• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.57 no.2
• /
• pp.128-137
• /
• 2024

Objectives: This study was conducted to characterize the symptoms, mental health, quality of life (QoL), and associated factors following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 394 participants previously infected with COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Mental health was assessed using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Participants self-reported health-related QoL was measured with the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) scale. Results: Among the participants, 76.4% reported experiencing at least one symptom following COVID-19 infection. The most common symptoms were fatigue (42.1%), cognitive dysfunction (42.9%), and hair loss (27.9%). According to the DASS-21 results, the proportions of depression, anxiety, and stress were 28.7%, 26.4%, and 20.6%, respectively. The mean scores on the EQ-5D-5L and the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale were 0.94±0.11 and 84.20±13.11, respectively. Regarding QoL issues, the highest proportion of participants (32.7%) reported experiencing anxiety or depression, followed by pain or discomfort (25.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that factors associated with the presence of symptoms following COVID-19 infection included female (odds ratio [OR], 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65 to 4.91) and having QoL issues (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.71 to 6.19). Conclusions: The study investigated the prevalence rates of various symptoms following COVID-19 infection. These findings underscore the need to prioritize comprehensive care for individuals recovering from COVID-19 and to implement strategies to mitigate the long-term impact of the disease on mental health and QoL.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.36-44
• /
• 2024

This paper presents the application of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Region of Interest (ROI) techniques for concrete crack analysis. Surfaces of concrete structures, such as beams, etc., are exposed to fatigue stress and cyclic loads, typically resulting in the initiation of cracks at a microscopic level on the structure's surface. Early detection enables preventative measures to mitigate potential damage and failures. Conventional manual inspections often yield subpar results, especially for large-scale infrastructure where access is challenging and detecting cracks can be difficult. This paper presents data collection, edge segmentation and ROI techniques application, and analysis of concrete cracks using Convolutional Neural Networks. This paper aims to achieve the following objectives: Firstly, achieving improved accuracy in crack detection using image-based technology compared to traditional manual inspection methods. Secondly, developing an algorithm that utilizes enhanced Sobel edge segmentation and ROI techniques. The algorithm provides automated crack detection capabilities for non-destructive testing.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.341-351
• /
• 2014

Purpose : In this study, the medication effects of Milnacipran and Pregabalin, as well known as fibromyalgia treatment medicine, in fibromyalgia syndrome patients were compared through the change of BOLD signal in pain related functional MRI. Materials and Methods: Twenty fibromyalgia syndrome patients were enrolled in this study and they were separated into two groups according to the treatment medicine: 10 Milnacipran (MLN) treatment group and 7 Pregabalin (PGB) treatment group. For accurate diagnosis, all patients underwent several clinical tests. Pre-treated and post-treated fMRI image with block-designed pressure-pain stimulation for each group were obtained to conduct the statistical analysis of paired t-test and two sample t-test. All statistical significant level was less than 0.05. Results: In clinical tests, the clinical scores of the two groups were not significantly different at pre-treatment stage. But, PGB treatment group had lower Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) score than those of MLN treatment group at post-treatment stage. In functional image analysis, BOLD signal of PGB treatment group was higher BOLD signal at several regions including anterior cingulate and insula than MLN treatment group at post-treatment stage. Also, paired t-test values of the BOLD signal in MLN group decreased in several regions including insula and thalamus as known as 'pain network'. In contrast, size and number of regions in which the BOLD signal decreased in PGB treatment group were smaller than those of MLN treatment group. Conclusion: This study showed that MLN group and PGB group have different medication effects. It is not surprising that MLN and PGB have not the same therapeutic effects since these two drugs have different medicinal mechanisms such as antidepressants and anti-seizure medication, respectively, and different detailed target of fibromyalgia syndrome treatment. Therefore, it is difficult to say which medicine will work better in this study.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.105-111
• /
• 2015

Purpose: Fatigue, energy loss, feeling of helplessness, poor appetite, pain besides general weakness are major symptoms presented to terminally ill cancer patients. These symptoms are similar to those that appeared with adrenal insufficiency. Also, for terminally ill cancer patients who are hospitalized for palliative care, opioid agents are prescribed to control moderate to severe pain. We studied the relationship of opioid agents and adrenal insufficiency. Methods: From November 2013 through June 2014, we monitored the serum level of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS, serum) in 55 cancer patients who were over 18 years old and were treated at a hospice center. We also checked the treatment period and dosage of opioid agents. Results: The DHEAS level, treatment period and dosage of opioid agents did not have significant correlation. Correlation between the serum cortisol level and the opioid agent treatment period was not significant either, but the serum cortisol level was positively correlated with the dosage of opioid agents (P value 0.0322). Conclusion: This study did not identify a novel link between treatment period, dosage of opioid agents and adrenal insufficiency. But, the DHEAS level was mostly below the normal level in patients who were treated with opioid agents.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.380-387
• /
• 1998

