Selfies, narcissism and oral health a cross - sectional study among adolescents and young adults in Mangaluru - India.

Abstract

Background: Selfies have been defined as "a photograph that one has taken of oneself, and are a continuing growing trend among Millennials and Gen Z". Narcissism refers to a personality trait of an extraordinary self-awareness and adoration. Studies have shown a close relationship between selfie-taking behavior, narcissism and oral health. Hence, a study was conducted with aim of assessing correlations between perceived health, perceived oral health, selfie-taking behavior, narcissism and oral health behavior in an adolescent population.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional questionnaire study was designed using relevant literature for collating information on sociodemographic characteristics, frequency of dental visits, selfie-taking behavior and perceived oral health. Oral health examination was performed to assess decay and plaque using DMFT index and Plaque index. Narcissism was assessed using The Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory Short Form.

Results: The study included a sample of 163 participants. The associations between selfies taken per day and perceived oral health was statistically significant (p value 0.047*). Binary logistic regression models were constructed, which were significant for perceived oral health and grandiose fantasy. Plaque Scores showed significant corelations between indifference, manipulativeness, thrill seeking and age. Step forward binary regression demonstrated a significant odds ratio for grandiose narcissism followed by selfie-taking behavior.

Conclusion: This study revealed a correlation between perceived oral health and selfie-taking behaviour. Further studies are required to assess selfie-taking behaviour and oral health.