scale scores were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: Dental students exhibited significantly higher HU-DBI scores compared to vocational students. A significant difference in HU-DBI scores was observed between 1st and 5th-year dental students. Notable disparities were identified between dental and vocational students in HU-DBI, total HPLP II, HPLP 1 (Health Responsibility) and HPLP 5 (Interpersonal relationships) scores. Conclusion: While dental education enhances students' dental awareness, no corresponding improvement was observed in healthy lifestyle scores. Curricular reforms are recommended to strengthen dental awareness education for non-dental students, alongside initiatives promoting holistic health practices across university populations.