J Korean Acad Oral Health.  2013 Mar;37(1):16-24. 10.11149/jkaoh.2013.37.1.16.

Oral health knowledge and behavior among nursing home employees in Seoul, Korea

• Cho NI
• Park SY
• Lee HS
• Oh HW

• KMID: 2190843
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11149/jkaoh.2013.37.1.16

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to analyze the level of knowledge on oral health and oral health behavior among nursing home employees.
METHODS
A self-reported survey was conducted for 480 workers in nursing care and residential care facilities for the elderly in Seoul, Korea.
RESULTS
The results showed that nursing home employees had more knowledge about denture management than about periodontal diseases. The perception of their own oral health and their level of concern about oral health were different among employees depending on their marital status, job tenure, and income. The average frequency of tooth brushing was 3.05 times per day. Employees with higher income visited the dentist more often.
CONCLUSIONS
Oral health education should be improved so that nursing home employees have the desirable level of knowledge about oral health and exhibit appropriate oral health behavior.

Keyword

Elderly; Employee; Nursing home; Oral health behavior

MeSH Terms

Aged
Dentists
Dentures
Humans
Korea
Marital Status
Nursing Care
Nursing Homes
Oral Health
Periodontal Diseases
Tooth