• Health Policy and Management
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.355-362
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• 2023

Background: Financial efficiency in monetary units and operational efficiency in non-monetary units are separately classified and evaluated. This is done to prevent the duplication of monetary units and non-monetary units in inputs and outputs. In addition, analyses are conducted to determine the factors that affect each aspect of efficiency. To prevent duplication of monetary and non-monetary units in inputs and outputs, financial efficiency, consisting of monetary units, and operational efficiency, comprising non-monetary units, are separately classified and evaluated. Furthermore, an analysis is conducted to identify the factors that affect each aspect of efficiency. Methods: This study conducted a panel analysis of 34 regional public hospitals and influencing factors on efficiency for 5 years from 2015 to 2019. Financial efficiency and operational efficiency were calculated through data envelopment analysis. Moreover, multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors that influence both financial efficiency and operational efficiency. Results: The factors that affect financial efficiency include the number of medical institutions within the treatment area and the ratio of patients receiving medical care. Additionally, operational efficiency is influenced by the type of medical institution, the number of medical institutions within the treatment area, and the number of nursing positions per 100 beds. Conclusion: In order for regional public hospitals to faithfully fulfill their functions and roles as regional base public hospitals, several measures are necessary. Firstly, continuous monitoring and reasonable support are required to ensure efficient operation and performance. Secondly, a financial support plan tailored to the characteristics of local medical centers is needed. Additionally, local medical centers should strive to enhance their own efficiency.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.96-120
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• 2023

Objectives: This study reports the findings that support the efficacy of herbal medicine (HM) for premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Methods: We conducted meta-analysis of findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for PMS treated with HM. The articles were published before July 2022, located using 9 databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CNKI, CiNii, SCIENCE ON, KoreaMed, OASIS). Results: We observed 2,034 studies, of which 23 RCTs met our inclusion criteria. The risk of bias in the included studies was relatively unclear or high. Meta-analysis of 3 RCTs showed that HM group had a significantly higher total effective rate than the western medicine group (RR 1.20 [95% CI 1.06, 1.36, p=0.004]). Meta-analysis of 1 RCT showed that HM group had a significantly lower symptom score (MD -3.04 [95% CI -5.36, -0.72, p=0.01]), while there was no significant difference in daily record of severity of problems scale (MD -20.52 [95% CI -49.33, 8.29, p=0.16]). Conclusions: HM significantly improved PMS symptoms than general treatment and no serious adverse events were reported. However, the evidence on the effectiveness and safety of HM for PMS was not enough to provide reliable results due to the small number and low quality of included studies. We believe that rigorous RCTs will lead to more reliable evidence of the intervention.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.97-109
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• 2023

Objective : This study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of play on the relationship between toddlers' sleep habits and problem-solving. Methods : In total, 1,734 participants were selected from the 3rd wave of the Panel Study on Korean Children. A structural equation modeling approach was utilized to examine the relationship among toddlers' play, sleep habits, and problem-solving, as well as to investigate the mediating effect of play. Results : The monthly age of the study participants ranged from 23 to 32 months, with 885 (51.0%) boys and 849 (49.0%) girls. The indirect effects of play on problem-solving skills (β = 0.137, p = .006) were statistically significant, but the direct effects of sleep habits on problem-solving skills (β = -.015, p = .871) and the total effect (β = 0.122, p = .057) were not significant. Conclusion : This study indicated that sleep habits did not have a direct effect on problem-solving ability, but that the indirect effects were significant and fully mediated by play. Incorrect sleep habits can negatively affect lifelong development. Therefore, parents would need to be aware of whether their child is developing good sleep habits during the toddler age.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.111-122
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• 2023

Objective : To identify the effect of lifestyle risk factors on the daily activities and cognition of the older adults in the community using the National Health Insurance Corporation 2015 geriatric cohort database. Methods : Lifestyle risk factors were defined as body mass index (BMI), smoking, drinking, vigorous exercise, moderate exercise, and walking, and basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) and cognitive function variables were included in the analysis. ADL and cognitive function according to sex and age were analyzed using a t-test and one-way ANOVA. The correlation between lifestyle risk factors, ADL, and cognitive function was analyzed using Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis was performed to analyze their influence. Results : The factors affecting basic ADL (BADL) were sex and walking exercises, with an explanatory power of 1.7%. Instrumental ADL (IADL) included age, drinking, and walking exercises, with an explanatory power of 2.6%. Cognitive function included sex, age, BMI, vigorous exercise, and walking, with an explanatory power of 5.3%. Conclusion : Lifestyle risk factors partially affected BADLs/IADLs and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. This suggests the need to systematically manage lifestyle risk factors to improve and maintain the healthy lives of older adults facing biological aging.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.23-37
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• 2023

Objective : This study systematically reviewed the collaborative team interventions of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health-Children and Youth (ICF-CY) framework to establish the professional domain of occupational therapists in Korea and their role as experts in IEP cooperative team interventions in special education. Methods : Articles were collected from the EBSCOhost, ProQuest, and PubMed databases. International search terms included "Special education," "Individualized education plan (IEP)," "IEP process," "IEP implementation," and "Occupational therapy." The study period was limited from January 2013 to February 2023, and the final 10 studies were analyzed using secondary classification. Results : Most studies were randomized experiments targeting individuals with autism, and often employed environmental improvements. The IEP collaborative team interventions using the ICF-CY framework emphasized goals related to activity (five studies), participation (four studies), and body structure/function (one study). Conclusion : Occupational therapists play a crucial role in collaborative IEP team interventions. This study established expertise in the context of special education in South Korea.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.50-62
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• 2023

Objectives : This study aimed to identify unmet needs and influencing factors for patients who have breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and thyroid cancer. Methods : We reviewed the SCIE publications on unmet need of four prevalent cancer patients published after 2010 through a web search. Results : The measurement tools primarily used were Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs and Supportive Care Needs Survey questionnaire. Lung cancer patients reported a relatively higher rate of unmet needs. Breast cancer patients frequently reported unmet needs in the healthcare system and information, while thyroid cancer patients in post-treatment management and psychological issues. Colorectal cancer patients reported unmet needs in psychological and comprehensive care domain, and lung cancer patients reported unmet needs in physical and daily life management. Younger age, a shorter time since diagnosis or treatment, and higher levels of anxiety, depression, distress, and reduced quality of life were associated with more significant unmet needs. Conclusions : Unmet needs and influencing factors vary by cancer type. Considering the characteristics of each patient group and unmet needs can help in development of more effective treatment and support programs.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.35-44
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• 2023

Objective : This study sought to explore occupational therapy students' awareness of Developmental Rehabilitation Services (DRSs) and the certification of Sensory Developmental Rehabilitation Service Providers (SDRSPs). Moreover, it also aimed to examine the differences in students' awareness based on general characteristics. The findings were intended to provide a foundation for research on sensory developmental rehabilitation. Methods : An online survey was conducted among 199 occupational therapy students nationwide from October 4 to November 5, 2022. Frequency analysis was used to assess the general characteristics and additional items. Both descriptive statistics and frequency analysis were employed to assess the students' awareness of DRSs and SDRSP certification. Any differences in the students' awareness based on their general characteristics were examined using t-tests and an analysis of variance. Results : The students' awareness of DRSs was moderate (4.50 ± 2.40), while their awareness of SDRSP certification was also moderate (4.22 ± 2.55). The awareness of DRSs varied significantly based on the students' academic year and child-related practice experience. Similarly, the awareness of SDRSP certification differed significantly based on the students' academic program, academic year, recognition by the related department, and child-related practice experience. Conclusion : The occupational therapy students expressed a strong intention to provide DRSs and become certified as SDRSPs. However, their awareness levels were moderate. These findings emphasize the importance of educational efforts and the provision of relevant information about DRSs and SDRSP certification in universities to foster the development of competent SDRSPs.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.466-479
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• 2023

