# Self-efficacy and oral health-related quality of life among immigrants in Southeast Iran: a cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

The study found that higher self-efficacy is linked to better oral health quality of life among Afghan immigrants in Iran.

## Contribution

This study establishes a novel link between self-efficacy and oral health-related quality of life in immigrant populations.

## Key findings

- Higher education and income were associated with greater self-efficacy.
- A significant negative correlation was found between self-efficacy and OHIP-14 scores.
- Culturally adapted education and healthcare access are recommended to improve outcomes.

## Abstract

Oral health is a key component of overall well-being. This study examined the relationship between self-efficacy and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Afghan immigrants in Southeast Iran.

In this cross-sectional study, 400 immigrants were surveyed using convenience sampling. Data were collected using validated questionnaires on oral health self-efficacy (OHSQ) and OHRQoL (OHIP-14). Data analysis included Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA, independent t-tests and multiple linear regression.

The mean age of participants was 31.22 ± 14.03 years. A significant disparity was observed in self-efficacy scores, with the overall mean at 2.81 (SD = 3.09), brushing at 2.76 (SD = 3.02), and flossing notably low at 0.05 (SD = 0.40). The mean OHIP-14 score of 19.46 ± 8.01 indicated a moderate level of oral health-related impairment. Higher education and income were significantly associated with greater self-efficacy, while female gender and lower educational levels were associated with poorer OHRQoL. Critically, a significant negative correlation was found between overall self-efficacy and OHIP-14 scores, supporting the association between higher self-efficacy and better OHRQoL.

This study confirms that higher self-efficacy correlates with better oral health in Afghan immigrants in Iran. Essential interventions include culturally-adapted education in native languages and addressing key barriers like lack of insurance and low education. Despite the cross-sectional design limitations, integrated public health strategies combining self-efficacy building and healthcare access are strongly recommended.