Qualitative research on the perception and status of oral muscle strength training through focus group interviews

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the general public’s perception and status of oral muscle strength training, to develop age-appropriate educational media and training methods, and to promote the need for oral muscle strength training. Methods: Data were collected from 15 individuals across different age groups (young, middle-aged, and elderly) from December 2022 to February 2023 through focus group interviews, and they were conducted twice for each group in a face-to-face manner. Results: Four key categories were identified: lack of information, effectiveness of training, need for promotion, and factors necessary for implementation. The following themes emerged: lack of information, need for training, age-specific characteristics, need for repetition, age at which training is needed, lack of promotion, need for promotion, number of practitioners, willingness to practice, and appropriate media for training. Conclusions: Awareness of oral muscle strength training was found to be very low, and it is necessary to improve awareness through continuous information and appropriate education on its need among the public. Additionally, quality content or media that can be easily applied for effective training should be developed, and personnel who can perform training efficiently should be trained.