Evaluation of an oral health promotion program for elders based on a cooperation model between public and private sectors

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a seniors’ oral health promotion program for establishing a cooperation model between public and private sectors. Methods: This study was carried out targeting the seniors frequenting a community center in the Sosagu district of Bucheon-si in the Gyeonggi-do province of South Korea. Data were obtained from selfadministered questionnaires or personal interviews with elders after they participated in the oral health promotion program. Their perceived satisfaction with their oral health before and after the oral health program was compared. The data were analyzed by t-tests, ANOVA, paired t-tests, and logistic regression using SPSS to assess the effects of explanatory factors on the seniors’ satisfaction of the oral health promotion program. Results: In total, 22.7% of participants had a positive idea about the oral health promotion program before their participation. The mean score of change in and difference of satisfaction with oral health tended to increase in each of the following groups: women, aged 80-84 years, number of permanent teeth, full denture wearers, and those who did not require dentures. Satisfaction notably increased 0.4 points in the group of full denture wearers (P<0.05). Moreover, after 1 month, the satisfaction level of the subjects who participated in the oral health promotion program increased 5.2 times (95% CI, 1.0425.49) compared to dissatisfaction levels. Ultimately, satisfaction with oral health shows a major impact on the satisfaction with an oral health promotion program. Conclusions: The subjects who received the oral health promotion program responded very positively, but this program needs overall consideration about work processes and further reliable evaluations.