An analysis of the qualitative factors which influence young people's acceptance of orthodontic care.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND METHOD: The qualitative data volunteered as responses to open questions in a self-administered questionnaire study were analysed to identify the psychological factors influencing young people's behaviour in relation to orthodontic care and to gain an understanding of the psychological factors which influence adolescents' acceptance of orthodontic care. The study was conducted in all Walsall and Dudley secondary schools. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The responses of the young people who were in year 10 of education with an average age of 15.0 years demonstrated the importance of personal constructs, peer group and media influences, parental influences, conflicting messages, teasing, symptom perception, appearance and self-image, and interpersonal relationships in determining whether or not young people either seek and accept or reject orthodontic treatment. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that it is essential that clinicians involve patients fully and honestly in discussions concerning their orthodontic therapy in order to enable them to make a considered consent.