• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.65-76
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• 2021

Objectives: In an aging society, the demand for dental medical institutions among the elderly is increasing. There will be an increased demand for high-quality oral health services. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing attitudes toward the elderly of Generation Z dental hygiene students. Methods: The participants in this study were 198 dental hygiene students. The survey was conducted from June 1 to 30, 2020, using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of knowledge (24 items), attitude (20 items), and experience (11 items) of the elderly. The collection data were compared and analyzed using analysis of variance and multiple regression. Results: Factors influencing attitudes toward the elderly of dental hygiene students appeared positive in those with a lot of experience and higher knowledge of social area, in case of one grade. However, the attitude toward the elderly appears negative in those with a low knowledge of physical area. Conclusions: In order to improve Generation Z dental hygiene students' attitudes towards the elderly, it is necessary to develop a course related to the elderly and a program related to high-quality elderly contact experience opportunities. Socially, it is necessary to promote healthy elderly life through internet broadcasting and YouTube.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.143-151
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The nutrition of the elderly depends on various factors. Oral health, especially oral dryness, can be an important risk factor. In this study, we attempted to determine whether dry mouth is associated with compromised nutrient intakes. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 120 participants aged 65-86 yrs (mean age: 69 ± 1 y) were included in this study. Demographic and health-related characteristics, living status, meals, number of medications, medical conditions, chewing ability, and quality of life, the Oral Health Impact Profile (the OHIP-14) were assessed. We performed one day 24-hr recall assessment for nutrient analyses. The differences of the means between the dry-mouth and non-dry-mouth groups were analyzed. Elderly subjects with xerostomia-induced dry mouth were classified as those who reported at least one dryness symptom on a questionnaire. RESULTS: A significant difference in population distribution was observed among the elderly who took medications for hypertension, diabetes and osteoporosis and was significantly higher in the dry-mouth group (70.2%) than in the non-dry-mouth group (44.4%) (P = 0.005). Compared with the non-dry-mouth group (50.8%), a significantly higher proportion (73.7%) of participants in the dry-mouth group took multiple medicines (≥ 4 medications) (P = 0.019). The intakes of vegetable fat, vitamin E, folate and water in the dry-mouth group were lower than in the non-dry-mouth group. The intakes of fluoride and ω-3 fatty acids were significantly lower in the dry-mouth group than in the non-dry-mouth group. CONCLUSION: The participants in the dry-mouth group exhibited low nutrient and water intakes. It is recommended that the elderly with dry mouth should drink sufficient water and receive targeted and specific nutritional guidance to prevent malnutrition.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.5869-5873
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• 2015

Background: Breast and cervical cancers are among the most frequent and most fatal cancers in women. Life span of patients may be increased and quality of life improved through early diagnosis and treatment. This investigation was performed in order to determine knowledge and practices of female health personnel working at a university hospital regarding breast and cervical cancers. Materials and Methods: This descriptive investigation was performed in Erciyes University Hospitals in 2014. A total of 524 female health personnel were included in the study. Data were collected through a questionnaire of 36 questions prepared by the researchers. The Chi square test and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. Results: The mean age of the study group was $32.8{\pm}6.9$ years, 18.3% being doctors and 81.7% nurses. Of the study group, 60.5% stated that they performed self breast-examination, 4.4% underwent HPV testing, 26.3% thought about taking an HPV test, 34.7% of those who are 40 years and over had mammography regularly and 19.5% of those who were married had a Pap smear conducted regularly. Most important causes of not performing the methods for early diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers are "forget and neglect". Conclusions: It was concluded that female doctors and nurses do not pay sufficient attention to screening programs for breast and cervical cancers. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment should be emphasized during the undergraduate education and in-service training programs. Health condition of personnel and their utilization of preventive health care should be followed by occupational physicians.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.93-97
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• 2015

