• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.15-26
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• 2023

Purposes: Evaluate the level of mental health of administrative workers in medical institutions during the COVID-19 epidemic, and check the relationship. Methodology: It targeted 183 administrative workers at medical institutions located in Jeollabuk-do. The data survey method used a self-filled questionnaire, and the data collection period was 30 days from November 16, 2021 to December 16, 2021. A comparative analysis was conducted to find out the correlation between the subjects' biological factors, environmental factors, lifestyle factors, job related factors and depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and job stress. Findings: As an influencing factor of depression, it was found that the longer the working period, the higher the depression, and the higher the position, job satisfaction, and the total amount of smoking, the lower the depression. Due to the effect on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the higher the total amount of smoking, the higher the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after effects, and the higher the organizational commitment and job satisfaction, the lower the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder aftereffects. It was found that organizational commitment had the highest influence on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As an influencing factor on job stress, it was found that the higher the job related factors was job satisfaction and organizational commitment, the lower the job stress. Practical Implications: Variables such as moderate physical activity, alcohol consumption, total smoking, working period, position, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment were identified as factors influencing depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and job stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.54-68
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• 2013

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of microparticles of Socheongryong-tang (SCRT) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a mouse model. Methods: The inhalable microparticles containing SCRT were produced by spray-drying with leucine as an excipient, and evaluated with respect to the aerodynamic properties of the powder by Andersen cascade impactor (ACI). Its equivalence to SCRT extract was evaluated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and a cigarette-smoking (CS)-induced murine COPD model. Results: SCRT microparticles provided desirable aerodynamic properties (fine particle fraction of $49.6{\pm}5.5%$ and mass median aerodynamic diameter of $4.8{\pm}0.3{\mu}m$). SCRT microparticles did not show mortality or clinical signs over 14 days. Also there were no significant differences in body weight, organ weights or serum chemical parameters between SCRT microparticle-treated and non-treated groups. After 14 days the platelet count significantly increased compared with the non-treated group, but the values were within the normal range. Inhalation of SCRT microparticles decreased the rate of neutrophils in blood, granulocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and level of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 in BALF on COPD mouse model induced by LPS plus CS. This effect was verified by histological findings including immunofluorescence staining of elastin, collagen, and caspase 3 protein in lung tissue. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that SCRT microparticles are equivalent to SCRT extract in pharmaceutical properties for COPD. This study suggests that SCRT microparticles would be a potential agent of inhalation therapy for the treatment of COPD.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.407-412
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of powered toothbrush with a wireless remote display on the subjective and objective oral hygiene improvement. Methods: One hundred and fifteen subjects in healthy or mild gingivitis status between the ages of 20 and 90 were recruited and reviewed for study inclusion criteria. At first visit, 115 pre-screened subjects filled in the questionnaire form which consisted of demographic factors, behavioral factors (smoking, alcohol consumption), toothbrushing habits (brushing time and frequency), self-reported oral health status, and self-satisfaction. Baseline clinical indices (Plaque index, Gingival index) were also recorded by a periodontist. Subjects were instructed how to use powered toothbrush with a wireless remote display, and were provided with it. Thirty days after first visit, 90 subjects returned for the second assessment by self-reported questionnaire form and professional clinical checkup. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test for the difference between baseline and second visit data. The relationship among variables was examined with chi-square test and Fisher' s exact test. Results: Significant differences were not found on self-reported satisfaction related with sex, smoking, alcohol consumption (P<0.05). Self-reported tooth brushing habit was improved in the aspect of brushing time and frequency. Significant differences were found on the self-reported oral health status, self-satisfaction, and clinical indices between the baseline and second visit data (P<0.01). Clinical indices were significantly reduced after using powered toothbrush with a wireless remote display (P<0.01). No adverse reactions were reported during the study period. Conclusions: Powered toothbrush with a wireless remote display successfully promoted oral hygiene from the subjective and objective viewpoint after 30 days of home usage.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.235-245
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• 2008

