• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.1183-1193
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• 2017

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate factors affecting the awareness of internet ethics and intention to practice internet ethics in dental hygiene students. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 254 dental hygiene students in the Jeonnam area from September 1 to 22, 2017. The data were analyzed by exploratory factor analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis using the SPSS 12.0 program. Results: Factors affecting the awareness of internet ethics were personal information sensitivity (${\beta}=0.242$, p<0.01) and ethical identity(${\beta}=0.185$, p<0.05) (Adjusted $R^2=0.143$). The factor related with intention to practice internet ethics was personal information sensitivity (${\beta}=0.464$, p<0.001) (Adjusted $R^2=0.212$). Conclusions: To improve the awareness of internet ethics and intention to practice internet ethics in dental hygiene students, it is necessary to promote internet ethics education in as a part of curriculum and develop internet ethics education's program to enhance personal information sensitivity and ethical identity.