• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.56 no.6
• /
• pp.487-494
• /
• 2023

Objectives: Community organization is a resident-led movement aimed at creating fundamental social changes in the community by resolving its problems through the organized power of its residents. This study evaluated the effectiveness of health community organization (HCO), Gangwon's Health-Plus community program, implemented from 2013 to 2019 on residents' health behaviors. Methods: This study had a before-and-after design using 2011-2019 Korea Community Health Survey data. To compare the 3-year periods before and after HCO implementation, the study targeted areas where the HCO had been implemented for 4 years or longer. Therefore, a total of 4512 individuals from 11 areas with HCO start years from 2013 to 2016 were included. Complex sample multi-logistic regression analysis adjusting for demographic characteristics (sex, age, residential area, income level, education level, and HCO start year) was conducted. Results: HCO implementation was associated with decreased current smoking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57 to 0.95) and subjective stress recognition (aOR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.97). Additionally, the HCO was associated with increased walking exercise practice (aOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.71), and attempts to control weight (aOR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.64). No significant negative changes were observed in other health behavior variables. Conclusions: The HCO seems to have contributed to improving community health indicators. In the future, a follow-up study that analyzes only the effectiveness of the HCO through structured quasi-experimental studies will be needed.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.51-60
• /
• 2023

Objectives: This study attempted to examine the factors that affect the national health checkup rate of the elderly, analyze the impact of these factors, and discuss countermeasures to problems that may arise based on this. Methods: This study used the '8th National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2021)', a nationwide survey, as the main data. The subjects of the study are seniors aged 65 years or older, the dependent variable is whether or not they underwent a national health checkup, and the independent variables are gender, marital status, residence, education level, income level, economic activity, type of medical coverage, private insurance subscription, subjective health, High blood pressure, diabetes, depression, stress, and weight change were selected. The statistical analysis package for data analysis is SPSS ver. 27.0 was used, and a p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 2,806 seniors aged 65 years or older, 2,074 (73.9%) took the national health screening over the past two years. In terms of marital status, married was 1.451 times higher than single (p<0.001), and in terms of residence, myeon was 1.240 times higher than dong (p<0.01). In terms of education level, college graduates were 2.053 times higher than elementary school graduates (p<0.001), and in terms of economic activity, the employed were 1.325 times higher than the unemployed (p<0.01). Private insurance was 1.883 times higher than non-subscription (p<0.001), weight change was 1.234 times higher for change than no change (p<0.05), and current smoking rate was 2.003 times higher for non-smokers than for former smokers. It was high (p<0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, if differentiated promotion and health education are strengthened for the elderly who cannot participate in the national health screening, the participation rate of the elderly in the national health screening is expected to increase.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.77-85
• /
• 2024

