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Table 4 Health beliefs model (HBM) categories and other variables*

From: Factors affecting oral examinations and dental treatments among older adults in Israel

 

Category

Cronbach Alpha

Questionnaire items

1

Perceived importance of dental health

0.651

• Dental health is very important

• Routine dental examinations are very important

• Treating dental issues is as important as treating other health issues

• Routine dental examinations prevent dental and gums issues

• Routine dental hygienist treatments prevent dental and gums issues

2

Perceived benefits of dental examinations

0.676

• Routine dental examinations will prevent dental and gums issues

• It is important to take care of your teeth in order to save money that can later be used for treating severe dental issues

• Dental treatments and examinations help maintain teeth for a long time

3

Perceived barriers to dental examinations

 

• Dental treatments and examinations are time consuming procedures

• Dental treatments costs a lot of money

• Dental treatments are too risky

4

Perceived susceptibility

0.810

• There is a high probability that in the future you will have dental and gum issues

• In your opinion, during the coming year you will suffer from dental or gum issues

5

Perceived seriousness

 

• Dental and gum diseases may cause teeth loss

6

Dentist availability

 

• When I have dental issue, dentists are available

7

Trust in dentist

 

• How much trust do you have in your dentist?

8

Fear of dental examinations

0.903

• Concerned

• Afraid

• Terrified

• Nervous

9

Health motivation

0.670

• You get periodic examination every year, in addition to visiting the doctor when you are ill

• You usually act according to medical recommendations because you believe they will improve your health

  1. *Scale levels ranging from (1) “do not agree at all” to (5) “very much agree”