J Korean Acad Community Health Nurs.  2016 Mar;27(1):72-80. 10.12799/jkachn.2016.27.1.72.

The Effect of Subjective Xerostomia and Salivary pH in Salivary Glands Stimulated by Laughter Therapy in Frail Elderly Women

• Lim SY
• Lee KJ
• Kim SJ

• KMID: 2391747
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12799/jkachn.2016.27.1.72

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of subjective xerostomia and salivary pH in salivary glands stimulated by laughter therapy in frail elderly women.
METHODS
The research used a one-group pretest-posttest design. Data were collected from July 2, 2015 to September 30, 2015. A sample of 41 frail female elderly patients was recruited at A Nursing Home in K City, Korea. We measured xerostomia and salivary pH using a questionnaire and BCP test paper (pH 5.6~7.2). Laughter therapy was given once a week for four weeks (3 items). Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, paired t-test and Cronbach's using the SPSS 18.0 program.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in salivary pH according to oral health (t=-2.06, p<.05). There were significant differences in xerostomia (t=4.41, p<.001) and salivary pH (t=-7.94, p<.001) after salivary glands stimulated by laughter therapy.
CONCLUSION
Salivary glands stimulated by laughter therapy improved xerostomia and salivary pH of the frail elderly. Therefore, salivary glands stimulated by laughter therapy may be useful in promoting and maintaining oral health among the frail elderly in the rapidly increasing population of old people.

Keyword

Frail elder; Xerostomia; Salivary gland

MeSH Terms

Aged
Female
Frail Elderly*
Humans
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration*
Korea
Laughter Therapy*
Laughter*
Nursing Homes
Oral Health
Salivary Glands*
Xerostomia*

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