Background/Aims: There may be many predictors of anticoagulation-related gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), but until now, systematic reviews and assessments of the certainty of the evidence have not been published. We conducted a systematic review to identify all risk factors for anticoagulant-associated GIB to inform risk prediction in the management of anticoagulation-related GIB. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to search PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases (from inception through January 21, 2022) using the following search terms: anticoagulants, heparin, warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, DOACs, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, risk factors. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies of risk factors for anticoagulation-related GIB were identified. Risk factors for anticoagulant-associated GIB were used as the outcome index of this review. Results: We included 34 studies in our analysis. For anticoagulant-associated GIB, moderate-certainty evidence showed a probable association with older age, kidney disease, concomitant use of aspirin, concomitant use of the antiplatelet agent, heart failure, myocardial infarction, hematochezia, renal failure, coronary artery disease, helicobacter pylori infection, social risk factors, alcohol use, smoking, anemia, history of sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, international normalized ratio (INR), obesity et al. Some of these factors are not included in current GIB risk prediction models. such as anemia, co-administration of gemfibrozil, co-administration of verapamil or diltiazem, INR, heart failure, myocardial infarction, etc. Conclusions: The study found that anemia, co-administration of gemfibrozil, co-administration of verapamil or diltiazem, INR, heart failure, myocardial infarction et al. were associated with anticoagulation-related GIB, and these factors were not in the existing prediction models. This study informs risk prediction for anticoagulant-associated GIB, it also informs guidelines for GIB prevention and future research.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.217-224
• /
• 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the number of existing permanent teeth is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a representative sample of Korean adults. Data from 3,107 subjects who participated in the 2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were examined. The dependent variable was COPD and the independent variable was the number of existing permanent teeth. Spirometry results were classified into three groups (normal pattern, restrictive pattern, and obstructive pattern) by trained technicians. We used dichotomized COPD variables (no vs. yes). The number of existing permanent teeth was evaluated by oral examination and divided into 3 groups (0~19, 20~27, and 28). Demographic factors (age group and sex group), socioeconomic status (education and income), health behaviors (smoking and drinking), oral health and behavior (frequency of toothbrushing; periodontitis; decayed, missing, filled, permanent teeth index; and denture status), and general health status (body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension) were included as confounders in the analysis. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analyses including confounders were applied, and all analyses considered a complex sampling design. Stratified analysis was performed by smoking status. After controlling for various confounders, there was a significant association between the number of existing permanent teeth and COPD (odds ratio [OR], 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20~3.00 for the 20~27 group; OR, 3.93; 95% CI, 1.75~8.84 for the 0~19 group). The association was more significant in current smokers (OR, 8.90; 95% CI, 2.53~31.33). Our data indicate that the number of existing permanent teeth was independently associated with COPD, especially in current smokers. Further longitudinal research is needed to determine whether oral health promotion plays a role in the improvement of lung function and prevention of COPD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.115-130
• /
• 2001

Dieting behaviors prevail among most women and are highly increasing among female adolescents who don't have to lose weight. The dieting behaviors of normal or low weight groups are highly related to the negative impact of health risk behaviors. We need a strategy for intervening in the dieting behaviors of relevant groups. With this background, a study was conducted to examine the current situation of dieting behaviors and related factors in middle school girls, and to provide guidelines for the relevant dieting group. This survey was carried out by self-questionnaires passed out to 901 middle school girls from 3 middle schools in Seoul. Data were collected from April 10th, 2000 to April 17th, 2000 and 794 respondents' data were finally selected for analysis. The instruments of this study were Shin's scale for effects of mass-media, Birleson's depression self-rating scale translated by shim, Rosenberg's self-esteem scale, Smilkstein's Family APGAR score translated by Yoon, Kim's school-related adjustment scale. The credibility of instruments was 0.41~0.83 in the pilot study and 0.70~0.86 in the main study. The summary of results was as follows: 1. The general characteristics of respondents were analyzed. In comparison of grade and dieting behaviors, the subjects of the group perceived that their body image was obeser than their real body image and their ideal body image was slenderer than their current body image. A dieter's body image was seriously distorted. 2. The dieting behaviors were analyzed. The Subjects' BMI was within the normal to low range -- they didn't have to lose weight. But actually 47.3% of the respondents were dieters. Their main dieting methods were exercise(71.8%), computer games(64.9%) such as DDR and pump, and intake reduction(64.1%). Most dieters were using desirable methods such as exercise and intake control. But unhealthy methods such as saunax, smoking and harmful drug-use were also used by a few dieters. The main reason for dieting was attractiveness. The chief resources of dieting methods were mass-media(67.8%), friends(64.3%), and parents & relatives(35.1%). Only a few subjects obtained the information from health professionals. While they were trying to lose weight, 42.1% of the subjects experienced side effects such as dizziness(45.0%), apathy(20.5%), appetite loss(18.5%), amenorrhea and the irregularity of the menstrual cycle(16.6%). 3. The relationship between dieting behaviors and factors was analyzed. Dieting behaviors were significantly related to the experience of menarche, the experience of dating with heterosexuals, perceived body image, self-esteem, depression, family's relationship, school instruction-related adjustment, school life-related adjustment, and the effect of mass-media. After that, the multiple logistic regression was used. The analysis revealed that dating, perceived body image, the experience of menarche and the effect of mass media were significant factors. In conclusion, strategies for preventing irrelevant dieting behaviors are urgently required to enhance female adolescents' ability to choose the right information from countless others and to recognize their optimum body image.

