Effect of a health belief model–based educational intervention on oral–dental health behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: an experimental study

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for oral-dental complications, yet there is limited evidence from Iran on whether theory-based educational interventions can produce sustained improvements in oral-dental self-care behaviors in this population. This non-blinded experimental study was conducted in 2023-2024 among patients with type 2 diabetes registered at the Fasa Diabetes Center. A total of 220 participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 110) or a control group (n = 110). Sample size was calculated using the formula for comparing two independent means with a 95% confidence level and 80% power, with allowance for attrition. The intervention group received six Health Belief Model based educational sessions (50-55 min each) delivered through group discussions, question-and-answer sessions, practical demonstrations, and educational materials; the control group received routine care. Data were collected at baseline and six months post-intervention using a validated questionnaire assessing knowledge, Health Belief Model constructs, and oral-dental health behaviors. At six months, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements compared with the control group in knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, cues to action, and oral-dental health behaviors (all p < 0.05). These findings provide evidence that Health Belief Model-based education can improve oral-dental self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes and support using the Health Belief Model as a practical framework for designing integrated oral-dental health education programs within diabetes centers.