Objectives: A mobile health intervention program was provided for employees with overweight and obesity for 12 weeks, and a process evaluation was completed at the end of the program. We investigated participant engagement based on app usage data, and whether engagement was associated with the degree of satisfaction with the program. Methods: The program involved the use of a dietary coaching app and a wearable device for monitoring physical activity and body composition. A total of 235 employees participated in the program. App usage data were collected from a mobile platform, and a questionnaire survey on process evaluation and needs assessment was conducted during the post-test. Results: The engagement level of the participants decreased over time. Participants in their 40s, high school graduates or lower education, and manufacturing workers showed higher engagement than other age groups, college graduates, and office workers, respectively. The overall satisfaction score was 3.6 out of 5. When participants were categorized into three groups according to their engagement level, the upper group was more satisfied than the lower group. A total of 71.5% of participants answered that they wanted to rejoin or recommend the program, and 71.9% answered that the program was helpful in improving their dietary habits. The most helpful components in the program were diet records and a 1:1 chat with the dietary coach from the dietary coaching app. The barriers to improving dietary habits included company dinners, special occasions, lack of time, and eating out. The workplace dietary management programs were recognized as necessary with a need score of 3.9 out of 5. Conclusions: Participants were generally satisfied with the mobile health intervention program, particularly highly engaged participants. Feedback from a dietary coach was an important factor in increasing satisfaction.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.345-356
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• 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of physical therapy combined with a virtual reality (VR) game on pain, quality of life (QOL), engagement, and knee function in post-knee-surgery patients. Methods: Twenty-four patients who had undergone knee surgery four weeks or more before the study were recruited. Two withdrew from the study during the four-week experimental period, and a total of 22 patients were included in the final analysis. Routine physical therapy consisting of electrostimulation (10 min.) and therapeutic massage (10 min.) was the base intervention for all groups. The experimental group (n = 10) was additionally exposed to a VR game intervention, while the control group (n = 12) underwent an intervention involving similar motions as the experimental intervention but with no VR. The intervention for the experimental group used the game Rig Fit Adventure on Nintendo switch. Both groups underwent their respective interventions 3 times a week (35 min. per session) for 4 weeks. Pain was assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS), and QOL was assessed using the EuroQol five-dimensional five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Engagement was assessed using the Korea flow state scale (K-FSS). Finally, knee movement and function were assessed based on knee flexion and extension, range of motion (ROM), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Results: After the four-week physical therapy, both groups showed significant reductions in pain (on the NRS), increased knee ROM (flexion), better WOMAC scores, and increased EQ-5D-5L scores (p < 0.05), with the experimental group showing significantly better improvements in EQ-5D-5L and K-FSS scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that a VR-game-integrated intervention is effective for improving pain, QOL, engagement, and knee function in post-knee surgery patients and that VR-game-integrated interventions could be therapeutic alternatives for patients bedridden for prolonged periods with little motivation for rehabilitation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.1057-1065
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• 2023

Non-invasive liver fibrosis diagnosis is crucial for patients with chronic liver diseases. Many patients cannot undergo liver tissue biopsy, so predicting the degree of liver fibrosis early through meaningful methods can reduce complications related to chronic liver diseases, such as liver cell carcinoma and cirrhosis. This study compared and analyzed the quantitative measurement of liver fibrosis using shear wave elastography in conjunction with liver ultrasound findings and their associations with serum biomarkers (p<0.05). The results showed that the shear wave elastography measurement in the normal group was 4.55 ± 0.69 kPa, while the abnormal contrast group with echogenic patterns had a measurement of 8.27 ± 1.83 kPa. The hepatitis B carrier group exhibited higher shear wave elastography measurements, and among serum biomarkers, AST, ALT, GGT, and PT showed statistically significant positive correlations with fibrosis severity according to SWE categories (p<0.05), while ALP and TB did not demonstrate statistically significant differences (p=0.163, p=0.567). Conversely, Albumin and PLT showed significant negative correlations (p<0.05). Clinically, utilizing shear wave elastography measurements through liver ultrasound in the tracking and repeat testing of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients without cirrhosis can assist in achieving more objective diagnoses among healthcare providers.