• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.145-154
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• 2023

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of EmboTrap II in terms of first-pass recanalization and to determine whether it could yield favorable outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this multicenter, prospective study, we consecutively enrolled patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy using EmboTrap II as a front-line device. The primary outcome was the first pass effect (FPE) rate defined by modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade 2c or 3 by the first pass of EmboTrap II. In addition, modified FPE (mFPE; mTICI grade 2b-3 by the first pass of EmboTrap II), successful recanalization (final mTICI grade 2b-3), and clinical outcomes were assessed. We also analyzed the effect of FPE on a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2 at 3 months. Results: Two hundred-ten patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 73.3 ± 11.4 years; male, 55.7%) were included. Ninety-nine patients (47.1%) had FPE, and mFPE was achieved in 150 (71.4%) patients. Successful recanalization was achieved in 191 (91.0%) patients. Among them, 164 (85.9%) patients underwent successful recanalization by exclusively using EmboTrap II. The time from groin puncture to FPE was 25.0 minutes (interquartile range, 17.0-35.0 minutes). Procedure-related complications were observed in seven (3.3%) patients. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage developed in 14 (6.7%) patients. One hundred twenty-three (58.9% of 209 completely followed) patients had an mRS score of 0-2. Sixteen (7.7% of 209) patients died during the follow-up period. Patients who had successful recanalization with FPE were four times more likely to have an mRS score of 0-2 than those who had successful recanalization without FPE (adjusted odds ratio, 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-10.8; p = 0.004). Conclusion: Mechanical thrombectomy using the front-line EmboTrap II is effective and safe. In particular, FPE rates were high. Achieving FPE was important for an mRS score of 0-2, even in patients with successful recanalization.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제81권6호
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• pp.1412-1423
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• 2020

목적 본 연구는 신생아 경련 환자에서 구조적 이상이나 대사로 인한 원인이 없으면서, 확산강조영상에서 미만성 대뇌 백질의 이상을 보이는 경우의 임상적 소견과 영상 소견의 특징을 기술하고자 한다. 대상과 방법 2008년 11월에서 2017년 2월 사이에 경련에 대한 평가를 위해 56명의 생후 1주 미만의 신생아가 뇌 자기공명영상을 시행하였다. 이중 33명을 제외한 23명중, 13명에서 확산강조영상에서 미만성 대뇌 백질 이상을 보였다. 내원 시 임상 소견, 자기공명영상 소견, 추적검사 결과에 대해 후향적으로 분석하였다. 결과 확산제한을 보인 13명의 환아는 모두 만기 분만 환아였다. 대변 바이러스 검사를 시행한 10명 중 6명은 로타바이러스, 한 명은 아스트로 바이러스가 검출되었다. 확산 제한은 대뇌 백질, 시상, 중뇌에 걸쳐 다양하게 분포하였다. 결론 신생아 경련 환자에서 구조적 이상이나 대사로 인한 원인이 없으면서, 확산강조영상에서 미만성 대뇌 백질의 이상을 보이는 경우, 로타바이러스가 검출되는 경우가 흔히 있었다. 따라서 이러한 임상적, 영상의학적 소견을 보일 때, 바이러스 감염과 관련된 뇌증의 가능성을 고려할 필요가 있을 것으로 판단된다.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제21권7호
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• pp.880-890
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• 2020

Objective: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are known to be at risk of osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between thoracic vertebral bone density measured on chest CT (D_Thorax) and clinical variables, including survival, in patients with COPD. Materials and Methods: A total of 322 patients with COPD were selected from the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease (KOLD) cohort. D_Thorax was measured by averaging the CT values of three consecutive vertebral bodies at the level of the left main coronary artery with a round region of interest as large as possible within the anterior