• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.90-97
• /
• 2013

Purpose: Ten years have passed since the Korean government announced its plan to institutionally support hospice and palliative care in 2002. In line with that, this study aims to suggest future directions for Korea's hospice and palliative care policy. Methods: We conducted a survey on people's perception and acceptance of well-dying. Data were collected from 1,000 participants aged 19~69 years between June 1 and June 11, 2012 via computer-assisted telephone interviews. Results: The most important factor for well-dying was placing no burden of care on others (36.7%) and the second most important factor was staying with their family and loved ones (19.1%). Among nine suggestions of policy support for well-dying, the most popular was the promotion of voluntary care sharing (88.3%), followed by the palliative care training support for healthcare providers (83.7%) and the support for palliative care facilities instead of funeral halls (81.7%). The idea of formulating a five-year national plan for end-of-life care drew strong support (91%). According to the survey, the plan should be implemented by the central government (47.5%), the National Assembly (20.2%) or civic groups (10%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the public consensus and their consistent direction toward policy support for well-dying. Results of this study may serve as a foundation for the establishment of policy support for people's well-dying and palliative care at the national-level.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
• /
• v.59 no.3
• /
• pp.305-313
• /
• 2021

Purpose. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the oral health impact profile (OHIP-EDENT K) for edentulous patients. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 12 patients who fabricated overdenture in the Department of Prosthodontics, Korea University, Guro Hospital. All subjects completed the Korean version of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP K) questionnaire. Shorten version of the OHIP called OHIP-14 K and OHIP-EDENT K were derived from the datasets. Cronbach's alpha was used to measure internal consistency of the summary scores for OHIP-EDENT K. The Spearman's correlation coefficient between the summary scores for OHIP-EDENT K and OHIP K was calculated to evaluate concurrent validity. Results. The reliability of the summary scores for OHIP-EDENT K was acceptable (α=.736). The Spearman's correlation coefficient of the summary scores for OHIP-EDENT K and OHIP K was 0.966, which was statistically significant (P<.001). OHIP-EDENT K exhibited less susceptibility to floor effects than OHIP-14 K and appeared to measure change as effectively as OHIP K. In order to prove the reliability, responsiveness and validity of OHIP-EDENT K, further studies with more samples are needed. Conclusion. The OHIP-EDENT K, a questionnaire on oral health-related QOL comprising 19 items, has measurement properties comparable with the full 49-item version. This modified shortened version can be an alternative questionnaire to full version of OHIP K and OHIP-14 K in edentulous patients.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
• /
• v.16 no.6
• /
• pp.481-487
• /
• 2016

The elderly population with dementia is rapidly growing in South Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dementia and oral health in 197 subjects aged ${\geq}65$ years. The questionnaire included questions on subjective health status, subjective health concern, subjective oral health status and behavior, mastication ability, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), and Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaires (KDSQ). Oral examination was conducted by a single dentist to evaluate upper or lower denture use, and determine the numbers of remaining and functioning teeth, including implant and fixed prosthesis. The subjects who required a dementia test (KDSQ-C [cognition] of ${\geq}6$) had significant differences in systemic disease prevalence rate, subjective health status, subjective health concern, KDSQ-V (vascular disease) score, KDSQ-D (depression) score, subjective oral treatment need, key food mastication ability and OHIP-14 score compared to the healthy subjects. The proportion of denture wearers, total remaining teeth, total functioning teeth, toothbrushing frequency, oral pain severity, symptoms of periodontal disease, subjective oral health status, and subjective oral health concern showed no significant differences between the two groups. KDSQ-C and OHIP-14 scores showed a strong positive relationship, while KDSQ-C score and total remaining teeth or key food mastication ability showed a weak negative relationship. In the multiple regression analysis, the KDSQ-D, KDSQ-V, and OHIP-14 scores influenced the KDSQ-C scores. We suggest a relationship between oral health and cognitive impairment.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.67-77
• /
• 2010

Purpose: The aims of this study are to evaluate psychological impact and quality of life according to the cancer diagnosis and mutation status in Korean families with BRCA mutations. Materials and Methods: Seventeen affected carriers (AC), 16 unaffected carriers (UC) and 13 healthy non carriers (NC) from 13 BRCA mutation families were included in the study. Outcomes were compared with regard to depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI), optimism (Reevaluation of the Life Orientation test, LOT-R), knowledge of hereditary ovarian cancer, and quality of life (QoL) (SF-36v2 Health Survey, physical component score [PCS], mental component score [MCS]) among three groups. Result: Level of depression, optimism, and PCS were similar in AC, UC, and NC. Anxiety score was elevated in all three groups. MCS was significantly low in AC than in UC and NC (P=0.009, P=0.017). Knowledge of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer was high in AC than NC (P=0.001). MCS was significantly related to whether patient was affected by cancer (P=0.043) and has occupation (P=0.008) or not in multivariable analysis. Conclusion: From this cross sectional study, psychological adverse effect was not related to the carrier status of BRCA mutation. Elevated anxiety in BRCA family members was observed but, independent to affection and the type of genetic mutation. AC showed low mental QoL. Further effort to understand psychological impact and QoL of genetic testing in BRCA family members is required for follow-up in clinical aspects.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.56-74
• /
• 2017

