Explaining the intention of dental health personnel to report suspected child maltreatment using a reasoned action approach.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study provides an empirical test of the reasoned action approach (RAA) socio-cognitive theory with the aim of 1) predicting the intention of public dental health personnel (PDHP) to report suspected child-maltreatment to child welfare services (CWS); 2) estimating the effects of the theoretical constructs of RAA, including experiential and instrumental attitudes, injunctive and descriptive norms, and perceived capacity and autonomy regarding PDHP's behavioural intentions; and 3) exploring whether the RAA operates equivalently (i.e., is invariant) in male and female providers.

Methods

This national cross-sectional study was conducted in Norway. An electronic survey was distributed to 1542 dentists and dental hygienists working in the public dental health servi

SUBMITTER: Brattabo IV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6647276 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature