외국인 근로자의 구강건강관리실태에 따른 구강건강영향지수(OHIP)

Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate oral health behavior, PHP index and OHIP, awareness, attitude and behavior toward oral health in the foreign factory workers. Thsi study will provide the basic data for the improvement of the foreigners’ quality of life. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 126 Sri Lankans and 76 Chinese over 20 years old in Daegu and Gyeongbuk from January to April, 2012 through man to man interview after receiving informed consent. The questionnaire included oral health status, PHP index and OHIP. Results: OHIP was closely related to sex, marital status, and medical expense burden. PHP index was closely related to religion and income. The averages of OHP and PHP were 4.36 and 3.7, respectively and very bad. OHIP was influenced by number of toothbrushing, time of toothbrushing, use of oral hygiene device, and dental visit within a year. PHP index was influenced by the area of toothbrushing, time of toothbrushing, and the dental visit within a year. Regression analysis of PHP index according to OHIP and oral care conditions showed the equation. Y(OHIP)=2.999+0.103(area of toothbrushing)+0.346(the use of oral hygiene article)+ 0.077(visiting to the dentist during the past one year)-0.173(PHP index)(p<0.05). Conclusions: Low PHP index in the foreign workers affected quality of life. So the company must provide the continuing oral health care for the foreign workers every year. The concern for the health care for the foreigners will improve oral health behavior in the future.