The purpose of this study is to draw an implication regarding "Han-jeong-rok" as the proposal on modern lifestyle. This study classified the behavioral patterns pursued in "Han-jeong-rok" in addition to the 'psychological method of practice' and the 'practical method of practice' for the realization of such behavioral patterns pursued in conducting the study. The outcome of this study can be summed up as follows. The result of reviewing the mainstream modern lifestyle indicated that in the well-being craze, practical and selfish tendency were prominent and the side effect of distorted culture of consumerism were also evident. Lohas faced the limitations of lifestyle led by marketing. The slow movement can be differentiated in that it takes even immaterial aspects into consideration including the value of life and etc. However it faces the limitation of being led by community. In the healing craze, modern day people thirst for something that can heal them. All of these people have strong tendency of relying on the external factors for their personal health and well being, and it possesses a weak point in that it can easily be linked to commercial viability. Compared to the same, the implication that Heo Gyun can gain from "Han-jeong-rok" can be summed up as follows. First, "Han-jeong-rok" emphasizes the point that the agent of life is one's self. The modern lifestyle is practical and relies on the external factors, where as Heo Gyun emphasizes that it should start with a serious introspection of life itself. Second, it emphasizes the psychological aspects in leading a leisurely life. Starting with elegant scenic beauty to reading and sophisticated hobbies among others, it indicates that internal satisfaction can be gained and that self-contentment free from cares, is possible. Third, it proposes standardized 'psychological method of practice' and the 'practical method of practice' for the leisurely life. Materialistic and psychological balance is also emphasized in 'practical method of practice'. The limitations of this study is that it was not a clear comparison with "Han-jeong-rok" between contemporary lifestyle and it had stayed in a review study for implications. Furthermore, there is a need for additional study regarding the concept related to landscape and cases included in the "Han-jeong-rok".

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.287-299
• /
• 2014

Purpose: The goal of this study was to examine body image satisfaction and perception according to weight status, and to investigate those associations with dietary habits and nutritional status among preadolescent children. Methods: Body image and dietary habits and intake were assessed in 134 elementary school students in grade 4. Children were categorized according to normal and overweight or obese groups. Figure rating scales were used to assess body image perception (identification of perceived current body size) and dissatisfaction (difference between perceived current body size and ideal body image). Results: There were sex differences in body image perceptions. Normal-weight girls, overweight or obese girls and boys were more likely to desire a leaner body size than their perceived body size compared with normal-weight boys. Body image satisfaction and perception showed an association with weight status. More overweight or obese children indicated dissatisfaction or underestimation of body image than normal-weight children. Children with body image dissatisfaction due to heavier perceived body size than ideal body image showed lower frequencies of consumption of meals and vegetables, compared to those who were satisfied with their body image. Children who underestimated their body image were more likely to have a lower frequency of breakfast and meal regularity and a higher frequency of eating out of home or food deliveries than those with accurate body image perception. In addition, body image underestimation showed an association with lower intakes of protein, dietary fiber and calcium, and the higher percentage of calories derived from fat. Conclusion: Body image dissatisfaction as well as underestimation in children before puberty showed an association with overweight or obesity, and was also related to unhealthy dietary habits. These findings highlight the importance of accurate perception and satisfaction with body image in preadolescent children in order to prevent development of obesity in adolescents and adults.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.65-76
• /
• 2008

This study was performed to identify association between nutritional status and health risks of the elderly. This was a cross-sectional study involving low income elderly women in Gwangju, Korea (${\geq}$65y, n = 92). Socio-demographics, life style characteristics, health conditions, dietary intakes based on 24h-recall method, anthropometric measures, and clinical biochemistry parameters were examined. Anthropometric and clinical parameters included wt, ht, waist, hip, body protein, body fat, abdominal fat, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, fasting blood glucose, ferritin, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, CRP, TAS, TBARS, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. The subjects were divided into three groups based on age (65-74y, 75-84y, 85y${\leq}$) and were divided into two groups according to the sum of the Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI) checklist score (adequate nutritional status, NSI score ${\leq}$3; at risk of malnutrition, NSI score >3). Mean and frequency of variables were estimated. Analysis of Variance, Tukey test, Chi-square test, and Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Mean BMI and body fat were 25.1 $kg/m^2$ and 40.0%, respectively. However, for over 80% of subjects, the intakes of energy, fiber, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, Ca, K, and Zn were less than the Korean DRI (EAR or AI). The subjects who had lower NSI score tended to have better health status, eat meals frequently, have less depression, and exercise regularly. The subjects who had higher NSI score tended to have tooth problems, to eat alone most of time, and to be physically unable to cook or feed. Serum IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ were significantly related with nutritional status which suggested higher tendency of inflammatory response. Serum IL-2, TAS, and glucose were significantly correlated with body fat (%) or abdominal fat (%). These results suggest that improving the nutritional status, increasing regular exercise, maintaining normal weight are beneficial to health care of low income elderly women.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.47-61
• /
• 2008