PURPOSE. Xerostomia can diminish the quality of life, leads to changes in normal chemical composition of saliva and oral microbiata, and increases the risk for opportunistic infections, such as Candida albicans. Various artificial salivas have been considered for patients with xerostomia. However, the knowledge on the antifungal and antiadhesive activity of artificial saliva substitutes is limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate influence of two artificial salivas on the adhesion of Candida albicans to the polymethylmethacrylate disc specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Two commercial artificial salivas (Saliva Orthana and Biotene Oral Balance Gel) were selected. 45 polymethylmethacrylate disc specimens were prepared and randomly allocated into 3 groups; Saliva Orthana, Biotene-Oral Balance gel and distilled water. Specimens were stored in the artificial saliva or in the sterile distilled water for 60 minutes at $37^{\circ}C$. Then they were exposed to yeast suspensions including Candida albicans. Yeast cells were counted using ${\times}40$ magnification under a light microscope and data were analysed. RESULTS. Analysis of data indicated statistically significant difference in adhesion of Candida albicans among all experimental groups (P=.000). Findings indicated that Saliva Orthana had higher adhesion scores than the Biotene Oral Balance gel and distilled water (P<.05). CONCLUSION. In comparison of Saliva Orthana, the use of Biotene Oral Balance Gel including lysozyme, lactoferrin and peroxidase may be an appropriate treatment method to prevent of adhesion of Candida albicans and related infections in patients with xerostomia.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.171-179
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• 2012

The aim of this study was to analyze the factors related to whole saliva flow and the xerostomia for the ground use of the materials in developing oral health improvement program and life quality improvement program. So, this study performed a questionnaire survey, targeting at 160 adults, older than 40 years, living in Gyeonggi and Incheon provinces from January to February 2011 and measured unstimulated salivary flow rate and stimulated salivary flow rate. The results are as followings. The group of participants who took gums and candies to relieve oral dryness had low stimulated whole saliva flow. The group of participants who graduated from middle schools, who separated by death, who were not healthy with menopause, and who recognized periodontal disease symptoms and tongue burning sensation recognized more symptoms of dry mouth than others. In addition, the group of participants who were not satisfied with life so much, who couldn't feel the meaning of life, and who recognized negative feelings frequently recognized symptoms of dry mouth more. Women, the group of participants who graduated from middle schools, who suffered from depressive symptoms, and who recognized halitosis had low unstimulated whole saliva flow. The group of participants who graduated from middle schools, who were not satisfied with life so much, who couldn't feel the meaning of life, and who were not satisfied with themselves had low stimulated saliva flow.

• Journal of Wellbeing Management and Applied Psychology
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.41-50
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• 2023

Purpose: As life expectancy increases and interest in oral health increases, the opportunity to visit the dentist increases. To provide safe dental care for elderly patients and accurately identify their needs. We aim to understand the impact of knowledge, image, and empathy for the elderly on communication skills. Research design, data, and methodology: This study conducted an online survey using a convenience sample of 201 dental hygienists working in dental hospitals and clinics from October 4 to October 6, 2023. The purpose of the survey was explained and consent was obtained in the research consent form before being conducted. Results: Differences in knowledge, image, empathy, and communication skills among the elderly include age, clinical experience, need for elderly-related education, and confidence in oral care in elderly patients with systemic diseases (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001). The factor affecting communication skills toward the elderly was empathy (t=15.416(0.000^***)). Conclusions: Through this study, the communication skills with the elderly is a basic quality and attitude that dental hygienists must have. Therefore, it is essential to develop and implement empathy and communication skills training programs for dental hygienists, which can significantly contribute to fostering a positive trust-based relationship between elderly patients and dental professionals. This proactive measure is crucial in preparing for the upcoming era of an increasingly aged society.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.1220-1228
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• 2012

