• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.56-66
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• 1993

Interactive effects among eating behavior, obesity and serum lipid levels were studied in 117, 4~12 year old children residing suburban Seoul. Fasting blood samples are obtained and analyzed for serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol(TC), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C) and hematochrit. Obesity was determined by weight for length index(WLI)and the information on eating behavior including food habits and dietary intakes was obtained by questionaire using food record method for 2-consecutive days. Over 40% of children was classified overweight or obese by WIL and children's physical parameters were closely related to those of parents implying genetic influence on obesity. Although it did not reach the statistical significance, there was a tendency of higher TG, TC and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C)levels among girls compared to boys. Blood lipid levels of obese children were similar to those of other groups except TG, which was significantly higher(p<0.05) in obese group. Nutrient intakes seemed adequate in all subjects except iron, calcium and total calorie which were lower than RDAs. Lacking significant relationship between individual nutrient intake and obesity, there was significant correlation between food intake and blood lipid level especially in 10-12 year old group. Vegetable intake was negatively related to TG, LPH(LDL-C/HDL-C) and atherogenic index(AI), and positively to HDL-C. Skipping breakfast and frequent eating out appeared to cause imbalances in nutrient intake. These findings clearly revealed the influence of eating behavior on childhood obesity along with blood lipid profile. To ensure the proper growth and health of these children, devising method and developing media for nutrition education suited to our society should be accomplished first. With well-planned nutrition surveys and thorough intention, childhool obesity could be prevented from progress into adulthood obesity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.563-568
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• 2016

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide and its frequency is increasing gradually in many countries. Over the last three decades an increase in the breast cancer has been witnessed in the earlier low-risk Asian countries including Pakistan. Purpose: The objective of the current study was to assess the prevalence of known risk factors like early menarche, late menopause, socio economic, reproductive and demographic factors, among women diagnosed with breast cancer at INMOL hospital, Lahore, Punjab, as little information exists in this regard. Materials and Methods: A survey study was conducted on 200 women diagnosed with breast cancer who were seen at Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL) hospital, Lahore. A structured questionnaire was administered to these patients regarding the known risk factors through face to face interviews after obtaining appropriate consent. Results: Regarding non-modifiable risk factors, our study showed that majority of the breast cancer patients were diagnosed at 35-45 years (32.5%) or at older age (${\leq}46$) and experienced menarche at 12 years or older (66 %). Likewise, a large number of patients reached menopause at the age of 45 years (60%), had no family and personal history of breast cancer (80%) and hence fell in a low risk category. Regarding modifiable risk factors in women diagnosed with breast cancer, most of the patients fell in low risk strata as the majority were married (98%) at young age, breastfed their children for 12 months or more (88%) and bore two to three children (80%). Considering income criteria, the majority of the patients had a low risk profile as they belonged to middle class (70%), urban area (60%) and were house wives (80%). However, it was noted that a considerable number of women (34%) diagnosed with breast cancer experienced menarche at an early age (<12) and reached menopause after the age of 45 years. This situation is further augmented by environmental changes and dietary habits and places them in a high risk category.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1111-1117
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• 2014

Golestan province has a reputation for relatively high incidence rates of gastric cancer in Iran. Along with dietary, lifestyle and environmental influential factors, soil selenium and high levels of pesticide used may exert influence in this region. The present study was designed for modeling the influential predictors on incidence of gastric cancer in Golestan. All registered cases of gastric cancer from March 2009 to March 2010 (49 females and 107 males) were investigated. Data were gathered by both check list and researcher made questionnaire (demographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics) and analysed using logistic regression. Mean (${\pm}SD$) age at diagnosis was $62.9{\pm}13.8$ years. CIR and ASR of gastric cancer showed 9.16 and 13.9 per 100,000 people, respectively. Based on univariate logistic regression, a history of smoking (OR= 2.076), unwashed hands after defecation (OR= 2.612), history of cancer in relatives (OR= 2.473), history of gastric cancer in first-degree relatives (OR= 2.278), numbers of gastric cancers in first-degree relatives (OR= 2.078), history of X-ray and dye exposure (OR= 2.395), history of CT scan encounter (OR= 2.915), improper food habits (OR= 3.320), specific eating behavior (OR= 0.740), consumption of probable high risk foods (OR= 2.942), charred flesh (OR= 1.945), and animal fat (OR= 2.716) were confirmed as a risk factors. Changes in lifestyle may be expected to increase gastric cancer incidence dramatically in the near future. Therefore, appropriate educational interventions should be designed and implemented by competent authorities.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.111-117
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• 2005