Background: Minimal pressure support(PSmin) is a level of pressure support which offset the imposed work of breathing(WOBimp) developed by endotracheal tube and ventilator circuits in pressure support ventilation While the lower applied level of pressure support compared to PSmin could induce respiratory muscle fatigue, the higher level than PSmin could keep respiratory muscle rest resulting in prolongation of weaning period during weaning from mechanical ventilation PSmin has been usually applied in the level of 5~10 cm$H_2O$, but the accurate level of PSmin is difficult to be determinated in individual cases. PSmin is known to be calculated by using the equation of "PSmin = peak inspiratory flow rate during spontaneus ventilation$\times$total ventilatory system resistance", but correlation of calculated PSmin and measured PSmin has not been known. The objects of this study were firstly to assess whether customarily applied pressure support level of 5~10 cm$H_2O$ would be appropriate to offset the imposed work of breathing among the patients under weaning process, and secondly to estimate the correlation between the measured PSmin and calculated PSmin. Method : 1) Measurement of PSmin : Intratracheal pressure changes were measured through Hi-Lo jet tracheal tube (8mm in diameter, Mallinckroft, USA) by using pulmonary monitor(CP-100 pulmonary monitor, Bicore, USA), and then pressure support level of mechanical ventilator were increased until WOBimp was reached to 0.01 J/L or less. Measured PSmin was defined as the lowest pressure to make WOBimp 0.01 J/L or less. 2) Calculation of PSmin : Peak airway pressure(Ppeak), plateau airway pressure(Pplat) and mean inspiratory flow rate of the subjects were measured on volume control mode of mechanical ventilation after sedation. Spontaneous peak inspiratory flow rates were measured on CPAP mode(O cm$H_2O$). Thereafter PSmin was calculated by using the equation "PSmin = peak inspiratory flow rate$\times$R, R = (Ppeak-Pplat)/mean inspiratory flow rate during volume control mode on mechanical ventilation". Results: Sixteen patients who were considered as the candidate for weaning from mechanical ventilation were included in the study. Mean age was 64(${\pm}14$) years, and the mean of total ventilation times was 9(${\pm}4$) days. All patients except one were males. The measured PSmin of the subjects ranged 4.0~12.5cm$H_2O$ in 14 patients. The mean level of PSmin was 7.6(${\pm}2.5\;cmH_2O$) in measured PSmin, 8.6 (${\pm}3.25\;cmH_2O$) in calculated PSmin Correlation between the measured PSmin and the calculated PSmin is significantly high(n=9, r=0.88, p=0.002). The calculated PSmin show a tendancy to be higher than the corresponding measured PSmin in 8 out of 9 subjects(p=0.09). The ratio of measured PSmin/calculated PSmin was 0.81(${\pm}0.05$). Conclusion: Minimal pressure support levels were different in individual cases in the range from 4 to 12.5 cm$H_2O$. Because the equation-driven calculated PSmin showed a good correlation with measured PSmin, the application of equation-driven PSmin would be then appropriate compared with conventional application of 5~10 cm$H_2O$ in patients under difficult weaning process with pressure support ventilation.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.423-433
• /
• 2016

This study compared the effect of different types of sounds(no sounds, sounds of nature, music, and sounds of children playing) on profile of mood states(POMS) in a healing forest. Data were collected from 231 respondents selected from among visitors to the 'Healing Field' in 'Jangseong Chukryongsan Pyeonbaek Healing Forest' in October, 2012. Each respondent was exposed to one type of sound. The results showed that there were differences in POMS among the different sound treatment groups. Sounds of children playing showed negative effects on POMS. Unexpectedly, however, sounds of nature and musical sounds had no effects on POMS. These tendencies were consistently found not only for total mood disturbance score (TMDS) but also for POMS by factors (i. e. tension, anger, vigor, fatigue, confusion, depression). Perceived crowding level was positively correlated with TMDS(r=0.568) and POMS by factors (range: r=0.331 - 0.571). This paper discusses the research results and suggests several managerial implications.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.26 no.4 s.44
• /
• pp.574-586
• /
• 1993

This study was to examine the actual conditions and contributing factors of absenteeism in manufacturing workers. Subjects were 1,184 workers employed in Taejon city and the observation period for absenteeism was 3 months (June to August), 1992. We obtained the following results. 1. Percentage of the absentees among the studied subjects were 21.1% in gross absence and 6.9% in sickness absence. Gross absence rate of subjects was 1.2% and sickness absence rate was 0.5%. 2. In the group of absentees, mean days of absence was 2.8 days and those of sickness was 4.4 days. Mean days of sickness absence due to injury was higher than that of illness, but the total days of sickness absence was high in extremity injuries, trunk injury, general fatigue, head injury, musculoskeletal problem in that order. 3. Variables contributing to the absence were job classification, education level, working hours per day, exposure of noxious factor, worker classification. 4. In the group of absentees, variables influencing the gross absence rate were working atmosphere, body mass infer, working environment, working hours per day but those of the sickness absence were working hours per day, education level and working atomosphere.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.18 no.6
• /
• pp.486-493
• /
• 2017

