This study aimed to identify the associated factors for protective behaviors for dental radiation exposure (PBDRE) among dental hygienists using the health belief model (HBM). The HBM, which is composed of perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and cues to action, explains preventive behavior. In this study, self-efficacy and modifying factors were additionally applied to the HBM. The subjects of the study were 204 dental hygienists who were working at hospitals or clinics in Korea. An online survey was conducted to measure PBDRE-related factors based on the HBM and self-efficacy. The collected data were analyzed using frequency analysis, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Regarding modifying factors, performance was found to be high when protection facilities were sufficient (β = 0.24, p < 0.001) and low when radiation education was not received (β = -0.16, p < 0.05). Among the HBM factors, cues to action for PBDRE (β = 0.28, p < 0.001) was the most influential factor in the performance of PBDRE, and the effect of its perceived benefits on radiation exposure was also high (β = 0.17, p < 0.001). Regarding the performance of PBDRE according to the HBM, providing education programs on protection can stimulate appropriate cues to action to perform PBDRE. In addition, if the benefits of PBDRE are highlighted, the performance of PBDRE by dental hygienists is increased.
Keywords: dental hygienists; health belief model; radiation protection.