This study was carried out in order to offer medical service in good quality by enhancing dental hygienists' job satisfaction and to arrange basic data necessary for individual development and health promotion in dental hygienists through grasping the job stress level and job satisfaction of being experienced by dental hygienists, and the correlation. The self-administered questionnaire was surveyed and collected from August 1-12 of 2011 targeting 210 dental hygienists of general hospitals, dental hospitals, and dental clinics nationwide(Seoul, Gyeonggi, Daegu, Pohang).The analysis was made on 205 people. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS WIN 15.0 program. As a result, out of job stress, the average was indicated to be the highest with 2.71 in 'job demand.' As a result of examining about sphere-based relationship between health perception level and job stress related to building in dental hygienists, the central nervous system manifestation showed statistically significant positive correlation with physical environment(r=.281, p<.001), job demand(r=.281, p<.001), relational conflict(r=.163, p<.05), organizational system(r=.166, p<.05), compensation inappropriateness(r=.267, p<.001), and job stress(r=.311, p<.001). Overall, the building-related health perception level showed statistically significant correlation with physical environment(r=.259, p<.001), job demand(r=.311, p<.001), relational conflict(r=.172, p<.05), organizational system(r=.158, p<.05), compensation inappropriateness(r=.197, p<.01), and job stress(r=.275, p<.001). They need to improve their quality of life and life and mental health by developing proper air conditioning system and using one in their work place. if so, they could contribute to better quality of oral cavity service for everyone.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.417-423
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• 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between prosthetic status and health related quality of elderly by using EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) which is a standardized instrument used as a measure of health outcome. Data from 1,179 elderly subjects (over 65 years old) from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used in our analysis. Oral examination were conducted to obtain wearing prosthetic and needed prosthetic. EQ-5D is a widely used health condition measuring instrument. It consists of the five dimensions: Mobility, Self-care, Usual activities, Pain/discomfort and Anxiety/depression. EQ-5D index is a score calculated out of a weighting system. In this study, the mean score of the EQ-5D index among the elderly was 0.86. For EQ-5D index gender, female showed statistically significantly lower quality of life than male. The related factors EQ-5D index, when the lower demand for fixed prosthodontics and full denture. Wearers in partial and complete denture than non-wearers showed higher EQ-5D index. In order to improve EQ-5D index among the elderly who demand prosthetic status, which has lost its function through providing proper dental prostheses.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.39-51
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• 2022

Objective : This study aimed to investigate the awareness and experience of community-based dysphagia therapy and related education in community-dwelling older adults. Methods : A total of 89 older adults were recruited from a public health center in Gyeonggi-do. Awareness, experience, and related education regarding community-based dysphagia therapy were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results : We analyzed 89 questionnaires. Awareness, treatment experience, and education regarding dysphagia were low; however, the importance and intention to participate were high. Respondents wanted education about proper chewing and safe swallowing, oral health, oral motor exercise, and participation in community-based dysphagia programs in public health centers. The reason for the lack of experience in dysphagia education and therapy is insufficient information and opportunities. The respondents had a good understanding of dysphagia symptoms. Conclusion : Dysphagia therapy maintains swallowing and eating functions as a life-long Activity of Daily Living, and is a very important area in community rehabilitation. Based on the results of this survey, the necessity and importance of community-based dysphagia were identified. It is time to provide correct information and develop a systematic education program for community-based dysphagia therapy. Occupational therapists need to play an active role in improving quality of life by early detection and providing proper intervention.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 2013

PURPOSE. To longitudinally assess the quality of life in maxillectomy patients rehabilitated with obturator prosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Thirty-six subjects were enrolled in the span of 16 months, out of which six were dropouts. Subjects (age group 20-60 years) with maxillary defects, irrespective of the cause, planned for definite obturator prosthesis, were recruited. The Hindi version of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Head and Neck version 1 of Quality of Life Questionnaire was used before surgical intervention and one month after definitive obturator. Questionnaire includes 35 questions related to the patient's physical health, well being, psychological status, social relation and environmental conditions. The data were processed with statistical package for social science (SPSS). Probability level of P<.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS. The quality of life after rehabilitation with obturator prosthesis was 81.48% (${\pm}13.64$) on average. On item-level, maximum mean scores were obtained for items problem with teeth ($1.87{\pm}0.94$), pain in mouth ($1.80{\pm}0.92$), trouble in eating ($1.70{\pm}0.88$), trouble in talking to other people ($1.60{\pm}1.22$), problems in swallowing solid food ($1.57{\pm}1.22$) and bothering appearance ($1.53{\pm}1.04$); while minimum scores were obtained for the items coughing ($1.17{\pm}0.38$), hoarseness of voice ($1.17{\pm}0.53$), painful throat ($1.13{\pm}0.43$), trouble in having social contacts with friends ($1.10{\pm}0.40$) and trouble having physical contacts with family or friends ($1.10{\pm}0.31$). CONCLUSION. Obturator prosthesis is a highly positive and non-invasive approach to improve the quality of life of patients with maxillectomy defects.