• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.25-35
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• 2003

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate 1) the prevalence of depressive symptoms, 2) the severity of depressive symptoms, 3) the correlation of depressive symptoms with clinical variables, and 4) factors that contribute to depressive symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: One hundred eighteen patients with Parkinson's disease referred from the Parkinson's Disease Clinic of Dong-A University Hospital, Busan, Korea, completed a self-administered questionnaire package, which included basic demographic data, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Parkinson's disease quality of life questionnaire, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revision(SCL-90-R), and the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. In addition, a structured interview and a complete neurological examination, including the Hoehn and Yahr stage, the motor part of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale(some selected scales of UPDRS part III), the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living scale(ADL), and the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination were performed. Results: 1) Based on BDI score, subjects were divided into four groups:severely(40.7%), moderately(13.6%) and mildly(12.7%) depressive and non-depressive(33.1%). 2) The severity of depressive symptom in Parkinson's disease was positively correlated with Hoehn and Yahr(H & Y) stage(r=0.34, p<0.0001), the severity of motor symptom(r=0.35, p<0.0001), and trait anxiety inventory(r=0.33, p<0.001). On the other hand, the severity of depressive symptom was negatively correlated with educational level(r=-0.34, p<0.001), ADL(r=-0.37, p<0.0001) and Parkinson's disease quality of life (PDQL)(r=-0.69, p<0.0001). Among several clinical variables, the PDQL was the most influential factor predicting whether the depressive symptom was present or not. Conclusion: This study suggests that depressive symptom is very prevalent among patients with Parkinson's disease. Data from this study indicate that medical staffs who take care of patients with Parkinson's disease should pay attention to finding and treating depressive symptom among their patients. With appropriate psychiatric intervention, patient's depressive symptom can be minimized or alleviated and thus, the quality of life in these patients is likely enhanced.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.575-583
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• 1993

Background: Mediastinal masses are not uncommon, and an overall incidence of one case per 100,000 population per year in individuals of all ages and with no difference in sex incidence may be a reasonable estimation. At least half of all mediastinal masses are asymptomatic and this proportion has increased in recent decades with wider use of screening chest roentgenography. Symptoms in patients with mediastinal mass lesions are usually due to compression or invasion of nearby intrathoracic structures. Most mediastinal mass lesions have characteristic predilectional locations. The basic focus of diagnostic evaluation is an orderly preparation for obtaining a tissue diagnosis but even lesions discovered to be benign must generally be removed. Seldom is this status known for certain preoperatively. In additaion, benign tumors may continue to enlarge, thus compromising vital organs; they may rupture, hemorrhage, become infected or have the possibility of various malignant degeneration. Therefore, all mediastinal masses must be surgically removed whether they are malignant or benign. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 344 cases previously confirmed as mediastinal tumors or cysts from January, 1960 to August, 1992 and investigated the clinical findings. Results: Neurogenic tumors were the most common(24.7%) and thymomas were distinctively increased recently. Overall ratio between males and females was 1.1:1 and age distribution was relatively even among all age groups. Predilectional sites were posterior for neurogenic tumors, and anterior for teratodermoid tumors, thymomas and lymphomas. Dyspnea was the most common symptom in the patients of the mediastinal tumors and asymptomatic patients were 19.5%, Benign mediastinal mass lesions were 66.0% and malignant, 34.0%, Complete or partial resection was done in 42.4%. Conclusion: We could find the increasing incidence and the tendency of aggressive resection as possible in the mediastinal tumors. We expect the discovery of more mediastinal tumors with wider use of regular check-up and development of diagnostic methods.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.264-273
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• 2012

This cross-sectional study was investigated musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms and related factors on some middle high school teachers. Self-questionnaire of KOSHA CODE H-30-2003 was done with 250 teachers from 1st to 15th October, 2010, the data from 231 teachers (68 male, 163 female) was statistically analyzed to search the factors related to musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms. According to NIOSH rate of musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms by body parts was 36.8%. Musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms related to age, school types, subjective health status, housekeeping time, VDT work time and regular rest. After adjusting for related variables, odds ratio (OR) of musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms was correlation significantly to subjective health status unhealthy (OR 11.75, 95% Confidence Interval, CI, 3.56-378.78). In addition, ORs (95% CI) of age (40-49) and housekeeping time (${\geq}3$) were 4.63 (1.82-26.18) and 4.33 (1.97-19.34). Analysis of the factors influencing the musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms vary in different parts of the body. The most discomfort symptoms by parts was neck (26.0%) and shoulder (30.0%). In the neck region was related to subjective health status and regular rest. In the shoulder and waist region was subjective health status and sex. Age was wrist/finger, leg/foot was related to subjective health status, sex and VDT work time. Age, school types, subjective health status, housekeeping time, VDT work time and regular rest related to musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms and the most discomfort symptoms by parts was neck and shoulder.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.243-252
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• 2005

Purpose: Indoor air quality (IAQ) in the radiation treatment center which is generally located underground is important to the health of hospital workers and patients treated over a long period of time. this study was conducted to measure and analyze the factors related to IAQ and subjective symptoms of sick building syndrome, and to establish the causes influencing IAQ and find a solution to the problems. Methods and Materials : Self administrated questionnaire was conducted to check the workers' symptoms and understanding of the work environment. Based on a preliminary investigation, the factors related to IAQ such as temperature, humidity, fine particulate. carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), and radon gas were selected and measured for a certain period of time in specific sites where hospital workers stay long in a day. And we also evaluated the surrounding environment and the efficiency of the ventilating system simultaneously, and measured the same factors at the first floor (outdoor) to compare with outdoor all quality, All collected data were assessed by the recommended standard for IAQ of the domestic and international environmental organizations. Results: Hospital workers were discontented with foul odors, humidity and particulate. They complained symptoms related to musculo-skeletal system, neurologic system, and mucosal-irritatation. Most of the factors were not greater than the recommended standard, but the level of TVOC was third or fourth times as much as the measuring level of some offices in the United States. The frequency and the amount of the ventilating system were adequate, however, the problem arising in the position of outdoor-air inlets and indoor-air outlets involved a risk of the indraft of contaminated air. A careful attention was a requirement in handling and keeping chemical substances including a developing solution which has a risk of TVOC emissions, and repositioning the ventilating system was needed to solve the contaminated-air circulation immediately Conclusion We verified that some IAQ-related factors and inadequate ventilating system could cause subjective symptoms in hospital workers. The evaluation of IAQ was surely needed to improve the underground working environments for hospital workers and patients. On the basis of these data, from now on, we should actively engage in designs of the department of radiation oncology or improvement in environments of the existing facilities.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.480-485
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• 2007

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. COPD has systemic effects, such as skeletal muscle dysfunction and abnormal weight loss. It also has been suggested that COPD is related to other chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and anemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate a symptom questionnaire and laboratory findings in subjects with air flow limitation. Methods: We evaluated a symptom questionnaire and laboratory findings in subjects with airflow limitation detected by spirometry in conjunction with the Second Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 9,243 adults over the age of 18 were recruited. Among the adults, we finally analyzed 2,217 subjects who met the acceptability and repeatability criteria of spirometry, showed normal findings on chest radiography, and were older than 40 years of age. Results: There were 288 subjects with airflow limitation as determined by spirometry. The frequency of respiratory symptoms such as cough, sputum and wheezing were significantly higher in subjects with airflow limitation (p <0.01). Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were higher in subjects with airflow limitation (hemoglobin level 13.98 mg/dL vs. 13.62 mg/dL, hematocrit 42.10% vs. 40.89%; p<0.01). The HDL cholesterol level was lower in subjects with airflow limitation (44.95 mg/dL vs. 45.60 mg/dL; p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the total cholesterol, triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and fasting glucose levels. Conclusion: In subjects with airflow limitation, prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher than in normal spirometry subjects and the levels of hemoglobin and the hematocrit were higher. The HDL cholesterol level was lower in subjects with airflow limitation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.219-232
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• 1995

