Research in Community and Public Health Nursing

Original Articles

[English] A Study on Knowledge of Oral Health, Behavior, Self-Efficacy, Belief, and the Number of Dental Caries of Elementary School Students: Ggod Me Yi, Hye Jin Hyun; J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs. 2009;20(4):531-539. Published online December 31, 2009

Abstract PDF: PURPOSE
To understand the differences and correlations of the knowledge of oral health, behavior, self-efficacy, belief, and the number of cavities in accordance with the general traits of elementary school students.
METHODS
The survey was conducted at 2 elementary schools in D city, which 740 respondents were analyzed.
RESULTS
A group of students who have received health education has plentiful knowledge of oral health and have more cavities. Also, a group of students who have been to dental clinics recently have more knowledge of oral health, follow guidance on oral health, and have high level of belief in health. The more knowledge of oral health the students have, the better they behave for oral health and the higher self-efficacy and belief in oral health become. Students with higher self-efficacy show more knowledge of oral health, more appropriate behavior, and stronger belief in oral health, while the number of cavities are much less.
CONCLUSION
Health education contributes to improving the level of knowledge of oral health. Comprehensive programs beyond simple introduction of knowledge will be needed to improve behavior, self-efficacy, and belief in oral health. It is recommended to include a health clinic within a program for improving oral health in school so that it can help more students get oral health.

[English] A Study on the Relationship between Self-Esteem and Meaning of Life in Higher Grade Elementary School Students: Kyung Ah Kang, Shin Jeong Kim, Mi Kyung Song; J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs. 2009;20(3):269-276. Published online September 30, 2009

Abstract PDF: PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between self-esteem and meaning of life in higher grade elementary school students.
METHODS
Four hundred eighty four elementary school students in their 4 ~ 6th-grade at S, G and C City were recruited by convenient sampling. Data were collected from August to October, 2008 using a self-reported questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by the SPSS/WIN 12.0 program with mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Duncan's test, and Pearson's correlation.
RESULTS
The average score of meaning of life was 3.07 +/- 0.38 and that of self-esteem was 3.43 +/- 0.62. There were significant differences in self-esteem according to variables region and religion, and in meaning of life scores according to variables region, grade, sex and religion. There was a significant positive correlation between self-esteem and meaning of life.
CONCLUSION
Self-esteem and meaning of life should be considered as important factors for healthy development in the elementary school period. Self-esteem should be considered as a main content in developing programs for finding meaning of life for higher grade elementary school students.

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