THE INVESTIGATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF PERFECTIONISM ON ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE PREVENTION OF DENTAL DISEASES

Abstract

To examine the relationship between the oral health behavior and perfectionism. Methods. A total of 450 patients were enrolled in this study aged from 18 to 25. Behavioral, socio-economic and clinical data were collected through questioning and clinical examination. Perfectionism was assessed using N.G. Garanyan and A.B. Kholmogorova Perfectionism questionnaire. Results. Poor oral hygiene was observed in 62,5% patients. The frequency of tooth cleaning was correlating negatively with such components of perfectionism as "Perception of people as delegating high expectations" (PPD) (r = -0.36; p <0.05); "Selecting information about personal failures" (SIF) (r = -0.33, p <0.05). "Self- reported gingival condition" showed negative correlation with "General perfectionism index"(GLP), "Inflated claims and demands to oneself" (ICD) (r = -0.27, p <0.05). There was positive correlation between hygiene index OHI-s and PPD (r = 0.44, p <0.05), ICD (r = 0.41, p <0.05), SIF (r = 0.47, p <0.05), "Polarized thinking" (r = 0, 35, p <0.05), GLP (r= 0,50; p<0,05). Conclusion. Patients had low level of oral health knowledge. Patients who are striving for ideal, exemplary behavior, themselves, will lowly assess the health of the gums. Striving for their "inner ideal", direct all their strength and attention to work, study or any other activity, and pay less attention to health, less watch for the condition of the teeth, compared to patients who have low scores on perfectionism.