J Dent Hyg Sci.  2022 Dec;22(4):215-221. 10.17135/jdhs.2022.22.4.215.

Awareness Survey on Community Water Fluoridation by Region

• Joung YE
• Kim MH
• Kim HL
• Baek JY
• Jang YJ
• Choi JY
• Oh SH

• KMID: 2537452
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17135/jdhs.2022.22.4.215

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study is to investigate the pro-con of re-implementation by administrative areas and the difference in perception of community water fluoridation in implemented and non-implemented areas after the community water fluoridation in Korea was suspended. Through this, we intend to provide basic data that can help find ways to increase the support and interest of local residents.
Methods
The 601 questionnaires collected through the survey and statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Statistics 28.0.
Results
As a result of analyzing the perception of the community water fluoridation according to the understanding of fluorine, the proportion of people who were not recognized by both fluorine and community water fluoridation was the highest (p＜0.05). As a result of the analysis of the pro-con of re-implementation of community water fluoridation, the approval was high. Among those who responded in favor, the place of re-implementation showed that ‘implementation nationwide’ was high. As for the reason for favor, it was found that it was possible to prevent dental caries disease. The reason for the objection was the lack of knowledge about fluoride.
Conclusion
The results of the survey for the pro-con of the re-implementation of community water fluoridation showed a higher degree of ‘agree’ and showed that people in the area where community water fluoridation was not implemented showed higher interest in oral health prevention and management. Through this, not only oral education, but also correct information on the implementation method of community water fluoridation, the benefits of community water fluoridation, and the facts that were misunderstood in the past, as well as oral education, can be provided to raise interest in community water fluoridation. It is thought that the expected effect of the re-implementation of community water fluoridation can be obtained if such activities are carried out.

Keyword

Dental caries; Fluoridation; Fluoride; Perception