Investigation of knowledge and awareness of dental health in Chinese Students' Studying in Korea

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1 , pp Investigation of knowledge and awareness of dental health in Chinese Students' Studying in Korea Min-Kyoung Park 1, Hye-Jung Jin 2, Min-Kyung Lee 2 * 1 Department of Dental Hygiene, Kyung-Woon University, Gumi, Gyeongbuk, , Korea 2 Department of Dental Hygiene, Dong-Eui University, Busan, , Korea * corresponding author: lmk849@deu.ac.kr Abstract. This study was performed to identify the oral health knowledge and perception of Chinese students' studying in Korea who received the oral health education program. This research was based on self- questionnaire survey which 94 Chinese students in Korea. An interview questionnaire was used to collect information on general characteristics and oral health knowledge and behaviors. Data were statistically analyzed by x²-test, t-test, one-way ANOVA by using SPSS WIN Ver Proper tooth brushing method has the highest score of 4.40 out of 5 in dental caries preventive behavior, 4.53 out of 5 in periodontitis preventive behavior. It is necessary to investigate motivation factors and influential factors changing the oral health behaviors, knowledge and attitude related to oral health in Chinese Students' Studying in Korea. Key Words: Chinese students, behavior, knowledge, oral health 1 Introduction Along with opening of education market in parallel with internationalization, numbers of international students in South Korea has been continuously increased since 2005 [1]. Internalization of universities is considered as an important component for competitiveness and may be beneficial in terms of securing outstanding human resources; it will positively influence future competitiveness of the country hence significantly affecting on national economy as well as industrial development [2]. Universities in South Korea has been putting much effort on recruiting international students for broadening international recognition as well as countermeasures against decline in the number of students; given these situations, it is further expected that numbers of international students in South Korea will be continuously increasing [3]. Previously, it was reported that, due to cultural differences, these Chinese international students are under poor conditions in terms of social aspects as well as health aspects; importantly medical issues often influence on their scholarly performance. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated knowledge and attitude regarding dental health in Chinese international students hence providing preliminary ISSN: ASTL Copyright 2014 SERSC

2 information for dental maintenance and awareness of dental health in international students. 2 Subjects and Method The survey was done through June 2013 to Aug 2013 (approximately two months) and a total of 94 subjects (and their questionnaires), excluding surveys with no response or insufficient responses, was utilized for the final analysis. Data were statistically analyzed by x²-test, t- test, one-way ANOVA by using SPSS WIN Ver Results 3.1. General characteristics of study subjects Table 1 demonstrates the demographic of the study population. Table 1. General characteristics of study subjects Variables N % N % Gender Male Education (years) Female Father Grade 1 th nd rd Mother th Income states High rank Middle rank Low rank School record High rank Middle rank Low rank Copyright 2014 SERSC

3 3.2. Mean scores for oral health perception of Chinese students' studying in Korea Proper tooth brushing method has the highest score of 4.40 out of 5 in dental caries preventive behavior, 4.53 out of 5 in periodontitis preventive behavior<table 2>. Table 2. Mean scores for oral health perception of Chinese students' studying in Korea Minimum Maximum Mean SD Prevention of Dental Caries Dental checkup correct toothbrushing Fluoride containing dentifrice Applying fluoride to tooth Prevention of periodontits correct toothbrushing Scaling Flossing Tobacco abstinence The percentage of correct answers concerning the oral health knowledge of Chinese students' studying in Korea Of all subjects (n = 94), 80 Chinese international students (85.1%) answered correctly for the question Smoking cessation may prevent teeth staining, bad breath, oral cancer whilst 14 students chose wrong answers (14.9%). And, the percentage of correct answer for the question Bleeding during tooth-brushing is one of symptoms of gum diseases was 73.5% (n = 72) yet 12 students answered wrong (23.5%) which was second highest percentage of correct answers after the question above<table 3>. Table 3. The percentage of correct answers concerning the oral health knowledge Correct answer Incorrect answer Dental decay is a preventable disease 27(28.7) 67(71.3) Copyright 2014 SERSC 19

4 Fluoride is helpful for preventing a decayed tooth 47(50.0) 47(50.0) 3-minute brushing per one time is suitable 68(72.3) 26(27.7) Gum diseases occur because of plaque and tartar. 43(45.7) 51(54.3) Brushing is the best way to prevent dental caries 57(60.6) 37(39.4) Teeth scaling has lots of side effects, such as scratched or too loose teeth 57(60.6) 37(37.8) It is best to brushing immediately after a meal 26(27.7) 68(72.3) Non-smoking prevent such as tooth staining, bad breath, oral cancer Gums bleeding when brushing is a symptom of periodontal disease 80(85.1) 14(14.9) 72(73.5) 12(23.5) Xylitol candies in caries prevention 73(77.7) 21(22.3) Electric toothbrush is better than brushing by hand to clean tooth Fruits, milk, vegetables, and so on are food that contribute to clean teeth. The toothbrush the head the medium size and the handle being straight is good Thinking which influence the food I eat has upon health of teeth 54(57.4) 40(41.2) 31(32.0) 63(67.0) 44(45.4) 50(46.8) 39(41.5) 55(58.5) When tooth brushing also the tongue polish. 58(59.7) 36(61.7) Firmly brushing can help prevent tooth decay 24(25.5) 70(74.5) The main reason is the prevention of bad breath brushing 18(19.1) 76(80.9) Using dental floss helps preventing dental caries. 29(30.9) 65(69.1) Periodontal disease is gradually progress and causes bone tissue damage 64(68.1) 30(31.9) Rolling method is best for tooth brushing 56(59.6) 38(40.4) 20 Copyright 2014 SERSC

5 4 Discussion Recently, universities in South Korea have put much emphasis on recruiting internal students in order to broaden international recognition and pursue countermeasures against decline in the number of students in parallel with education market opening, resulting increases in Chinese international students hence warranting their proper dental health [4, 5]. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated knowledge and attitude regarding dental health in Chinese international students so that provide development plans for effective oral health education to establish appropriate oral management habits. References 1. Statistics Korea, 2. J. Kim, The current status and support system of international students at domestic university News & Information for Chemical Engineers, Vol. 25, , (2007) 3. S. Kim, A Study on Communication Strategies for Enhancing Chinese Students' College Adaptation to Korean Universities, J political science & communication. Vol. 10, , (2006) 4. O. Ha, and N. Shin, An empirical study on Chinese students' overseas learning experiences and factors affecting their attitudes towards learning at a university in South Korea, The Journal of Research in Education. Vol. 26, 23-44, (2013) 5. H. Jin, Oral Health Behavior and Dental Clinics Satisfaction of Chinese Students' Studying in Korea, Journal of academia-industrial technology. Vol. 14, , (2003) Copyright 2014 SERSC 21