column of each vertebral body using an in-house software. Associations between D_Thorax and clinical variables, including survival, pulmonary function test (PFT) results, and CT densitometry, were evaluated. Results: The median follow-up time was 7.3 years (range: 0.1-12.4 years). Fifty-six patients (17.4%) died. D_Thorax differed significantly between the different Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages. D_Thorax correlated positively with body mass index (BMI), some PFT results, and the six-minute walk distance, and correlated negatively with the emphysema index (EI) (all p < 0.05). In the univariate Cox analysis, older age (hazard ratio [HR], 3.617; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.119-6.173, p < 0.001), lower BMI (HR, 3.589; 95% CI, 2.122-6.071, p < 0.001), lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) (HR, 2.975; 95% CI, 1.682-5.262, p < 0.001), lower diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide corrected with hemoglobin (DL_CO) (HR, 4.595; 95% CI, 2.665-7.924, p < 0.001), higher EI (HR, 3.722; 95% CI, 2.192-6.319, p < 0.001), presence of vertebral fractures (HR, 2.062; 95% CI, 1.154-3.683, p = 0.015), and lower D_Thorax (HR, 2.773; 95% CI, 1.620-4.746, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality and lung-related mortality. In the multivariate Cox analysis, lower D_Thorax (HR, 1.957; 95% CI, 1.075-3.563, p = 0.028) along with older age, lower BMI, lower FEV₁, and lower DL_CO were independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Conclusion: The thoracic vertebral bone density measured on chest CT demonstrated significant associations with the patients' mortality and clinical variables of disease severity in the COPD patients included in KOLD cohort.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제85권3호
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• pp.581-595
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• 2024

목적 본 연구는 담낭절제술 후 보상적 총담관 확장의 빈도와 정도를 조사하고, 담낭절제술과 common bile duct (이하 CBD) 확장 사이의 시간을 평가하고, 폐쇄성 CBD 확장을 암시하는 잠재적으로 유용한 CT 소견을 식별하는 것을 목표로 한다. 대상과 방법 2009년에서 2011년 사이에 단일 센터에서 담낭절제술 전후에 여러 차례 CT 스캔을 받은 담도 폐쇄가 없는 121명의 환자를 대상으로 한 후향적 연구를 진행하였다. 또한 담낭절제술 후 CBD 결석 또는 팽대부 종양으로 인해 초기에 연구에서 제외되었던 11명의 환자의 임상 및 CT 소견을 조사하여 폐쇄성 및 비폐쇄성 CBD 확장의 특징을 확인하였다. 결과 121명의 환자의 평균(표준편차) 단축 최대 CBD 직경은 담낭절제술 전 축면에서 5.6(± 1.9) mm였지만 담낭절제술 후 7.9 (± 2.6) mm로 증가했다(p < 0.001). 담낭절제술 전 축성 CBD 직경이 8 mm 미만인 106명의 환자 중 39명(36.8%)이 담낭절제술 후 ≥ 8 mm의 CBD 확장을 보였다. 장기(> 2년) 연속 추적 CT 스캔을 받은 17명의 환자 중 6명(35.3%)은 결국 모두 담낭 절제술 후 2년 이내에 축성 CBD 직경이 유의미하게(> 1.5배) 증가한 것으로 나타났다. 폐색 또는 관련 증상이 없는 121명의 환자 중 단 1명(0.1%)만이 담낭 절제술 후 intrahepatic duct (이하 IHD) 확장 > 3 mm를 보였던 반면, CBD 폐쇄가 있는 11명의 환자 모두 복통과 비정상 검사실 지수가 있었고 81.8% (9/11)가 IHD 및 CBD의 상당한 확장을 보였다. 결론 보상적 비폐쇄성 CBD 확장은 일반적으로 폐쇄성 확장과 비슷한 정도로 담낭절제술 후에 발생한다. 그러나 담낭절제술 후 담관 폐색과 관련 증상이 있거나, 의미 있는 IHD 확장 또는 2-3년 후 추가적인 CBD 확장이 발생하는 경우 CBD 폐쇄를 의심해야 한다.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제85권3호
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• pp.618-630
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• 2024

목적 본 연구는 낭성 및 고형성 혼합 갑상선 결절 치료에서 고주파 절제술 단독요법과 에탄올 절제 후 고주파 절제술 요법의 유효성 및 안전성을 비교하고자 하였다. 대상과 방법 본 연구는 초음파 유도 하 조직검사에서 양성으로 확인된 243개의 낭성 및 고형성 혼합 갑상선 결절을 대상으로 진행됐으며, 243개의 결절은 243명의 환자로부터 진단되었다. 연구 대상이 된 결절들은 고주파 절제술 단독요법과 에탄올 절제 후 고주파 절제술 요법을 받은 군의 두 군으로 나누어 분류됐다. 본 연구는 각 군에서의 시술 후 부피 감소율, 치료 성공률, 증상 및 미용 문제의 개선 정도를 평가하였다. 또한 시술 후 연관된 합병증이나 부작용이 발생하였는지 확인하였다. 결과 고주파 절제술 단독 요법 군에는 204명의 환자가 포함되었고, 에탄올 절제 후 고주파 절제술 요법 군에는 39명의 환자가 포함되었다. 단독요법군과 혼합요법 군에서 최종 추적 검사 시 평균 부피 감소율은 각각 81.6%와 87.2%였다. 두 군에서의 장기적 치료 성공률은 각각 90.2%와 97.4%였다. 치료 결과는 마지막 추적 관찰 시기에서 두 군에서 유사하게 나타났다. 대부분 낭성 결절에 국한된 추가 분석에서도 두 군 간에 치료 효과에 있어 유의미한 차이가 없었다. 증상 및 미용적 문제는 두 군에서 모두 현저하게 개선되었다. 시술 후 연관된 큰 합병증은 두 군 모두에서 발생하지 않았다. 결론 에탄올 절제 후 고주파 절제술 혼합 요법이 고주파 절제술 단독요법에 비해 약간 더 나은 치료 방법이지만, 두 치료 요법 모두 낭성 및 고형성 혼합 결절의 치료에 안전하고 효과적인 방법이다.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• 제52권9호
