Oral health behaviors of Korean male workers and related factors / 대한구강보건학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oral health behaviors of Korean male workers and analyze the variables affecting oral health behavior. METHODS: This study used data from the 2014 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES), from which 1,341 male workers who answered the questionnaires were selected. The data were analyzed by chi-squared test and logistic regression using PASW Statistics 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and 95% confidence intervals were computed. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between oral health behaviors and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Oral health behaviors varied according to the male worker's job. Brushing teeth two or more times a day varied with levels of stress. The prevalence of people who use supplementary oral hygiene devices was 49.5%. It was increased in male workers with a spouse or high educational level (P<0.05). In addition, office workers were more likely than laborers (P<0.05) to use a supplementary oral hygiene device. The prevalence of people who brush their teeth before sleep was 41.8%. Young male workers (20-39 years old) were more likely to brush their teeth before sleep than senior workers (≥60 years old) (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to prepare a plan to promote an interest in dental hygiene in laborers and those who work in the agricultural and fishing industries. Oral health education, oral health programs, campaigns, oral check-up systems, and improvements in working environments are needed to improve the oral health behaviors of male workers.