• Health Policy and Management
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.240-250
• /
• 2018

By the end of 2017, in a world of 7.6 billion people, there were inequalities in healthcare indices both within and between nations, and this gap continues to increase. Therefore, this study aims to understand the current status of regional inequalities in healthcare indices and to find an action plan to tackle regional health inequality through a geo-economic review in Korea. Since 2008, there was great inequality in life expectancy and healthy life expectancy by region in not only metropolitan cities but also districts in Korea. While the community health statistics from 2008-2017 show a continuous increase of inequality during the last 10 years in most healthcare indices related to noncommunicable diseases (except for some, like smoking), the inequality has doubled in 254 districts. Furthermore, health inequality intensified as the gap between urban (metropolitan cities) and rural regions (counties) for rates of obesity (self-reported), sufficient walking practices, and healthy lifestyle practices increased from twofold to fivefold. However, regionalism and uneven development are natural consequences of the spatial perspective caused by state-lead developmentalism as Korea has fixed the accumulation strategy as its model for growth with the background of export-led industrialization in the 1960s and heavy and chemical industrialization in the 1970s, although the Constitution of the Republic of Korea recognizes the legal value of balanced development within the regions by specifying "the balanced development of the state" or "ensuring the balanced development of all regions." In addition, the danger of a 30% decline or extinction of local government nationwide is expected by 2040 as we face not only a decline in general and ageing populations but also the era of the demographic cliff. Thus, the government should continuously operate the "Special Committee on Regional Balanced Development" with a government-wide effort until 2030 to prevent disparities in the health conditions of local residents, which is the responsibility of the nation in terms of strengthening governance. To address the regional inequalities of rural and urban regions, it is necessary to re-adjust the basic subsidy and cost-sharing rates with local governments of current national subsidies based mainly on population scale, financial independence of local government, or distribution of healthcare resources and healthcare indices (showing high inequalities) overall.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.305-312
• /
• 2007

Objectives : To estimate the awareness, treatment and control rate, as well as to identify the awareness-related factors for hypertension. Methods : The study participants were 482 adults (men 206, women 276), aged 45 or over, diagnosed with hypertension and living in Chuncheon. The awareness rate was defined as the proportion of persons among those with hypertension who had previously been diagnosed by a physician. The treatment rate was defined as the proportion of persons who had used anti-hypertensive medication, among those who were aware of their hypertension. The control rate was defined as the proportion of persons who kept blood pressure normal, among those who had been treated for their hypertension. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out for the awareness-related factors using SAS VER 8.1. Results : The awareness, treatment, and control rate were 55,8% (53.4% for men; 57.6% for women), 89.6% (87,2% for men; 91.2% for women), and 34.4% (28.1 % for men; 38.6% for women), respectively. The awareness-related factors included a family history of hypertension (odds ratio[OR], 5.63; 95% confidence interval[95% CI]=1.53-20.72), smoking([Ex; OR 0.38, 95% CI= 0.15-0.96)], [Current; OR 0.28, 95% CI=0.10-0.80]), and alcohol intake ([Ex; OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.03-10.09],[Current; OR 3.36, 95% CI=1.30-8.71]) for men, and education(OR 2.23, 95% CI=1.10-4.53), body mass index(OR 2.72, 95% CI=1.13-6.53), and self-rated health(OR 2.38, 95% CI=1.07-5.30) for women. Conclusions : The awareness rate of hypertension among the middle aged and elderly in Chuncheon was 55.8%. The related factors of awareness were gender specific. Further studies are needed to elucidate the putative reasons for these gender differences.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.19-25
• /
• 2018

