Related factors of the approval for the community water fluoridation program in Incheon Metropolitan City

Kim, Ju Yeong; Choi, Jun Seon

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to heighten the community residents' support and approval on the community water fluoridation program, which presents the basic data in devising strategies that will expand the program.
METHODS
The research subjects of this study were 700 adults, over the age of 20, who resided in the Incheon Metropolitan City. In order to analyze the factors that were related to the approval on administering the community water fluoridation program, the data were analyzed using a chi-squared test and a multiple logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS
Respondents approving the implementation of the community water fluoridation program, in Incheon Metropolitan City, were 58.7%. Major reasons for opposing the program were 'harmful', 'influence the taste and color of water', and 'objections without a particular reason'. The approval rate for implementation of the program was higher in the group who perceived that oral health was good and practiced oral health behaviors, like visiting the dental clinics on a regular basis. Also, it was higher in the group who had the experience of hearing of this program at least once and a higher knowledge of the community water fluoridation program. Especially, the strongest correlations were found between the knowledge of community water fluoridation program and the approval rate for implementation the program.
CONCLUSIONS
In order to enhance the rate of approval on administrating the community water fluoridation program, it is necessary to publicize the purpose, effect, and stability of this program, through a diverse mass media and reinforce the health education program to oral health management.