This study examined the stress reaction, resilience levels, and the effects of the stress reaction on the resilience among dental hygiene students. From July 11, 2016 to July 29, 2016, questionnaires were collected from 274 dental hygiene students in several areas. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression using SPSS Statistics ver.21.0. The stress reaction level of dental hygiene students was found to be 2.59 out of 5 points and the resilience level was 4.47 out of 7 points. The stress reaction and resilience showed a significant negative correlation in Fatigue, Tension, Frustration, Anger, Depression, Aggression(p>0.001), and stomatization(p>0.05). In other words, the lower the resilience, the higher the stress reaction.The factors of stress reaction influencing the resilience were depression and somatization, which explained 25.6%(R2=0.256). Therefore, to enhance the resilience of dental hygiene students, it is important to investigation the stress reaction and there should be more concern with students who have higher depression and stomatization. In addition, efforts to control the stress reaction are needed.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.105-121
• /
• 1987

The authors studied anxiety-depression using New Anxiety-Depression Scale(NADS), in the subjects of 3,499male and 1,335 female college freshmen of Yeungnam University. The authors collected the reports of NADS during the periods from January to February, 1986, and applied ANOVA and t-test on anxiety-depression scores in order to compare them between various psychosocial factors, and sexs. The results are as follows : There was significant difference in the mean awerages of total scores between male and female students: male students scored $31.49{\pm}6.57$ female students scored $33.37{\pm}6.84$ (P<0.001) The anxiety-depression scores relating to the items of sleep disturbance, apprehension, decreased libido and fatigue were relatively higher in both groups. Ninety-nine male students(2.8%) showed seriously high degree anxiety-depression scores of 50 or higher, while forty female students(3.0%) showed the same scores. There was a strong tendency toward higher anxiety-depression scores in the students who were dissatisfied with their home atmosphere, colleges, departments and familiarity of parents, and those who had pessimistic views of self image in the past, present, or fartare in both groups (P<0.001) The students whose maturation locations were below city level, showed higher level of anxiety-depression scores in both groups (P<0.05) NADS and SAS, SDS, and Leeds scale were correlated significantly in 0.64, 0.61, and 0.77 of correlation coefficient.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.226-241
• /
• 1999

This study was undertaken to find out the causal perception of rheumatoid arthritis patients, and to understand the typology. The Q-population consisted of 236 statements of causal perception were collected. Thirty eight Q-samples of causal perception were selected. The P-sample for this study were made up of 28 first visiting female rheumatoid arthritis patients from a rheumatoid arthritis specialty hospital. Each respondent responded Q-set of causal perception according to 9-point scale. The result of Q-sorting were coded and analyzed using QUANL PC program. 1) Typological Observation on Causal Perception (1) Physical Fatigue Type : Type 1 perceived that the illness occurred due to excessive work requiring physical labor or strain that had occurred from not resting after excessive physical labor, therefore, thinking the origin of the illness was from physical strain. (2) Physical origin Type : Type 2 perceived that the major cause for the illness is not only excessive physical labour but also fecundity and old age. (3) Causality to Environment Type : Type 3 perceived that rheumatoid arthritis occurred from injury to the joints or bad and humid weather. (4) Conscience of Guilty Type : Type 4 consisted of people with guilty conscience for lack of religious commitment. They perceived that the illness was a punishment from God for not praying or because of bad luck. (5) Rationally Perceiving Type : People who belong in type 5 perceived the cause of illness in light of scientific facts such as genetics, unbalanced diet or lack of exercise. (6) Psychological Stress Type : People who belong in type 6 believed that excessive stress was the cause of the illness. 2) Emotions of Rheumatoid arthritis patients Rheumatoid arthritis patients' positive emotions included determination, courage, coping, acceptance, hope, and adoption ; and their negative emotions were prostration, worry, stupor, conflicts, grievance, giving-up, resignation, depression, loss, solitariness, fear, anxiety, avoidance, anger and loneliness. Rheumatoid arthritis patients experience different level of emotions from their suffering experience from the severe pains. Rheumatoid arthritis patients also experience negative emotions when they could not perform self-care and lose their self-esteem from painful suffering ; however, they regain positive emotions when they recover from pain with the use of drugs, physical therapy or exercise. Their emotional states are closely connected to level of and presence of pain.