Objectives : Firefighters frequently experience traumatic events, high-tension situations and shift work. Therefore, the prevalence of insomnia of firefighters is higher than one of general population. Not only does the quality of sleep affect the satisfaction of personal life, but it also influences their performance for the public's safety. We investigated which factors affect the quality of sleep of firefighters. Methods : After personally delivering 120 questionnaires to 3 fire stations, the survey was conducted when the consents were signed. It inquired about alcohol use, smoking, shift work, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and experience of traumatic events. We then divided the firefighting officers in two groups according to the quality of sleep and compared the variables examined to conduct the logistic regression analyses according to the results. Results : The poor sleeper group reported a higher level of current alcohol consumption, depression, anxiety and experience of traumatic events. Logistic regression analyses showed that the current alcohol intake (Crude odds ratio=3.707, 95% confidence interval=1.288-10.672, p=0.015 ; Adjusted odds ratio=3.288, 95% confidence interval=1.011-10.694, p=0.048) has a significant effect on sleep quality. Conclusions : Current alcohol consumption, depression, anxiety and experience of traumatic events were respectively associated with sleep quality of firefighters. When all significant factors considered, the current alcohol use was the only statistically significant. To improve the quality of sleep for firefighters, it will be necessary to evaluate alcohol intake, educate the poor sleep quality caused by alcohol, and provide specific interventions to reduce consumption.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.53 no.2
• /
• pp.155-174
• /
• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of nutrient intake and dietary diversity score (DDS) on osteoporosis after controlling for sex, age, socioeconomic level, drinking, smoking, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) as mediators using the 2015-2017 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data. Methods: This study was focused on the age group of 50s and older by using the 2015-2017 KNHANES data. Subjects diagnosed with osteoporosis were classified as the osteoporosis group, and the other subjects were classified as the normal group. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between nutrient intake and DDS after controlling for mediators. Results: The risk of osteoporosis was 2.38 times lower in the 50-65 age group than in the 75 years and older group. The mediators affecting the incidence of osteoporosis by age group were sex, age, household income level, and education level in the 50-64 age group; sex, education level, drinking, and BMI in the 65-74 age group; and sex, age, current smoking, drinking, BMI, and energy intake in the 75 years and older group. The effect of nutrient intake on osteoporosis, with the exception of vitamin B1, was fully mediated by these mediators. The effect of vitamin B1 was partially mediated by mediators in the age group of 65-74 years, and vitamin B1 was effective for preventing the risk of osteoporosis by 25% when consumed over EAR. The effect of DDS was partially mediated in the age group of 75 years and older, and DDS of 2 or less increased the risk of osteoporosis by 2.59 times. Conclusion: As a result of this study, it is necessary to recommend the balanced intake of various foods including grains, meat·fish·legumes, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products as dietary guidelines for the prevention of osteoporosis and promotion of bone health in the elderly.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.87-100
• /
• 2009

Objectives: This study was conducted to suggest the way to improve the tobacco control program of public health centers in Korea. Methods: A survey with a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among 246 persons in charge of tobacco control work in public health centers nationwide in December, 2006. Frequency analysis was performed with a final sample of 212 respondents with SPSS 12.0 for Windows. Results: The duration of engagement in tobacco control work was less than 3 years among 86.7% of respondents, and 87.3% of respondents had other duties besides tobacco control. Almost all public health centers conducted a campaign with posters or leaflets, and smoking prevention education among adolescents. The actual priority for programs was based on the community diagnosis in only 33.5% of the cases. Only 1.9% of respondents complained lack of budget, on the other hand, 44.7% of respondents appealed insufficient number of personnel. The route of knowledge and skill was largely dependent on self-learning or information from colleague. Collaboration with other related department was done well in 39.5% of the cases. The majority of respondents was satisfied with the general support from central government. Conclusions: To improve the tobacco control program of public health centers, it is needed the reinforcement of capacity and specialty among personnel, priority setting and performance of programs based on the scientific evidence, induction of community participation, utilization of community human resources, development of education and training course for practical skill, effective networking among departments.