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• pp.699-711
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: We investigated whether extra-pulmonary vein (PV) ablation targeting a high maximal slope of the action potential duration restitution curve (Smax) improves the rhythm outcome of persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) ablation. Methods: In this open-label, multi-center, randomized, and controlled trial, 178 PeAF patients were randomized with 1:1 ratio to computational modeling-guided virtual Smax ablation (V-Smax) or empirical ablation (E-ABL) groups. Smax maps were generated by computational modeling based on atrial substrate maps acquired during clinical procedures in sinus rhythm. Smax maps were generated during the clinical PV isolation (PVI). The V-Smax group underwent an additional extra-PV ablation after PVI targeting the virtual high Smax sites. Results: After a mean follow-up period of 12.3±5.2 months, the clinical recurrence rates (25.6% vs. 23.9% in the V-Smax and the E-ABL group, p=0.880) or recurrence appearing as atrial tachycardia (11.1% vs. 5.7%, p=0.169) did not differ between the 2 groups. The post-ablation cardioversion rate was higher in the V-Smax group than E-ABL group (14.4% vs. 5.7%, p=0.027). Among antiarrhythmic drug-free patients (n=129), the AF freedom rate was 78.7% in the V-Smax group and 80.9% in the E-ABL group (p=0.776). The total procedure time was longer in the V-Smax group (p=0.008), but no significant difference was found in the major complication rates (p=0.497) between the groups. Conclusions: Unlike a dominant frequency ablation, the computational modeling-guided V-Smax ablation did not improve the rhythm outcome of the PeAF ablation and had a longer procedure time.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• 제52권6호
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• pp.460-474
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between cardiovascular events and 2 different levels of elevated on-treatment diastolic blood pressures (DBP) in the presence of achieved systolic blood pressure targets (SBP). Methods: A nation-wide population-based cohort study comprised 237,592 patients with hypertension treated. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Elevated DBP was defined according to the Seventh Report of Joint National Committee (JNC7; SBP <140 mmHg, DBP ≥90 mmHg) or to the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) definitions (SBP <130 mmHg, DBP ≥80 mmHg). Results: During a median follow-up of 9 years, elevated on-treatment DBP by the JNC7 definition was associated with an increased risk of the occurrence of primary endpoint compared with achieved both SBP and DBP (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.24) but not in those by the 2017 ACC/AHA definition. Elevated on-treatment DBP by the JNC7 definition was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (aHR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.18-1.70) and stroke (aHR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.08-1.30). Elevated on-treatment DBP by the 2017 ACC/AHA definition was only associated with stroke (aHR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04-1.16). Similar results were seen in the propensity-score-matched cohort. Conclusion: Elevated on-treatment DBP by the JNC7 definition was associated a high risk of major cardiovascular events, while elevated DBP by the 2017 ACC/AHA definition was only associated with a higher risk of stroke. The result of study can provide evidence of DBP targets in subjects who achieved SBP targets.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제48권5호
