• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.49-63
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• 1999

The objective of the study was to examine and compare health behavior between rural area and urban area in Soonchun city. Data were collected through personal interviews from 25, April to 30, May in 1998. Questions were asked to the rural area residents(n=399) and urban area residents(n=149) about their health behaviors, including such as self-recognition of health status, health related behaviors(smoking, drinking, eating habit, and exercising), status of disease and prevention, and utilization of hospital. As we examine the demographic characteristics, rural area residents were more aged(p<0.001) than urban area residents. And the urban residents had higher education(p<0.01), higher income(p<0.01) and higher health care cost(p<0.01) than rural residents. There were difference in health status existed between rural and urban residents. Rural residents had poorer health status(p<0.01) than urban residents, and however urban residents had more anxiety about their health(p<0.01) than rural residents. Comparison of the health related behavior between rural and urban area residents, rural residents were more likely to smoke(p<0.05), less intake of milk(p<0.01), do not exercise(p<0.01), and less try to lose their weight(p<0.01) than urban residents. Rural resident used to suffer from chronic diseases than urban residents(p<0.01). Consideration of health care need for rural residents are required due to the results shown as above. Therefore, the health care center, where most of the rural residents depend on for their treatment and prevention of disease, should make inquiries about resident's health care need and evaluate the important information sources for construction of a health care information system.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.137-149
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• 2020

Objectives: This study explored the community food environmental factors affecting food purchasing using a qualitative research methodology for the elderly as well as the various food environments under their socioeconomic diversity. Methods: For the qualitative data collection, this study interviewed 20 elderly people aged 65 years or more, who participated in a public health program or lunch services operated by the senior welfare center in Seoul. Five dimensions, such as availability, physical accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and accommodation suggested in previous studies, were used to identify the community food environmental factors. Results: The elderly participants showed overall similarities to the concepts derived from existing studies on the five dimensions of food accessibility environment. In addition, other important food accessibility environmental factors that were not present in previous studies, such as acceptability for a product of domestic origin, delivery service to home, and small-packaged food sales, were derived. On the other hand, the concept of some subjects differed depending on the household income and specifically for the physical accessibility concept. This showed that the close distance factor from a grocery store at home might not apply to older adults in low-income households in Korea. Conclusions: This study found that five dimensions of the food environment suggested by previous studies could also be applied to vulnerable older adults in Korea. On the other hand, the socioeconomic characteristics of individuals and households would affect the perspectives of their local food environments differently. The findings of this study could help in the development of tools for evaluating the community food environment.

• Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning
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• v.11 no.3 s.28
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• pp.19-27
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• 2005

Rural Korea has been becoming heavily aged societies from the end of 20th century due to the massive depopulation of young generation and extension of the average span of human beings. Although rural communities in Korea had been traditionally based on closely webbed social relations, almost all of community self-help organizations disappeared in recent time with very strong urbanization trend. However, almost all rural villages in Korea have the village seniors' union -'NO-IN-HOE' in Korean speaking- of which members usually use, operate and maintain community facilities in terms of voluntary base. Using these facilities, most of public/common/private services and community activities have been being served or provided. So, the purpose of this study is to investigate the usage tendency of community facilities and needs of the rural elderly and to propose the improvement strategies for their optimum usage. For this purpose, data was gathered both from community (107 villages) and individual level surveys(881 older people). The statistical method used for data analysis was descriptive statistics. The major findings were as follows : It was found that the dominant family type of the rural elderly was elderly-only household (75%) with very limited economic capability. There are 2$\sim$3 common community facilities with village including the seniors' center -'KYOUNG-RO-DANG' in Korean speaking. Many of the elderly (74%) use the center once or twice per week. There are several rooms in the center, like as kitchen bathroom and health room, of which usage frequency differs respectively. Many rural elderly want assistance from out-of-village for good maintenance and free use of these facilities.

• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.81-91
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to suggest strategies for advancing local-government-based accreditation systems and surveyor training in long-term care facilities in Korea. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature including research papers and official reports issued by governments from the United States, Australia, and Japan was conducted to explore domestic and international policies related to long-term care facility certification and accreditation systems. Results: The USA has two types of care quality assurance systems including mandatory certification (5-star rating system) by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and voluntary accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Australia operates a government-based mandatory accreditation system for all long-term care facilities through the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency. Japan, particularly the Tokyo district, operates a third-party evaluation system that involves the voluntary participation of long-term care facilities. Conclusion: This study provides several strategies to enhance accreditation processes and surveyors'expertise. For instance, motivating facilities to voluntarily participate in accreditation is necessary by 1) providing sufficient and continuous consultations and feedback about how to improve care quality, 2) differentiating accreditation domains and indicators from the national health insurance certification system, and 3) actively utilizing accreditation results and providing incentives.

