• Health Policy and Management
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.172-180
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• 2014

Background: People with disabilities have higher prevalence rates and earlier onset of chronic disease than the non-disabled; therefore, their participation in health screening is important. This study evaluates the participation rate and trends in health screening of people with disabilities, and examines the association between their participation rate and disability characteristics, and socioeconomic status. Methods: Data on disability-related characteristics were collected from the National Disability Registry, and participants' corresponding health examination data were taken from the Korean National Health Insurance Corporation between 2002 and 2011. A total of 873,819 participants aged ${\geq}20$ years were analyzed in this study. Results: The rate of participation of people with disabilities in health screening has increased each year, but their participation rate is lower than that of the total population. The participation rate was lower in females than in males; the elderly group than in the younger group; those who live in city areas than rural areas; self-employed for health insurance than employees; those with an internal organ disability than those with an external physical disability; those with a severe disability than those with a mild disability; and those with a short-term disability than for those with a long-term disability. Conclusion: The factors associated with participation rate are age, sex, socioeconomic status, and disability characteristics. These findings indicate that health check-ups of people with disabilities should be promoted using an approach that takes into account the large individual differences in socioeconomic status and disability characteristics in this population.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.268-276
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• 2015

Objectives: According to the 2007 Korea National Environmental Health Survey (KNEHS), some areas in the Gyeongsang Provinces showed very high blood mercury levels in adults. We conducted this project to investigate any related health effects in children due to mercury levels in these areas. Methods: In total, 1,097 students between grades 3 and 6 at 19 elementary schools were recruited from four areas with high mercury exposure as identified by the KNEHS. Total mercury levels in biological samples were compared with health check-ups performed on the schoolchildren. Biological monitoring, supported by questionnaires, a computerized neurobehavioral test, a posturography test and a personality test, were applied. Results: Triglycerides showed a significant relation with mercury in blood, urine and hair. Total mercury concentrations were divided into two groups: upper and lower concentration groups based on the median value. In the computerized neurobehavioral test, the upper blood mercury group showed a greater reaction time for color-word vigilance (p<0.05). In the posturography test, the intensity value of the tremor test showd high significant relations with mercury levels (p<0.01). In the personality test, self-consciousness, misdeeds and family relationships showed significant differences between the upper and lower urine mercury groups (p<0.01), and specific reactions, ego resilience and hyperactivity also showed some differences (p<0.1). Conclusion: Some items in the neurobehavioral test, posturography test and personality test showed significant relations with biological mercury levels. Therefore, monitoring and appropriate management of students showing high mercury levels are recommended in order to reduce their mercury exposure.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.283-293
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• 2000

The following results were obtained after data adjustment and analysis of a study consisting of self-writing, of oral check-ups and questionnaires of 356 students of the O middle school in Suwon in June of 2000. The purpose of this study was to discover the effects of the dental health types of middle school students on dental caries and to understand the specific teeth of dental health types due to educational experience. Based on such data, we want to develop a desirable educational program for middle school dental heath. 1. The DMFT index was higher in females (0.75+4.39) than males(4.99+3.67), so there was a significant difference(p=0.000) 2. The DMFT index increased from the ages of 12 (4.69+3.90). 13 (5.69+3.67), 14 (6.18+4.39) and 15(6.98+4.08) and were significantly different (p=0.011). 3. There was no difference in the DMFT index regarding the method of brushing, educational experience for dental health, oral hygiene index and plaque index in dental health types. Yet, the more snack-eating increased the higher the DMFT index increased; thus, there was found a significant difference (p=0.0006). The more fluoride use increased, the lower the DMFT index; thus, there was a significant difference (p=0.048). As for the self-awareness index of dental health, the ones who answered positively had a DMFT index of 2.14+ 1.83 and those who answered negatively had a DMFT index of 7.00+3.94; thus, there was a significant difference (p=0.000). 4. For those who had had educational experience in dental health, a rolling method was used in brushing, and the frequency of fluoride use was high; the self-awareness index of dental health was high as well.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.8
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• pp.820-826
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• 2008