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• pp.504-510
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• 2024

Background: As a physiological function of body, immunity can maintain health by identifying itself and excluding others. With economic development and increasingly fierce social competition, the number of sub-healthy population is gradually increasing, and the most basic problem exposed is human hypoimmunity. Hypoimmunity can be manifested as often feeling tired, catching colds, mental depression, etc. In order to enhance immunity, eating healthy foods with the effect of enhancing immunity may become an effective choice. KRG has pharmacological effects of enhancing immunity. Because the screening and evaluation method of immune population are not unified, there are relatively few KRG immunity tests for sub-health population. It is of great significance to study the effect of KRG on people with hypoimmunity to improve sub-health status. Methods: This was a 180-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. According to the trial scheme design, 119 qualified subjects were included and randomly divided into the test group taking KRG and the placebo control group. Subjects need to check safety indicators (blood pressure and heart rate, blood routine, liver and kidney function, urine routine and stool routine) and efficacy indicators (main and secondary) inspection at baseline, efficacy indicators inspection during the mid-term of the test (90th days of administration), safety and efficacy indicators inspection after the test (180th days of administration). Results: After the test, the safety indicators of placebo control group and KRG test group were basically within the normal range, and there is no significant difference in fireness score between the two groups. Through follow-up interviews, it was found that the subjects in the test group and the control group had no adverse reactions and allergic reactions such as nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain during the test period. Self-comparison of the test group, the results of the main efficacy indicators: (1) immune related health scores were significantly improved in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01), (2) CD3 and CD4/CD8 increased significantly after the test (P < 0.05), (3) IgG, IgA, IgM and WBC increased significantly in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01); the results of the secondary efficacy indicators: (1) TNF-α decreased significantly in the midterm (P < 0.05), IFN-γ decreased significantly in the mid-term (P < 0.01), (2) NK increased significantly in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.05), (3) monocyte increased significantly in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01). Inter-group comparison of the test group and the control group, the results of the main efficacy indicators: (1) immune related health scores were higher than that of the control group in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01), (2) IgA of the test group was higher than that of the control group in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.05); the results of the secondary efficacy indicators: (1) WBC of the test group was higher than that of the control group in the mid-term (P < 0.05); (2) monocytes of the test group were higher than that of the control group in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.05), neutrophils of the test group were higher than that of the control group in the mid-term (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Taking KRG has no adverse effects on the health of the subjects. According to the standard of clinical trial scheme, the immune related health scores and IgA in the main efficacy indicators were positive, which shows that KRG is helpful in enhancing human immunity.