It has been more than three decades since the first assay assessing circulating 25 (OH)D in human subjects was performed That publication as well as several that followed it defined 'normal' nutritional vitamin D status in human populations. Recently, the wisdom by which 'normal' circulating 25 (OH)D levels in human subjects were assigned in the past has come under question. It appears that sampling human subjects, who appear to be free from disease, and assessing 'normal' circulating 25 (OH)D levels by plotting a Gaussian distribution is grossly inaccurate. There are many reasons why this method is inaccurate, including race, lifestyle habits, sunscreen usage, age, latitude, and inappropriately low dietary recommendations for vitamin D. For instance, a 400 IU/day. AI for vitamin D is insignificant when one considers that a 10-15 minute whole body exposure to peak summer sun will generate and release up to 20,000 IU vitamin $D_3$ into the circulation. Recent studies, which orally administered up to 10,000 IU/day vitamin $D_3$ to human subjects for several months, have successfully elevated circulating 25 (OH)D levels to those observed in individuals from sun-rich environments. Further, we are now able to accurately assess sufficient circulating 25 (OH)D levels utilizing specific biomarkers instead of guessing what an adequate level is. These biomarkers include intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium absorption, bone mineral density (BMD), insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cell function. Using the data from these biomarkers, vitamin D deficiency should be defined as circulating levels of 25 (OH)D$\leq$30 ng/mL. In certain cases, such as pregnancy and lactation, significantly higher circulating 25 (OH)D levels would almost certainly be beneficial to both the mother and recipient fetus/infant.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.89-97
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nutrient intake, eating behaviors and health-related lifestyles of Korean non-nutrition major college students after they took a nutrition course. The subjects were 40 male and 147 female students at a university in Inchon. The results are summarized as follows: Average height of male and female students was 176.2 and 162.0 cm, respectively. Average weight was 66.2 and 52.3 kg, respectively. Average intake of calories, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, niacin, and Ca was lower than Korean RDA. Fe intake of female students was lower than Korean RDA. Most students have had dietary problems such as overeating, eating unbalanced meals, and skipping meals. More than 60% of the students skipped breakfast. The main reason for skipping meals was lack of time. Most students didnt exercise regularly. About 40% of the students took vitamin or mineral supplements. As for smoking and alcohol use, 11.3% of the students drank alcohol and smoked, and 74.2% of them only drank alcohol. More than 30% of the students drank alcohol once a week. Most students ate out twice a week, and chose their based on taste rather than nutritional value. The main reason for eating out was simply to enjoy a meal. More than 60% of the students ate at places in or around campus. After taking the nutrition course, intake of milk and other dairy products, vegetables, fruits and protein-rich foods increased in female students. For both male and female students, intake of fat, sugar, processed foods, soft drinks, fried foods and spices decreased. Therefore, nutrition education had effect on non-nutrition major students, suggesting that proper nutrition education encouraged healthy eating habits on the part of college students.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Oriental Medical Informatics
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.101-113
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• 2009

Objectives: Nowadays, the number of patients having the Functional Gastrointestinal Disturbance has been on the rise and this tendency is clear in the female group. This study is aimed to investigate their cause of disease, dietary lifestyle, digestion functions, general symptoms and any disadvantages in daily lives etc. Also, it would suggest any effective results from oriental medical treatments. Methods: The total number of 20 female patients, who have been participated in this study, have been treated at Oriental Internal Medicine, Dong-eui Hospital. We have performed the survey with 50 questionnaires. Results: Most patients were having dyspepsia and had been treated more than once before the survey. The major cause of their disease includes irregular eating habits(p<0.05) and stressful mental conditions. The patients had suffered much disadvantages in daily lives and different symptoms. Specially, pain in the below of stomach pit and early satiation were common.(p<0.05) However, the Discomfort index of patients has been decreased from 9.22 point to 2.85 point after oriental medical treatment. It means this treatment has meaningful effectiveness to the Functional Gastrointestinal Disturbance patients. Conclusion: We have investigated the features of female patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disturbance and conclude that the Oriental Medical Treatment is effective to them.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2009

Complex microbial communities play an important role in the human health and co-evolved with human in the form of symbiosis. Many literatures provide new evidences that the increased prevalence of obesity cannot be attributed solely to changes in the human genome, nutritional habits, or reduction of physical activity in our daily lives. The intestinal flora was recently proposed as an environmental factor responsible for the control of body weight and energy metabolism. A number of studies suggest that the modulation of gut microbiota affects host metabolism and has an impact on energy storage and demonstrated a role for the gut microbiota in weight gain, fat increase, and insulin resistance. Variations in microbiota composition are found in obese humans and mice and the microbiota from an obese mouse confers an obese phenotype when transferred to an axenic mouse. As well, the gut microbial flora plays a role in converting nutrients into calories. Specific strategies for modifying gut microbiota may be a useful means to treat or prevent obesity. Dietary modulations of gut microbiota with a view to increasing bifidobacteria have demonstrated to reduce endotoxemia and improve metabolic diseases such as obesity. The fermentation of medicinal herbs is intended to exert a favorable influence on digestability, bioavailability and pharmacological activity of herbal extract. Therefore we also expect that the fermented herbal extracts may open up a new area to treat obesity through modulating gut microbiota.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.729-738
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• 1998

