Author(s)
Yang-Sun Cho, MD, PhD
Young-Soo Chang
Ji Eun Choi
Affiliation(s)
Departmeent of ORL-HNS, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine
Abstract:
Outcome Objectives This investigation evaluated the prevalence of facial palsy in South Korea based on survey data obtained from the 2010 to 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) and to investigate associated factors. In addition, we assessed the life style characteristics of participants with facial palsy.MethodsKNHANES is a cross-sectional survey of the civilian, non-institutionalized population of South Korea (n=23 621). A field survey team that included an otolaryngologist performed physical examinations and interviews.Results Among the population over 1 years of age, the prevalence of facial palsy over House- Brackmann grade III was 0.12 % (95% CI, CI, 0.07% – 0.17%). Facial palsy was more prevalent in women (p = 0.01) and the prevalence rate increased with age (p ConclusionFacial palsy is a rare condition in general population in South Korea. Considering the significance of facial expression in psychosocial activities, public acknowledgement and further intervention are required for management of this distressing condition.