This study was conducted to examine both usage rate of standard sized desks and chairs for the middle and high school students and pain complant of students who use standard-size desk & chair in Taegu, Korea, by means of questionnaires with 1,201 students of both male and female middle and high schools in Taegu area from March 20 to April 19, 1995. The result of this study is summarized as follows. It was mostly shown that the desks and chairs used by those middle and high school students were 1-3 higher than their standard sizes, and that they also preferred a little higher size with respect to their desired sizes. The rate of students who use the standard size showed that the desk accounted for 30.5%, and chair for 21.0%, that the size bigger than the standard accounted for 61.3%, respectively, and 65.2, and that the size smaller than the standard accounted for 8.2%, respectively, and 13.8%. The using rate of the standard sized for the middle school students indicated that their desk accounted for 44.1%, and their chair for 26.0% which were higher than 16.1% and 14.7% for the high school students. Then, the rate of the male students indicated that their desk accounted for 31.5% and their chair for 24.5% which were higher than 29.6% and 17.6% of the female students. In addition, the using rate of the standard size for the public schools showed that the desk accounted for 34.2% and chair for 24.5% which were also higher than 27.1% and 17.5% of the private schools. It was shown, however, that the using rate of the standard size for both groups was lower. The most inconvenient factor in the usage of their desks appeared in such orders as their wear, narrow drawers, too low height and uneven face, while the factor in their chairs did in such orders as too hard chair body the surface and back part, wear, lower and higher height and narrow width. Their physical pains resulting from usage of those desks and chairs showed that the male and female middle school students' complaint rate of pains in their neck and shoulder accounted for 32.1%, respectively, and 36.0% which were highest, while those high school students' complaint rate in their waist accounted for 37.9%, respectively, and 44.1% which were hight. It was also shown that the bigger their height, the higher their complaint rate of pain in the waist, and that their complaint rate in the shoulder and neck was totally higher. When using the standard-sized desks and chairs, their complaint rate of pain in the shoulder and neck accounted for 25.4%, respectively, and 23.8%. As compared with them, when using the desks or chairs bigger than the standard size, their complaint rate accounted for 31.5%, respectively, and 31.8% which were high while it did 26.5% and 28.9% when using them smaller than the standard size which were also high, the usage of those standard-sized desks and chairs indicated lower complaint rate of pain in their waist than used the desks and chairs bigger or smaller than the standard size. The rate of the middle and high school students who use their standard size is very low and the size of their desks and chairs are quite different from those they hope to use and many students appeal their discomfort with their desks and chairs. Therefore, the school should try to provide the desks and chairs of the various students' standard sizes in consideration of their physical condition and it also should try to get extra desks and chairs of various sizes according to the students' standard size and their preference.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.73-80
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• 2006

Thyroid disease is highly Prevalent, and many Physicians encounter the Patients with thyroid disease on many occasions. However, many doctors may make an erroneous diagnosis because of its variable clinical manifestation. Thyroid tumor is the most common disease which is detected in more than 30% of general population. Recently, the incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing to be a leading position in female cancer. Therefore, clinical physicians should be familiar with thyroid disease due to its high prevalence and heterogeneous clinical features.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Intelligent Systems Conference
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• 2002.05a
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• pp.68-71
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• 2002

의사들은 환자들의 건강 상태와 관련하여 다양한 유형의 정보들을 수집하고 분석하여 개별적인 환자들의 진단을 내리게 된다. 의사들이 한 명의 환자와 관련된 다양한 정보로부터 질환을 결정 내리기까지에는 여러 단계에서 다양한 의사결정이 필요하며 매우 복잡한 과정을 거치게 된다. 그러므로 의사들에게 또는 환자들에게 보조적인 도움을 주고자 많은 의료진단 시스템들이 개발되었다. 현재까지 개발된 대부분의 의료 진단시스템들은 특정한 의사의 경험이나 한 유형의 질환에 고정되어 있다. 그래서 환자들이 급성복통과 같은 여러 가지 유형의 질환에 관련되어 있는 증상을 호소할 때 의사들이 적절한 의사결정을 내리기가 쉽지 않다. 본 논문에서는 급성복통과 관련된 여러 가지 유형의 질환을 진단할 수 있는 시스템을 퍼지 논리를 이용하여 설계하고 구현해 본다.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.213-217
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• 1982

Self sensing symptoms were. surveyed by interview from the workers using lacquer-thinner(Male 35, Female 28). And the data was converted to point. Independent variables were state of the medication, education, alcohol drinking, smoking, living and past occupational history. Dependent variable was the point. The relationship between independent variables and the depenent variable was studied. The result of the study were briefly summarized as below. 1. The difference of point between sex and medication statement was significant by statistical test. 2. Age and past occupational history were not important variables. 3. The Multiple Stepwise Regression Equation obtained by this study was not useful.

• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.11-21
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• 2004

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine prevalence and related factors of musculoskeletal symptoms in electronics assembly line workers. Method: A questionnaire survey was performed on 350 workers in In-chon city. The questionnaire consisted of questions on the general characteristics, work duration, working hours, hobby activity hours, housekeeping activity hours and standardized descriptions of NOISH on musculoskeletal symptoms. Result: Complaint rates of musculoskeletal symptoms by anatomical site were as follows: shoulder, 67% : neck, 40.4% : waist, 28.7% : wrist and hand, 27.1% : foot and leg, 14.4% : arm and elbow, 11.2%. Significantly higher prevalence of shoulder musculoskeletal symptom was found women than men, married than unmarried, less than 1hours housekeeping activity than over 1hours housekeeping activity. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified gender, marital status and housekeeping activity as the main affecting factors for shoulder musculoskeletal symptoms. Conclusions: The most prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was shoulder site. It was higher in married women and over 1hours housekeeping activity in a day. It is recommended that married women should be reduce housekeeping activity time.