Purpose : This study was conducted to evaluate the red cell indices and frequency of iron deficiency anemia based on the feeding patterns of nine-month-old infants. Methods : Blood tests were performed on 253 nine-month-old infants, who visited Il Sin Christian Hospital for health check-ups from January to December 2007. Their parents answered telephonic questions regarding their feeding patterns and weaning foods. Results : Three infants groups were created according to feeding patterns before they started weaning foods. One group was exclusively breast-fed (48.6%), another had mixed feeding (27.3%), and the third had artificial milk feeding (24.1%). Red cell indices (hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH) of the breast-fed group were comparatively lower than those of the other two groups (P<0.05). Twenty-five infants (9.9%) were diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. According to feeding patterns, the frequency of anemia was highest in the breast-fed group. Six infants who started weaning foods before six months of age (113 infants) were diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia (5.3%), and nineteen who started after six months of age (140 infants) were diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia (13.6%). Conclusion : When nine-month old infants visit hospitals for health check-ups, pediatricians must consider their feeding pattern and weaning foods histories, and then recommend screening blood tests for iron-deficiency anemia.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.723-728
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• 2022

Most accidents at construction sites are occurring in vulnerable groups such as new workers, foreign workers, and elderly workers. These vulnerable workers often lead to accidents due to the lack of awareness of risks. Therefore, in order to reduce accidents, it is necessary to pay attention to and manage vulnerable workers. This study attempted to identify the level of safety awareness and safety management priorities for vulnerable workers through IPA analysis. New workers should be able to adapt to the field as soon as possible, and foreign workers were found to need frequent check-ups due to language communication problems. In the case of older workers, it was analyzed that it was necessary to check their health and to check whether they were performing other tasks than the prescribed ones.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.617-624
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• 2004

Purpose. Korean American women have twice the rate of cervical cancer than white women and demonstrate low rates in participation in cervical cancer screening. This study was to describe the perceptions about cervical cancer and factors related to cervical cancer screening among Korean American women. Method. Focus group methods. Results. Five themes emerged. First, knowledge about cervical cancer; misconceptions about cervical cancer, its causes, reproductive anatomy and the treatment Second, perceived meanings of having cervical cancer; most of the women felt that cervical cancer represented a loss of femininity and existential value of woman-hood. Third, knowledge about cervical cancer screening; regular medical check-ups were necessary for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Forth, experiences and perceived meanings of cervical cancer screening; the participants expressed their feelings; embarrassment, fear, shame and shyness. Fifth, practices of cervical cancer screening; various intervals in participating in cervical cancer screening. But they mentioned several deterrents, language, insurance, time constraint, embarrassment, fear of the screening results, misbelief about susceptibility, lack of health prevention behavior, and lack of information written in Korean. Conclusion: Results emphasize the critical need for culturally appropriate health education to encourage participation of Korean American women in cervical cancer screening.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.398-406
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• 2012

Objectives: In order to investigate the relation between environmental pollution and its effect on human health in large-scale industrial complex regions, monitoring studies have been conducted since 2003. The main purpose of this Gangneung study is to produce background data which can be compared with several large-scale industrial complex regions such as Ulsan, Sihwa, Banwol, Gwangyang, Yeosu, Pohang and Cheongju Daesan industrial complexes. Methods: In this Gangneung study, 1,007 local residents were recruited and the framework of this study was designed to evaluate and monitor health effects associated with low-level but long-term exposure to environmental pollutants. A survey was performed based on personal questionnaires, medical check-ups, and allergy skin prick tests for twelve common allergens. The authors reviewed the prevalence rate of skin allergens in Gangneung compared with in large-scale industrial areas. The results are summarized as follows. Results: The diagnosis prevalence and medical treatment prevalence of asthma were lower than in industrial complex regions, but allergic rhinitis was higher. The allergy skin test prevalence was 26.0% and the most common allergens were dust mites (D. pteronysinus 16.7% and D. farinae 16.3%). Conclusions: The positive findings of the skin prick test were similar with large-scale industrial complex regions in Korea. Further study is required to find the cause of the regional differences in skin prick prevalence.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.89-99
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• 2013