• 기독교교육논총
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• 제77권
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• pp.29-46
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• 2024

연구 목적 : 본 연구는 교회 내 평신도 중년여성의 사역을 재고하기 위한 교육과 상담의 요구로 시작되었다. 연구 목적은 파일럿 과정으로 기획된 평생교육 프로그램을 통해 어떻게 그들의 요구가 충족되는지 과정을 살펴봄으로써 학습 참여의 의미와 변화, 영향력을 알아보는 것이다. 연구 내용 및 방법 : 교회 활동의 적극적인 협력자 역할을 해온 중년여성들이 교회 평생교육 프로그램을 통해 자신의 신앙과 사역, 삶을 성찰하는 과정을 살펴보는 것이다. 연구 방법은 관찰 일지와 인터뷰를 중심으로 한 질적 연구로 진행하였으며, 연구 참여자는 13년 이상 교회 사역 경험이 있으면서 평생교육에 관심이 있는 자로 예비 면담을 통해 선정하였고, 자료는 사역을 통해 경험한 이야기를 중심으로 수집하였다. 연구 결과는 학습 참여 동기, 학습 경험, 학습 참여 의미로 나누었다. 첫째, 참여 동기는 정체성 회복으로 더 나은 자기를 찾고 도전하는 것이었고, 둘째, 학습 경험은 자신을 새롭게 디자인하는 치유와 회복의 시간이었으며 셋째, 학습 참여 의미는 관계 회복과 확장이었다. 결과적으로 코칭을 통한 교회평생교육은 연구 참여자들의 신앙과 사역을 회복하고 변화를 일으켰음을 발견하였다. 결론 및 제언 : 평생학습 참여 경험의 의미를 정리하면 첫째, '자신의 발전 의미와 가능성을 알아차림'이고, 둘째, '치유와 자존감의 회복'이며 셋째, '관계의 회복과 확장' 마지막으로 '진정한 나다움의 발견'이다. 개인의 신앙보다 역할 중심의 삶을 살아온 중년여성들은 온전한 자신으로 살아가 고픈 욕구가 크다. 따라서 자신의 삶을 성찰하고, 진단하는 시간과 함께 새로운 비전을 찾아가는 프로그램이 개발되어야 할 것이다. 이에 코칭 관련 교회평생교육이 다양하게 개발되어 많은 평신도 사역자들에게 실제적인 도움을 줄 수 있는 후속 연구를 제안한다.

• 한국인구학
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.54-66
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• 1988

I. Introduction Since the 1970's drug abuse among young people has increasingly become a social problem in Korea. In the 1980's, drug abuse, especially glue sniffing, has become the cause of many unfortunated incidents resulting in harm to others as well as the abusers themselves. Taking into consideration of the seriousness of this problem, the Republic of Korea National Red Cross initiated a nation-wide research programme, to understand the present situation and to raise the level of public awareness. The goal of this research was to begin a nation - wide campaign against drug abuse. The research team was composed of the Advisary Committee members and the staff of the Youth Department of the Republic of Korea National Red Cross. The data were collected in February 1988 with the collaboration of the staff and volunteers in the local Chapters. The respondents were allocated nation-wide by the quota sampling method. The questionnaires were distributed to the respondents in three groups :2, 700 to junior and senior high school students, 605 to working youths, and 916 to delinquent youths. A total of 4, 221 questionnaires were collected. II. Characteristics of the Respondents The respondents in each group were selected evenly from rural and urban areas. The general characteristics of the respondents can be described as follow: in case of students, the proportions between male and female respondents, and between senior high school and junior high school students were almost evenly distributed. In case of working youths, the proportion of females (80.5%) was higher than those of the students and the delinquents groups. Delinquent youths were defined as those currently being under custody of the centers for juvenile delinquents. Of this number, 38.8% and 68.2% were junior and senior high school drop-outs respectively. The majority of them (92.6%) were male. As for the family background of the respondents, the proportion of those residing in poverty - stricken areas, and the proportion of those from broken families were higher in case of working youths and delinquent youths than those in case of students. III. Present Patterns of Drug Abuse The following summarizes the presents of drug abuse, as tabulated from the results of the survey. 1. Smoking The percentage of youths who smoke was 36% in the student group, 32% m the working youths group, and 94.4% in the delinquent youths group. 2. Alcohol 50.3% of students, 71.6% of working youths, and 93.3% of delinquent youths has experienced drinking alcohol beverages. 3. Tonic: non - alcoholic, caffeinated beverages popular in Korea and Japan The percentage of those who have used tonic at least once was over 90% in all of the three groups. 4. Sedative About 70% of each group has used sedative with the proportion of working youths use higher than those in other groups. 5. Stimulants Those who have used stimulants comprised around 15% in each group. 6. Tranquilizers Somewhat less than 5% of students and working youths, and 28% of delinquent youths, have used tranquilizers. 7. Hypnotics The users of hypnotics amounted to 0.4% of students, 2.6% of working youths and 7.1% of delinquent youths. 8. Marihuana Those who have used marihuana indicated 0.7% of students, 0.8% of working youths, and 13% of delinquent youths. 9. Glue-sniffing The percentage of glue-sniffing was 3.7%, 5% in the students group and in the youths group respectively, but the proportion was unusually high, at 40.7% in the delinquent youths group. From the results of the survey the present situation of drug abuse in Korea can be summarized as follows: 1. A high percentage of Korean youths have experienced smoking cigarettes and drinking alcoholic beverages. 