Impact of Personality Traits and Motivation on Compliance to Fixed Orthodontic Appliance Therapy among Nigerian Adolescents

Abstract

Abstract
Background: This study determined the influence of patients' personality traits and motivation on compliance to fixed orthodontic appliance therapy among Nigerian orthodontic patients.
Methods: The sample comprised 123 patients aged 10-19 years seeking orthodontic treatment for the first time in three Nigerian Teaching Hospitals. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess patients' socio-demographics, personality traits, and factors influencing fixed orthodontic therapy. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, (SPSS version 16.0 for windows, SPSS inc, Chicago). Descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression were used and the significance level was set at p<0.05.
Results:The most predominant personality trait was agreeableness at 49.6%, while the least was extraversion at 8.9%. There was no significant gender difference in motivation and personality trait scores among the patients. Empathy, friendliness/politeness, and commendation by orthodontists positively affected compliance with treatment (p<0.05). Delay in attending to patients by orthodontists was the most discouraging factor to treatment. Whilst the conscientious personality trait showed a significant negative association with motivation (p<0.05), the openness trait demonstrated a significant positive association with the general desire to improve patients' oral health related quality of life (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The most exhibited personality trait among the patients was agreeableness. Empathy, friendliness/politeness and commendation by orthodontists positively affected compliance (p<0.05). Whilst the conscientiousness trait showed a significant negative relationship with motivation, openness had a significant positive association with the general desire to improve patients' oral health and quality of life. Prolonged waiting time was the most discouraging factor to treatment.

Keywords: Personality traits, Motivation and compliance, Orthodontic treatment, Nigerian Adolescents