Methods: A qualitative dual-methodological approach including focus group discussions and telephone interviews were conducted among adults aged 18 and above based on purposive sampling in different socio-economical regions in Tehran. After four focus group discussions data saturation was achieved and 21 telephone interviews succeeded to confirm those. Data were analysed using thematic analysis approach by means of codes and categories to develop themes.
Results: Four major themes in the analyses arouse: preventive aspects, main barriers to oral health service, social values and cultural traditional aspects. The study demonstrated good understanding in terms of prevention of periodontal disease, but lack of knowledge related to the etiology of the diseases, and disability to differentiate etiology, symptoms and prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease were revealed.
Conclusions: This study revealed a need for oral health education among Iranian adults to improve people’s knowledge and change their attitudes to achieve deeper understanding regarding development and prevention of periodontal diseases.