Abstract
Objectives. The purpose of this study was to understand the factors related to worker cognition of oral health and resolve to practice good oral health, with the aim of increasing the utilization rate of dental clinics in factories. Methods. A questionnaire on factors related to oral health cognition and action was mailed to 1,658 workers. The return rate of the self-completed questionnaires between July 23 and August 14, 2008 was 44%. Of the responses, 701 answers were analyzed. Results. The average cognition value for oral health of workers on a 4-point scale was $3.05{\pm}0.39$ points. The average action value on a 4-point scale was $2.63{\pm}0.37$ points. Individuals who were unmarried, white-collar researchers and who used factory dental clinics demonstrated higher oral health awareness than individuals who were married and blue-collar workers, and who did not use the factory dental clinics. Oral health action values of the respondents who had a better educational background, white-collar workers, or researchers, and those who used the factory dental clinics were highest. Conclusions. Dental clinics located in factories can be an important factor to promote oral health cognition and oral health action of workers. Factory dental clinics and provision of oral health programs for workers are prudent steps.
