earticle

영어

This study investigates the changes in the symptoms of xerostomia and in a depression scale among the elderly patients, and aims at presenting basic material for developing a health promotion program targeting the elderly people. The study surveyed 56 elderly patients over the age of 60, who had visited a medical center in Kyeongbuk area. Each survey was conducted for 40 minutes once a week, for five weeks. The results of this study is as follows: 1. The symptoms of xerostomia were significantly relieved from 2.64 before the program to 2.17 after it (p<0.064). 2. Oral health impact profile showed no significant difference from 3.00 before the program to 2.39 after it (p<0.138). 3. The depression scale of the elderly patients decreased from 4.17 before the program to 3.33 after it (p<0.09). According to the results of this study, the oral exercise program can relieve the symptoms of xenostomia and the elderly depression. Therefore, it is highly recommended to promote the oral exercise program.