Factors associated with seeking preventive dental care: An integrative model exploration of behaviors in Mexican immigrants in Midwest America

Abstract

Background: Mexican immigrants in the United States suffer from poor oral health. The objective of the current study was to explore the utility of applying theory-based factors associated with seeking preventive dental care in a sample of Mexican American adults. Methods: Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of a sample of 157 people of Mexican origin (64% female; age 34±11 years) recruited primarily from church congregations and lay community organizations in Central Indiana. Using the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction as the guiding framework, structural equation modeling was used to test factors associated with intention to seek preventive dental care. Results: Attitude towards seeking preventive dental care (estimate=0.37; p