Relationship between Knowledge and Attitude toward Oral Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Table 5

Changes in responses to each question.

	Before examination and education N (%)	After examination and education N (%)	value
Q1. I am familiar with the phrase “oral hypofunction.”
Understand well	0 (0)	23 (39.0)	<0.001
Know	4 (6.8)	28 (47.5)
Do not know	8 (13.6)	5 (8.5)
Do not understand	47 (79.7)	3 (5.1)
Q2. I believe that oral exercises are necessary for me.
Strongly agree	5 (8.5)	27 (45.8)	<0.001
Agree	18 (30.5)	17 (28.8)
Disagree	9 (15.3)	11 (18.6)
Strongly disagree	27 (45.8)	4 (6.8)
Q3. Decreased oral function causes poor general health.
Strongly agree	12 (20.3)	21 (35.6)	<0.001
Agree	21 (35.6)	25 (42.4)
Disagree	8 (13.6)	10 (16.9)
Strongly disagree	18 (30.5)	3 (5.1)
Q4. In addition to dental caries and periodontal disease screenings, I should get an oral function examination at the dental clinic.
Strongly agree	8 (13.6)	27 (45.8)	<0.001
Agree	26 (44.1)	25 (42.4)
Disagree	12 (20.3)	5 (8.5)
Strongly disagree	13 (22.0)	2 (3.4)
Q5. I think it is important to evaluate oral function.
Strongly agree	13 (22.0)	33 (55.9)	<0.001
Agree	25 (42.4)	19 (32.2)
Disagree	11 (18.6)	6 (10.2)
Strongly disagree	10 (16.9)	1 (1.7)

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