Objectives: This study examined to explain the practical health behaviour and health-related quality of life, and their influencing factors in high school students. Methods: Total of 718 high school students from 1 school in Seoul were assessed with a self-administered questionnaire regarding general characteristics, health related characteristics, obesity index(Height and weight calculated by using the relative weight law: obesity group>20%, overweight group $10{\sim}20%$, normal weight group $-10{\sim}10%$, under weight group <-10%), health behaviour in school-aged children(eating, exercise and weight control) and health-related quality of life(PedsQLTM4.0 Generic Core Scale: physical health, emotional functioning, social functioning, school functioning). Results: Major results were as follows. 1. The rate of obesity by obesity index was 5.3% of high school students. Obesity incidence in adolescents was mainly associated with gender and parents whether obesity. 2. Perceived health status was lower in obese adolescents than in normal adolescents. 3. The rate of miss a breakfast was 37.9%, and obesity group than normal weight group were fruits, vegetables and milk intake at least, a lot of fastfood intake. During the past week, followed by intense physical activity, and overweight consumed a lot of time for TV and the Internet. Overall, under weight group and normal weight group belong to the students evaluated fatter than themselves. Weight control for weight loss, gain and maintain was grater in obesity group than in normal weight group. Weight loss showed highest scores in overweight group which appeared significant difference. 4. Obese adolescents compared with other groups, reported lower total QOL score and all QOL in domain, and especially social functioning showed significant differences. 5. Factors influencing the adolescents's QOL were found to be gender, perceived health status and exercise. Conclusions: High school girls were aware of their bad health status and likely to improve the QOL by practicing health behaviour. But obese adolescents were likely to degrade the quality of life by reducing the practice of health behaviors. So further school-based education about proper practical health behaviors and obesity prevention is necessary.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.86-94
• /
• 2021

Objectives : The risk of weight gain is high when using antipsychotic drugs, and the prevalence of obesity in people with mental illness is high. Obesity management in psychiatric patients is important because obesity causes various complications and lowers treatment adherence and quality of life. Methods : In this review, we summarized the management strategies for obesity that can occur when using antipsychotic drugs through a web search. Results : Evaluate obesity-related risk factors and related indicators from the beginning of treatment, and conduct regular monitoring. If an antipsychotic drug is used and obesity is induced, a change to a drug with a low metabolic risk may be attempted. Sufficient interventions are also needed on the need to manage obesity, a healthy diet, and exercises in patients and their families. If weight loss is not achieved and obesity-related complications are associated, the use of anti-obesity drugs may be considered. Pharmacological treatment approaches should be carefully considered. Conclusions : Non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies can be applied to manage weight gain and obesity caused by the use of antipsychotic drugs. When using anti-obesity drugs, the characteristics of mental disorders, drug safety, and drug interactions should be considered.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.52 no.3
• /
• pp.258-267
• /
• 2019

Purpose: Upper respiratory tract infections are major causes of the common cold throughout the world. Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) is a well-known functional food for its anti-fatigue and immunomodulating activities. On the other hand, there are no reports on the protective effect against upper respiratory tract infections (URI). This study was a 12 week randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial in healthy volunteers. Methods: A total of 100 subjects 20 ~ 70 years of age with a history of at least two colds in the year were enrolled in the study. The participants were required to record any adverse events and rate any cold-related incidents in a diary during the investigation period. The efficacy end point was the symptoms and incidence of URI, and changes in cytokines, IgA and natural killer (NK) cell activity. Results: The Cordyceps militaris group over 12 weeks showed no significant impact on the incidence and symptomatology of URI compared to the placebo group. On the other hand, the experimental group showed significantly higher NK cell activity (p = 0.047) and IgA level (p = 0.035) compared to the placebo group. The NK-cell activity and IgA level were increased significantly by Cordyceps militaris over 12 weeks. Conclusion: The results suggest the possible beneficial immunomodulating effects, but the protective effects on URI could not be demonstrated under these conditions. Additional research will be needed to determine the efficacy and mechanisms of Cordyceps militaris function.