2. Tonics (non - alcoholic, caffeinated beverages), antipyretic analgesics and stimulants quite regularly used. 3. Tranquilizers, hypnotics, marihuana and glue-sniffing are more widely used among delinquent youths than the other youths. From this fact, there exists a correlation between drug abuse and juvenile delinquency. IV. Time-series Analysis of the First Experience of Drug Abuse and Deviant Behaviour The respoundents were asked when they were first exposed to drugs and when they committed deviant acts. By calculating the average age of each experience, the following pattern was found (See Figure 1). Youths are first exposed to drugs by abuse of tonic(non - alcoholic, caffeinated beverages). At the age of 13, they amoke cigarettes, the use of antipyretic analgesics begins at 14 year old, while at the age of 15, they use tranquilizers, and at 16 hynotics. The period of drug abuse which starts from drinking caffeinated beverages and smoking cigarettes and ends in the use of hypnotics takes about three years. During this period, other delinquent behaviours begin to surface, that is, at the age of 13 when smoking cigarettes begins, the delinquent behaviour pattern starts with truancy. Next, they start taking money from others by using physical force. Prior to the age of 15, they are suspended from school, become hostile to adults, begin running away from home, and start using stimulants and alcohol. Soon they become involved even in glue-sniffing and in the use of marihuana. At the age of 15, they begin to see adult videos and carry weapons. Sexual promiscuity and usage of tranquilizers follows the viewing of adult videos. Consequently, by the time they reach the age of 16, they visit drinking establishments, and are picked up by police for committing delinquent acts. And finally, they come to use hypnotic - type drugs. From the above descriptions, drug abuse can be assumed to have a close correlation with delinquent behaviour. V. Social Factors Related to Drug Abuse As for the Korean youths, glue-sniffing is found to he related to aggressive delinquency, in such cases as run - aways, being picked up by the police, and taking money by force. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol is found to be related to seeing adult videos and visiting drinking establishments. Hypnotics and marihuana were found to be representive of drugs which are related to degenerational delinquency, irrespective of social delinquency. The social factors connected with these drug abuse are as follows: 1. Individual factors Male students were more heavily involved in the usage of drug than females. Youths who do not attend church were more likely to be involved in drugs than those who attend. 2. Family factors The youths who were displeased with their mothers smoking and those who thought their parents did not love each other, or those whose parents had used drugs without prescription, were more likely to he drug users. 3. School factors Those youths who found school life boring, were unsuccessful in their studies, spend most of their time with friends, feel their teachers smoke too much, those who had a positive perception of their teachers smoking were likely to he drug users. To sum up, drug abusers depend on the influence of their parents, teachers and peers. IV. Reasons for Drug Abuse Korean students have mainly used drugs to release stress (42.8%), to stay awake (19.7%), and because of the easy accessibility of drugs( 16.6%). Other reasons are due to their ignorance of the side effects of the drugs (3.6%), natural curiosity (4.2%), and to increase strength(3.O%). From the above facts, the major reasons for drug abuse among Korean youths are to release stress and to stay awake in order to prepare exams. Furthermore, since drugs are readily available, we can conclude that drug abuse is caused by the school system(such as entrance exams) in Korea. VII. Conclusion Drug usage among Korean youths are relatively less common than those of western youths. In some cases, such as, glue-sniffing and use of stimulants, the pattern of drug abuse is found. Moreover, early drug abuse is evident, and it has a close connection with deviant behaviour, resulting in juvenile delinquency. Drug abuse cannot be attributed to any one social factor. Specifically, drug abuse depends on parents, peers, teachers and other members of the community, and also is influenced by social institutions such as the entrance exam system. Every person and organization concerned with youth must participate collectively in restraining drug abuse. Finally, it is suggested that social agencial working for youth welfare should make every effort to tackle this serious problem confronted by the Korean youths today.