Background and purpose : Stroke is a leading cause of death in Korea. Early measures to prevent stroke are extremely important since it has no cure. Korean might have different risk factors since their dietary habits and socio-economical status differ from most western countries. However, the risk factors for stroke in Korea have not yet been identified. Moreover, the lifestyle of healthy Korean adults has not been investigated. In this study we investigate the lifestyle of healthy adults living in Seoul and rural areas and compare the lifestyles of the two. Methods : One hundred seventy one subjects were studied. Among the subjects studied, 128 were from Seoul, the other 43 were from the country area. The age of the subjects was limited to over 40 years. Blood pressure, fast blood sugar, and cholesterol were measured. The subjects' height, weight, body mass index, total body fat, skinfolds thickness of triceps, subscapular and abdomen were measured to determine obesity. Using a structured interview, we assessed : sodium intake, physical activity and exercise, consumption of vegetables, fat, fish and fruits. The results of the two groups were compared. Results : There were no statistical differences in age and education between the two groups of subjects. The mean age of the subjects were 66 years old. The subjects residing in rural areas had a higher intake of sodium(p<0.05), lower physical activity(P<0.05), and higher BMI and body fat (p<0.05) as compared to the subjects in Seoul. Subjects with hypertension were between 24% and 33% and the prevalence of hypertension was the highest when compared to the prevalence of DM or hypercholesterolemia. However, the prevalence of hypertension, DM, hypercholesterolemia, were not significantly different in these areas. Conclusion : Our results show that subjects living in rural areas eat more salty food, exercise less, and tend to be obese. The finding of this study lead to speculation that Korean living in rural areas have less information about the effects of diet on health than city dwellers do. General health and nutrition education programs aimed at the prevention of stroke and other such conditions for rural area Koreans may close the risk factor gap between rural and urban dwellers.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.167-191
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• 1989

The present study was conducted to devlop and appropriate retirement home model for the elderly in terms of clothing and textiles; nutrition, health, and foodservice; housing and environment; and psychological adaptation. Specifically, the purposes of the study were: 1) to provide basic guidelines for clothing by comparing the clothing behavior of the elderly living in the retirement home and those living in their own homes with family, 2) to provide basic guidelines for balanced diet and effective foodservice, 3) to develop an ideal life space and facilities, and 4) to assess the psychological characteristics of the elderly. Questionnaires, observation, experimental method, and survey of literature were used for the study. Clothing behavior showed that the elderly were much concerned about clothing, and they preferred comfortable as well as fashionable designs. The elderly in the retirement homes complained of a lack of quantity and variety in clothing. They preferred natural fiber rather than blended fabrics. Flame resistance, thermal insulation, and flexibility of textile fabrics were found to be prime considerations in manufacturing and selecting clothing materials for the elderly. The health status of the surveyed elderly was generally good, but some poor eating habits were observed. Dietary nutrients intakes were generally sufficient, but several nutrients intakes were insufficient. The level of equipment in the kitchens of the institutions was low. Furthermore, the employment rate of dietitians in institutional settings was extremely low. This resulted in a lack of systematic foodservice management. Residents in the institution were generally satisfied with present life space and facilities but this was mainly because of abandonment, adaptation, and past experience. Optimal allocation of residents per bedroom and an adequate design for storage, bathroom, utility room, and dining room were recommended. The comparison of psychological status of the elderly living at home was more stable than those living in an institution. The emotional state of the elderly living in the institution was characterized by loneliness; they did not have close interpersonal relationships or future plans. An appropriate model for the elderly was developed on the basis of these findings.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.9 no.7
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• pp.325-335
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• 2018

We aimed to construct and test a structural equation model to analyze the convergence effect of utilizing smartphone technology for Therapeutic Lifestyle Change(TLC) among people with mental illness. A survey using a structured self-questionnaire was conducted from 549 male and 357 female subjects. The data was analyzed by SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 21.0. The model fit for the modified hypothetical model was shown: Q(${\chi}^2/df$)=3.241, AGFI=0.968, CFI=0.970, RMSEA=0.050(95% CI=0.035, 0.065), SRMR=0.048. In modified model from hypothetical model, the opinions about smartphone use affect the willingness to use smartphone applications. And the willingness to use smartphone applications affect dietary and living habits. The result of this study suggests that a convergent study using various delivery systems such as smartphone technology is necessary to implement TLC, which can facilitate the prevention of the metabolic syndrome among people with schizophrenia.