June 2011

Objectives: This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between self-regulation, proactive coping, procrastination and proactive attitude, perceived oral health and self-reported oral-health behaviours. Methods: The study sample consisted of 198 first year medical students. The questionnaire included information about socio-demographic factors, behavioural variables, self-reported oral health status, proactive coping (proactive coping subscale of the Proactive Coping Inventory), procrastination (Procrastination Scale) and proactive attitude (Proactive Attitude Scale). Results: Significant differences were found on self-regulation, proactive coping, procrastination and proactive attitude scales between participants who rated their gingival condition as very good/excellent and those who evaluated it as being poor, very poor or normal (p<0.05). Results revealed significant differences in procrastination level among individuals who never visit their dentist and those who visit their dentist for check-up or for tooth cleaning and scaling (p=0.001) or when treatment is needed or when in pain (p<0.05). In multiple linear regression analyses, proactive coping was associated with toothbrushing frequency and reason for dental visiting. Conclusions: The result suggested that procrastination and proactive coping are important determinants of perceived oral health and self-reported oral-health behaviours. Key words: self-regulation, proactive coping, procrastination, proactive attitude, oral health, oral health behaviours