Exposure to mercury was assessed in 125 Korean (Gwangju and Busan) and 373 Chinese primary school students (Xinguang village, Goumen town) using hair mercury analysis from November 2006 to September 2007. The geometric mean concentration of mercury was higher among Korean children with recording 0.73 ${\mu}g$/g, compared to Chinese children of 0.12 ${\mu}g$/g, which indicated statistically difference (P<0.01). The mean concentration of Korean children living near incineration facilities was higher by recording 0.76 ${\mu}g$/g while the average concentration of their counterpart in Korea reached 0.69 ${\mu}g$/g. In case of Chinese children, those who are living near power plants showed higher level with posting 0.16 ${\mu}g$/g while the others recorded 0.10 ${\mu}g$/g (P<0.01). Intake of fish was found to be related to hair mercury level. In case of Korean children, those with high fish intake recorded 0.79 ${\mu}g$/g in terms of the geometric mean concentration while the others with low fish intake posted 0.61 ${\mu}g$/g. Among Chinese children, those who often eat fish recorded 0.13 ${\mu}g$/g compared to the others with low fish intake of 0.11 ${\mu}g$/g. On the other hand, amalgam dental fillings have limited influence on mean hair mercury level. As for vaccination, within a month of vaccination, the geometric mean concentration of Korean children reached 0.76 ${\mu}g$/g, and in case of 15 days after injection, the level was 1.20 ${\mu}g$/g. In China, the level of children at one month after receiving injection stood at 0.15 ${\mu}g$/g while the level within 15 days was 0.13 ${\mu}g$/g. Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI, passive smoking, and fish consumption are closely related to hair mercury level among the Korean subjects. In China, hair mercury level was affected by age, location, passive smoking, fish consumption, and vaccination. Explanatory power was 21.6% with $R^2$=0.216.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.87 no.2
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• pp.185-193
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• 2024

Background: The mechanisms leading to lung fibrosis are still under investigation. This study aimed to demonstrate whether antacids could prevent the development of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Methods: This population-based longitudinal cohort study was conducted between January 2006 and December 2010 in South Korea. Eligible subjects were ≥40 years of age, exposed to proton pump inhibitors (PPI)±histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H-2 blockers) or H-2 blockers only, and had no history of ILD between 2004 and 2005. Exposure to antacids was defined as the administration of either PPI or H-2 receptor antagonists for >14 days, whereas underexposure was defined as antacid treatment administered for less than 14 days. Newly developed ILDs, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), were counted during the 5-year observation period. The association between antacid exposure and ILD development was evaluated using adjusted Cox regression models with variables, such as age, sex, smoking history, and comorbidities. Results: The incidence rates of ILD with/without antacid use were 43.2 and 33.8/100,000 person-years, respectively and those of IPF were 14.9 and 22.9/100,000 person-years, respectively. In multivariable analysis, exposure to antacid before the diagnosis of ILD was independently associated with a reduced development of ILD (hazard ratio [HR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45 to 0.71; p<0.001), while antacid exposure was not associated with development of IPF (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.09; p=0.06). Conclusion: Antacid exposure may be independently associated with a decreased risk of ILD development.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.97-102
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• 2011

Meridian Research Center, Division of Standard Research, Keora Institute of Oriental Medicine Objectives : Ear acupuncture needle is used to treat smoking, drug abusing, alcoholism frequently over time stability of ear acupuncture needle is important factor for safe acupuncture treatment. In spite of the importance, there has been few study about the quality of disposable acupuncture needle tip - using scanning electron microscope (SEM) in 2002, 2003. Moreover, there was no study about ear acupuncture needle. Methods : The three ear acupuncture needle, made in China, Japan, Korea was chosen. We used Hank's solution at the 38$^{\circ}C$ as a phantom tissue liquid. Except for the control group, five groups of needles are soused one to five days. Surface corrosion was observed using the SEM compared with control group. Results : There was no particular corrosion in all groups of ear acupuncture needles compared with the control group. Conclusions : All of the ear acupunctures used in this study are stable in body fluids at least 5 days.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2004

Objectives : This study was carried out to understand the prevalence and risk factors of green tobacco sickness (GTS) among Korean tobacco harvesters. Methods : The authors conducted a questionnaire among the tobacco harvesters (1,064 persons from 555 out of 723 tobacco harvesting households) in Cheongsong-gun for 4 days from May 7 to 10, 2002. Results : The study subjects were 550 males and 514 females. The recognition and experience of GTS up until 2001 were 96.4% and 61.9%, respectively. The prevalence of GTS in 2001 was 42.5%, and was significantly higher in females than in males (59.0% vs. 26.6%, p<0.01). The incidence density of GTS according to the number of workdays in 2001 was 12.3 spells/100 person..days. The GTS symptoms reported by the tobacco harvesters in 2001 were dizziness in 441 cases (97.6%), nausea in 414 (91.6%), headache in 349 (77.2%) and vomiting in 343 (75.9%). The use of gloves, hat and wristlets, sweating at work and the number of working hours significantly increased the prevalence of GTS (p<0.05). Multiple logistic re- gression analysis was used to determine the factors significantly associated with GTS. Odds ratios for smoking, working over 10 hours and sweating at work were 0.26 (95% CI:0.19-0.35), 1.64 (95% CI:1.26-2.14) and 1.60 (95% CI:1.14-2.25), respectively. Of those who reported GTS in 2001, 311 cases (68.8%) underwent treatment from their local medical facilities. Conclusions : In Korea, there are many tobacco-harvesting households, and most may be stricken with GTS. More extensive epidemiological studies, including the incidence and associated risk factors, are expected and a surveillance system including measurements of cotinine in urine should be conducted.

• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.17-25
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• 2019

Purpose: This study investigated the factors influencing sleep quality in adults according to age groups. The escriptive study was conducted in metropolitan areas of South Korea to control for possible sleep differences between adults living in rural areas and those living in cities. Participants were 450 adults between 19 and 65 years old. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires consisting of including the Korean Modified Sleep Leeds Evaluation Questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale were used to assess the quality of adults' sleep. Results: Sleep quality was poor across the all age groups Stress and subjective health status were influencing factors of sleep quality among participants in their 20s; subjective health status and circadian rhythm (evening-type) were influencing factors of those in their 30s; subjective health status, alcohol consumption, and work days of less than 8 hours were influencing factors among participants in their 40s; and stress, circadian rhythm (evening-type), subjective health status, work days of over 11 hours, past smoking habit, and light physical activity were influencing factors of those aged 50 years and over. Conclusion: The quality of sleep was low across the all adult age groups in South Korea. Although the factors influencing quality of sleep differed by age groups, they in general indicate the need to focus on maintaining and controlling health status in sleep interventions.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.286-298
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• 2006

The study aimed to identify major factors related to global self-rated health of the community-dwelling elderly people in rural areas. Interviews were conducted with 433 persons over 65 years of age. The socio-economic characteristics, chronic disease status, measures of functional and mental health, life satisfaction, health-related behaviors including smoking, drinking, exercise, social activity, dietary habit, and food intakes were analyzed to determine their influence on self-rated health index. Data on food intake were obtained through the 24-hour recall method. The self-rated health of rural elderly was poor or very poor as reported by 42.6% and 52.4% of the men and women, respectively. Poor self-rated health was found to be related to elderly aged $65{\sim}74$, female, absence of work, more chronic diseases, dependence on Instrumental Activity Daily Living (IADL), higher mental unhealthy days, lower current life satisfaction, less social activity, lower dietary habit scores, lower intake of total food, fruit, eggs, fishes & shell fishes, vitamin C (%RDA), and Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR). The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that poor self-rated health index is significantly associated with more chronic diseases, mental unhealthy days, gastrointestinal disease, musculoskeletal disease, less social activity, and lower intake of fruits. The results also suggested that improving the nutritional status and functional ability, and reducing the burden of chronic diseases are beneficial to the self-rated health index of the elderly.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.25-31
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• 1993

The purpose of this study was to find out the influence of Entrance Examinees' Eating Behavior on their health condition. The examinees for Chungbuk National university in 1992 were asked to fill out the questionnaire(The total number was 1054 ; 537 males, 517 females). The statistics used for data analysis were frequency, percentage, Crosstabs, Chi-square, t-test, one-way Anova, and Multiple Regression using SPSS/PC+ Program. The results are as follows. 1. Health condition due to an eating attitude: 1) As to health condition due to the food intake freguency, those who intaked fish or meat 3-5 days a week had the best heal th condition, but those who hardly intaked fish and meat or intaked them almost everyday had rather poor health condition. Those who intaked fried foods 1-2 days a week had the best health condition. The higher the freguency intaking such food or instant food was, the worse health condition was. 2) In view of health condition according to an eating attitude, it led to very good health condition to have breakfast & supper, to eat regularly, to select the nutritious foods, and to have a balanced diet. Overeating before sleeping and no meal or overeating before exam made their health very bad. Alcohol drinking & cigarrette smoking as favorite foods appeared significantly high in the boys. The more frequently they drinked alcohol and smoked cigarrette the worse their health condition was. Those who enjoyed milk, soya milk, and korean tea as favorite beverages had the better health condition than those who enjoyed coffee and soft drinks. 2. Influence of Eating Behavior on Health Condition. 1) The food intake freguency and the eating attitude influenced each other. The higher the score of food intake frequency was, the better the eating attitude appeared. 2) As a result of this study for eating behavior influencing on their health condition, the eating attitude influenced health condition, and the higher the eating attitude score was, the better heal th condition could be.