Objectives: This study was designed to examine the effects of oral health behaviors and use of dental clinics on periodontal diseases in women, the purpose of this study is to provide basic information to develop program for dental health promotion in young women. Methods: We conducted a survey targeting 486 women that agreed with the survey and were going to dental clinic from October 1, 2013 to October 18, 2013. We surveyed them by self-administered questionnaire and analyzed it by SPSS Win 19.0 program. Results: 1. For differences in periodontitis according to general characteristics, if th age is high, ratio of periodontitis is high. Married woman is higher than single one in ratio of periodontitis. Also the more number of birth, the higher ratio of periodontitis is.(p<.05) 2. For differences of periodontitis by dental care behavior, ratio of periodontitis of non-smokers is significantly low. For one that brush one's teeth broadside, the ratio of periodontitis is high.(p<.05) 3. For differences of periodontitis by use of dental clinic service, ratio of periodontitis of one that have more times visit to a dental clinic, more annual average cost for dental care, and regular dental check-ups is relatively low.(p<.05). 4. For determinant factors influencing on periodontitis, ratio of periodontitis of one that is old, have more stress, have a low level of education, and have preventive dental care is high. Ratio of periodontitis of one that have less toothbrushing and brush one's teeth after having lunch or a snack and before sleeping is significantly low. Conclusions: From this study, dental health behavior as the factor influencing on periodontitis of young women is statistically meaningful. Because this dental health behavior has a lot of potential to be improved by government and local community efforts such as education and social support, we think that systematic and various educational program development is needed to strengthen self dental care ability effectively with policy support.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.338-348
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• 1997

This study was conducted to investigate the health and nutritional status of 123 middle aged men at their worksite in Taejon. The results of this study on the factors that influence their health and nutritional status were as follows : 1) 74.8$\%$ of the subjects had history in the order of alimentary, heat, liver, diabetic and pulmonary diseases. 30.3$\%$ stopped smoking at 42.3% yrs. and 74.5$\%$ smoked more than 10 cigarets per day. Also 71.9$\%$ drank 2-3 times per week and 35.3$\%$ drank 1-2 times per week. 91.4$\%$ exercised more than 30min every day. 2) 54.4% showed concerns about their health whereas 20.3$\%$ were afraid that they night get sick. 3) 90.4$\%$ ate regularly and 54.5$\%$ worried about their cholesterol, salt, fat and MSG intakes. 48.7$\%$ ate out 1-2times per week and their favorite foods eaten outside were Korea. 4) 41.5$\%$ were classified as 'normal A', 30.9$\%$ 'normal B' group and high blood pressure and liber diseases in 'doubtful for disease' group were pointed out from their 1996 health check ups. 5) By Broca index, 39.8$\%$ were overweight and 9.8% were obese however by BMI only 23.6% were overweight. According to the relationship between calculated and self recognized obesity, 62.4$\%$ categorized themselves into the right weight range but 34.3$\%$ thought they were thinner than they were. 6) 43.9$\%$ were border line in cholesterol intake and 12.1$\%$ needed medical care for high blood cholesterol. 7) The Average energy intake was 1970.6㎉(80.9$\%$ RDA) with a 65 :19 : 16 ratio of carbohydrate : protein : fat. Protein, Fe, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and Vit. A. 8) Occupation, regularity of meals, partner's job, income. smoking, alcohol drinking, health concerns and eating out were the factors that influenced the subject's nutrient intakes and health status. from this study, it was found that middle aged men needs to know their health and nutritional status and to be educated correct health and nutritional information through formal or informal channel. The worksite is the vest place to do this and we want these results to be used to develop the nutrition education program for middle aged men at the worksite.

• Journal of Computing Science and Engineering
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.246-256
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• 2011

Due to the increasingly aging population, there is a rising demand for assistive living technologies for the elderly to ensure their health and well-being. The elderly are mostly chronic patients who require frequent check-ups of multiple vital signs, some of which (e.g., blood pressure and blood glucose) vary greatly according to the daily activities that the elderly are involved in. Therefore, the development of novel wearable intelligent systems to effectively monitor the vital signs continuously over a 24 hour period is in some cases crucial for understanding the progression of chronic symptoms in the elderly. In this paper, recent development of Wearable Intelligent Systems for e-Health (WISEs) is reviewed, including breakthrough technologies and technical challenges that remain to be solved. A novel application of wearable technologies for transient cardiovascular monitoring during water drinking is also reported. In particular, our latest results found that heart rate increased by 9 bpm (P < 0.001) and pulse transit time was reduced by 5 ms (P < 0.001), indicating a possible rise in blood pressure, during swallowing. In addition to monitoring physiological conditions during daily activities, it is anticipated that WISEs will have a number of other potentially viable applications, including the real-time risk prediction of sudden cardiovascular events and deaths.