• Korea journal of population studies
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.118-138
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• 1985

This paper is aimed to analyse the recent changes in family planning as a step in an evaluation of the results of the population control policy which has been strenuously pursued by the government since December 1981. The data used in this analysis comes from the 1985 national fertility and family planning survey conducted by the Korea Institute for Population and Health (KIPH) in May 1985. According to the 1985 survey data, there have been great changes in both the contraceptive practice and fertility rates since the strengthening of the government's population control policy in 1 981. The contraceptive practice rate for married women aged 15-44 has increased from 57.7% in 1982 to 70.3% in 1985, an increase of 12.6% points in the short span of only 3 years. During the same period, the total fertility rate has declined from 2.7 in 1982 to the population replacement level which was planned to achieve by 1 988. More than 80% of women aged over 30 or with two children or more are practicing contraception, while the practice rates of women with 0-1 children are 14.0% and 45.1% respectively. The survey has revealed that the increase of contraceptive practice rate during 1982-1985 has mainly attributed to the high acceptance of sterilization procedures which practice rate of the married women has increased from 28.1% to 40.3% for the period. Also, the survey data shows that 24.7% of those women with only one child is practicing contraception for thepurpose of fertility termination. The government, taking into account of rapid changes in contraceptive practice and fertility rates, is formulating a population plan during the sixth fiveyear economic and social development plan (1987-1991) to achieve 1% ofpopulation growth rate by 1993, which was planned to realize by 2000. In order to meet this demographic goal, the existing population control policy measures should be improved to be suited to the recent contraceptive use and fertility changes. From this standpoint, the following considerations should be put forth; 1) improvement of the current program management systems including target allocation and evaluation schems for recruiting new acceptors in the young 20s groups to use contraceptives for birth spacing and to increase high continuation rates through the strengthening of follow-up services for the acceptors, 2) increase of self-supporting contraceptive users by promoting commercial advertisements on contraceptives through mass media including T.V. and radio, 3) development of social support policies including incentive schems, and strengthening of IE & C activities for increasing the proportion of the one-child family, 4) strengthening of population and family planning education in and out school youth, and 5) strengthening of management capabilities at the provincial and local program managers.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.249-260
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• 2024

Background: The Republic of Korea's aging population escalates medical and long-term care costs. While prior research has suggested that long-term care might reduce these costs, these studies had limitations in their subjects and duration, making it difficult to generalize the results. This study aims to evaluate cost changes between the long-term care group and the general older adults group after addressing these limitations. Methods: A cohort was derived from the 2015 national population using stratified sampling. Subsequently, 15,114 individuals (7,557 in each group) were identified through 1:1 propensity score matching. The study employed a difference-in-differences analysis to explore variances in medical costs and long-term care benefits post-utilization of long-term care services. Results: Compared to the general older adults group, the long-term care group experienced a reduction in monthly per capita total medical costs by 56,459 Korean won (KRW). Although costs at tertiary and general hospitals increased, those related to long-term care hospitals decreased by 90,687 KRW. Including long-term care benefits, overall expenditures increased by 948,038 KRW. Conclusion: The analysis reveals that the long-term care group faces higher medical costs in acute care than the general older adults group, emphasizing a greater need for medical services within this group. To meet the increasing medical demands of the long-term care group, a collaborative strategy linking community resources, healthcare, and long-term care facilities is imperative. Additionally, developing and implementing preventive health habit management strategies for middle-aged and older adults is essential to diminish the future requirement for long-term care.

• Journal of Food and Nutrition Research
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.228-234
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• 2022

Korea has entered the aged society, with those aged over 65 years accounting for 14~20% of its population. Interest in the quality of life, nutrition, and health of the elderly is increasing. Since the energy intake of the elderly is lower than the estimated required amount, nutrient intake ratio of the elderly is related to mastication. Yanggaeng is a high-energy food made from agar, sugar, and red bean paste. Since it has a soft texture, it is highly utilized as a snack for the elderly who have inconvenience in mastication. Pinus koraiensis needle is known to possess antioxidant and antibacterial effects. The purpose of this study was to develop a functional snack added with Pinus koraiensis needle extract powder known to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antibacterial effects for the elderly that would be easy for them to chew. In this study, yanggaeng was manufactured with 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, or 8% of Pinus koraiensis needle extract powder, white sediment, and agar. In the experiment, moisture contents, color values texture characteristics, antioxidant activities, and sensory preference results were evaluated. Moisture content was the highest in the group added 6% of the extract powder. It was the lowest in the group added 8% of the extract powder, showing a significant (p < 0.001) difference between the two. Hardness, cohesiveness, and springiness of texture characteristics were decreased significantly (p < 0.001) while the adhesiveness and chewiness of texture characteristics were increased significantly (p < 0.001) as the amount of addition increased. Regarding antioxidative activity measurements, levels of polyphenols were the highest (p < 0.001) in the group added with 8% of the extract powder. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities were increased as the amount of addition increased (p < 0.001). Overall sensory preference was the highest for the 2% addition group. It decreased as the amount of addition increased (p < 0.001). Results of this study indicate that Pinus koraiensis needle extract powder with antioxidant and antibacterial effects can be used to manufacture yanggaeng to make functional snacks with improved quality characteristics for the elderly.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Rural Architecture
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.95-102
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• 2013

