원저 : 함평군 주민의 수돗물불소농도조정사업에 대한 인식 변화

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess changes in local residents` awareness of the water fluoridation program in Hampyung-County for making basis to expand the water fluoridation program to other cities. Methods: A total of 1,206, 647 and 1,334 parents of primary and middle school children in Hampyung-County participated in a self-reported survey in the years 2002, 2005 and 2008. Questionnaires contained items dealing with mainly drinking water, awareness of the water fluoridation program, medium of recognition, approval rate of the program, awareness level of the program`s goals and awareness level of the safety of the program. Results: Awareness of the water fluoridation program in 2008 decreased by 25.0%p compared to 2002. The Proportion of subjects who recognized water fluoridation from neighborhood was increased by 27.5%p after 3 years and 40.0%p after 6 years from the inception of the program. But the mass media decreased by 20.3%p after 3 years and 22.1%p after 6 years from the inception of the program. The approval rate of the program was 64.4% after 3 years and 54.8% after 6 years. The awareness of the program`s goal, which was prevention of dental caries, was 61.3% after 3 years and 48.2% after 6 years. Conclusions: The residents` awareness of water fluoridation program decreased as time goes by from the inception. Programs which will vigorously promote the benefits of the water fluoridation with respect to oral health education should be in implemented.