Background: Elementary school is a critical period for oral health because the incidence of dental caries is high, and early symptoms of gingivitis manifest. While existing oral health education improves knowledge, it has limitations in sustaining oral health behaviors. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an oral health education program based on motivational interviewing (MI), which enhances intrinsic motivation and promotes behavioral change. Methods: Thirty-five elementary school students (Grades 4∼6) were recruited and assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group (n=16) received an MI-based oral health education program, whereas the control group (n=16) received standard education. The program was conducted once per week for five weeks (1 hour/session) and covered: Session 1: Understanding tooth structure, causes of caries, and setting oral health goals; Session 2: Learning how to perform rotational brushing and exploring ambivalence; Session 3: Learning how to use dental floss and tongue cleaners while reinforcing motivation; Session 4: Identifying cariogenic and protective foods; and Session 5: Developing a change plan and assessing self-confidence. Oral health behaviors, diet-related oral health behaviors, and oral hygiene skills were assessed pre- and post-intervention, and at follow-up. Results: Both groups showed significant post-intervention improvements. However, the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant group-time interactions and sustained improvements in all areas except diet-related behaviors. The control group showed a temporary increase followed by a decline. Conclusion The MI-based oral health education program effectively improved and maintained oral health behaviors and oral hygiene skills. It can be applied to elementary school students to promote long-term changes in oral health behaviors.

Background: Gingivitis and periodontal disease are common conditions requiring early management. Regular scaling prevents periodontal disease but is often avoided due to pain and discomfort, leading to worsened conditions. Dental fear, particularly related to scaling, is a significant barrier; however, few studies have explored it. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence scaling fear in adults. Understanding these factors will enable dental professionals to mitigate these fears and promote regular scaling. Methods: An online survey was conducted, targeting adults aged 19 years and older with prior scaling experience. Using convenience sampling, 270 responses were analyzed. The survey included 30 items measuring general characteristics, periodontal disease knowledge, scaling awareness, and scaling fear. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) with multiple regression to identify factors affecting scaling fear. Results: The mean scores were 4.76±1.35 for periodontal disease knowledge, 3.82±0.55 for scaling awareness, and 2.87±0.63 for scaling fear. Scaling awareness (β=–0.236, p＜0.001), periodontal disease knowledge (β=–0.157, p=0.01), and the number of scaling sessions in the past two years (β=–0.147, p＜0.05) significantly influenced scaling fear. Conclusion Scaling awareness and periodontal disease knowledge are key to reducing fear of scaling. Dental professionals should educate patients and provide clear explanations to build trust and create positive experiences. Oral health education programs should be expanded to improve awareness, reduce fear, and foster regular scaling attendance.

Purpose: This study investigated the factors influencing posttraumatic growth (PTG) among nurses who worked in COVID-19 isolation wards in tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive correlation research design was used. In total, 190 nurses who had worked with COVID-19-infected patients participated in the study. Their demographic characteristics, self-disclosure, resilience, social support, and PTG were examined using a structured online questionnaire administered from March 16 to 25, 2022. Data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 27.0. Results: The mean scores for self-disclosure, resilience, social support, and PTG were 42.79 (range: 12~60), 60.92 (range: 0~100), 46.98 (range: 12~60), and 45.66 (range: 0~80), respectively. Self-disclosure (β=.18, p=.003) and resilience (β=.65, p<.001) significantly influenced PTG, explaining 55% of the total variance in this variable. Conclusion This study highlights the need to systematically develop and implement effective intervention programs to strengthen nurses' self-disclosure and resilience.

Peritoneal leiomyomas are extremely rare. Most reported cases are that of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis, making isolated leiomyoma an uncommon occurrence. Given that isolated leiomyoma is rare, the preoperative diagnosis of isolated leiomyoma is challenging. To date, very few reports have described the radiological findings of isolated peritoneal leiomyoma. This study aimed to present a rare case of isolated peritoneal leiomyoma in the perihepatic region of a 54-year-old female, and present the US, CT, and MRI based radiological findings of the case.

Splenic duplication, also known as polysplenia syndrome, is a condition occasionally observed in which the spleen is divided into segments of similar size. However, gastric fundic varices arising from a duplicated spleen are exceedingly rare, and this medical anomaly has been infrequently reported in the literature. This case report presents a 40-year-old male with a rare instance of gastric fundic varices secondary to splenic duplication. Comprehensive imaging studies, including endoscopy, CT, Doppler US, and radioisotope splenic scans, were performed to confirm the diagnosis. This case contributes to valuable information in the medical literature, shedding light on a seldom-discussed condition.

Peritoneal leiomyomas are extremely rare. Most reported cases are that of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis, making isolated leiomyoma an uncommon occurrence. Given that isolated leiomyoma is rare, the preoperative diagnosis of isolated leiomyoma is challenging. To date, very few reports have described the radiological findings of isolated peritoneal leiomyoma. This study aimed to present a rare case of isolated peritoneal leiomyoma in the perihepatic region of a 54-year-old female, and present the US, CT, and MRI based radiological findings of the case.

Splenic duplication, also known as polysplenia syndrome, is a condition occasionally observed in which the spleen is divided into segments of similar size. However, gastric fundic varices arising from a duplicated spleen are exceedingly rare, and this medical anomaly has been infrequently reported in the literature. This case report presents a 40-year-old male with a rare instance of gastric fundic varices secondary to splenic duplication. Comprehensive imaging studies, including endoscopy, CT, Doppler US, and radioisotope splenic scans, were performed to confirm the diagnosis. This case contributes to valuable information in the medical literature, shedding light on a seldom-discussed condition.