Recently (2010), South Korea's aging rate is 11%. and expected to be 32.3% in 2040, and Japan's aging rate in 2010 is 23%, and in 2040 is expected to be 34.5%. As aging progresses, it is increasing with the elderly person with dementia. However, elderly welfare facilities are insufficient. To take care stability of elderly people with mental and physical disabilities, we need to prepare a lot of welfare facilities for the elderly. Whenever physical conditions and service needs change of the disability elderly, Elderly are forced to move to the other facility. They move from familiar places, beloved local base to unfamiliar places. They are under a lot of stress in order to adapt to new environment. This research is to check out the possibility of the systems and the effectiveness of various services and the flexibility of management in Japan. Takurosyo is responsible for a variety function of elderly medical welfare facilities. Within a short time, our country, has entered into a super-aged society, elderly health and welfare facilities are needed. However, because it requires enormous financial, it is difficult to build a new building in reality, However, if remodeling existing buildings, We can build many low-cost small-scale multi-functional welfare facilities such as the takurosyo. Such that facility would be available to us.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.275-283
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• 2024

Background Shortage of speech and language therapists results in lack of speech services. The aims of this study were to find the effectiveness of a combination speech therapy model at Level IV: General speech and language pathologist (GSLP) and Level V: Specific speech and language pathologist (SSLP) in reduction of the number of articulation errors and promotion the quality of life (QoL) for children with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP ± L). Methods Fifteen children with CP ± L, aged 4 years 1 month to 10 years 9 months (median = 76 months; minimum:maximum = 49:129 months) were enrolled in this study. Pre- and post-assessment included oral peripheral examination; articulation tests via Articulation Screening Test, Thai Universal Parameters of Speech Outcomes for People with Cleft Palate, Hearing Evaluation, The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief_Thai (WHOQOL-BRIEF-THAI) version questionnaire for QoL were performed. Speech therapy included a 3-day intensive speech camp by SSLP, five 30-minute speech therapy sessions by a GSLP, and five 1-day follow-up speech camps by SSLP that provided four 45-minute speech therapy sessions for each child. Results Post-articulation revealed statistically significant reduction of the numbers of articulation errors at word, sentence, and screening levels (median difference [MD] = 3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2-5; MD = 6, 95% CI = 4.5-8; MD = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.5-3, respectively) and improvement of QoL. Conclusion A speech task force consisting of a combination of Level IV: GSLP and Level V: SSLP could significantly reduce the number of articulation errors and promote QoL.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.2059-2065
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• 2013

This goal of this research was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) for breast cancer in the Republic of Korea from a government expenditure perspective. In 2002-2003 (baseline), a total of 8,724,860 women aged 40 years or over were invited to attend breast cancer screening by the NCSP. Those who attended were identified using the NCSP database, and women were divided into two groups, women who attended screening at baseline (screened group) and those who did not (non-screened group). Breast cancer diagnosis in both groups at baseline, and during 5-year follow-up was identified using the Korean Central Cancer Registry. The effectiveness of the NCSP for breast cancer was estimated by comparing 5-year survival and life years saved (LYS) between the screened and the unscreened groups, measured using mortality data from the Korean National Health Insurance Corporation and the National Health Statistical Office. Direct screening costs, indirect screening costs, and productivity costs were considered in different combinations in the model. When all three of these costs were considered together, the incremental cost to save one life year of a breast cancer patient was 42,305,000 Korean Won (KW) (1 USD=1,088 KW) for the screened group compared to the non-screened group. In sensitivity analyses, reducing the false-positive rate of the screening program by half was the most cost-effective (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, ICER=30,110,852 KW/LYS) strategy. When the upper age limit for screening was set at 70 years, it became more cost-effective (ICER=39,641,823 KW/LYS) than when no upper age limit was set. The NCSP for breast cancer in Korea seems to be accepted as cost-effective as ICER estimates were around the Gross Domestic Product. However, cost-effectiveness could be further improved by increasing the sensitivity of breast cancer screening and by setting appropriate age limits.