• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.241-250
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• 2019

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify influencing factors on the performance of healthcare-associated infection control and microbiological hand contamination among caregivers at a tertiary hospital. Methods: The participants of this study were 59 caregivers woring at a tertiary hospital. Data were collected from July 1 to 30, 2018. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson's correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression by SPSS 23.0 Win program. Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that factors influencing performance of healthcare-associated infection control were awareness (β=.63, p<.001) and the experience of infection-related education (β=-3.40, p=.042). Regression equations describing the performance of healthcare-related infection control were found to be appropriate (F=27.29, p<.001) and accounted for 68% of variance. Factors affecting the degree of microbiological hand contamination were work experience (β=-0.28, p=.026) and healthcare-related infection performance (β=-0.28, p=.029). A regression equation describing the microbiological hand contamination was appropriate (F=6.10, p=.004) and accounted for 42% of variance. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that it is necessary to increase performance of healthcare-associated infection control by caregivers. Also, educations for preventing healthcare-associated infection and guidelines for increasing compliance with healthcare-associated infection control are recommended to improve performance of healthcare-associated infection control.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.3413-3418
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• 2015

Background: Liver fluke infection caused by the parasite Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini), a human carcinogen, is endemic in north-eastern Thailand and remains a major health problem. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to (1) resurvey the prevalence of O. viverrini infection in a field site from the Khon Kaen Cohort Study (in newly recruited subjects as well as previous cohort subjects surveyed in 1992); (2) investigate how subjects' lifestyle habits and their exposure to health promotion initiatives influence changes in prevalence of O. viverrini infection. Materials and Methods: The prevalence of O. viverrini infection in the cohort subjects (as well as new subjects) was investigated using faecal egg counts. Information on demographic factors, lifestyle and awareness of health promotion initiatives were obtained through questionnaires. Results: O. viverrini infection rates in the same individuals of the cohort were lower in 2006 than in 1992. Also, by studying the period effect, the current 35-44 year olds had a 12.4% (95% CI 3.9% to 20.9%) lower prevalence of O. viverrini infection than the 35-44 year olds in 1992 (24.2% versus 11.8%). Lifestyle choices showed that smoking and alcohol consumption were associated with an increased chance of acquiring O. viverrini infection with adjusted odds ratios of 10.1 (95%CI 2.4-41.6) and 5.3 (95%CI 1.2-23.0), respectively. Conclusions: Our study has demonstrated that although the prevalence of O. viverrini infection over a 14-year period has decreased, unhealthy lifestyle was common with smoking and alcohol consumption being associated with increased chances of infection, emphasising the double burden of disease which developing countries are facing.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.21-34
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influencing factors of prevention practices against infection exposure among emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in emergency rooms. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was filled out by 100 EMTs in emergency rooms from June 1 to August 31, 2017. The questionnaire consisted of items concerning the defensive environment for the prevention of infection exposure, perception of preventive behavior, and degree of performance of preventive actions against infection based on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, ${\chi}^2$ test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and linear regression. Results: The defensive environment for the prevention of infection exposure was 4.12. The perception of preventive action was 4.71, and the degree of performance of preventive actions against infection was 4.54. There was a significant relationship between the degree of performance of preventive actions against infectious exposures and the degree of perception of preventive behavior(r=.506, p=.01) and prevention of infectious exposure(r=.506, p=.01). The protective environment(B=.360, t=3.236, p=.002) and perceived level (B=.904, t=4.662, p=.000) were influenced by the degree of prevention of infection exposure. Conclusion: It is important to manage the protection environment for infection exposure prevention and to enhance the awareness of infection prevention actions against infection exposure among the EMTs in emergency rooms.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6169-6173
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• 2012

Infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of common sexually transmitted diseases leading to cervical cancer. Evaluation of parental knowledge and attitudes toward HPV were aims of present study to provide an appropriate method to decrease burden of this infection on society. During this study, 358 parents were assessed for knowledge about HPV and its related disorders. Some 76% of parents had no information about HPV infection and among the informed parents 36% had obtained their information via internet and others from studying medical resources. The average score of mothers information about HPV infection was higher than that of fathers, and also educational level and age had significant impact on knowledge of parents about HPV. Parent knowledge about the hazards of HPV was higher than their knowledge about modes of transmission. Lack of awareness about HPV infection was high in this study, underlining the urgency of education among all adult people in our society.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.505-511
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• 2019

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare sight-threatening corneal infection, often reporting from contact lens wearers. An asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Thai male without history of contact lens use complained foreign body sensation at his left eye during motorbike riding. He had neither specific keratitis symptoms nor common drugs responding, which contributed to delayed diagnosis. By corneal re-scraping, Acanthamoeba-like cysts were detected by calcofluor white staining and agar culture. The etiological agent obtained from the culture was molecularly confirmed by Acanthamoeba spp.-specific PCR, followed by DNA sequencing. The results from BLAST and phylogenetic analysis based on the DNA sequences, revealed that the pathogen was Acanthamoeba T4, the major genotype most frequently reported from clinical isolates. The infection was successfully treated with polyhexamethylene biguanide resulting in corneal scar. This appears the first reported AK case from a non-contact lens wearer with HIV infection in Thailand. Although AK is sporadic in developing countries, a role of free-living Acanthamoeba as an opportunistic pathogen should not be neglected. The report would increase awareness of AK, especially in the case presenting unspecific keratitis symptoms without clinical response to empirical antimicrobial therapy.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.209-216
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effect of knowledge and attitudes of preventive behavior plans (PBPs) on Zika virus infection among university students. Methods: Participants included 130 students from H University in Korea. Electronic self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and regression analysis with SPSS/WIN 23.0. Results: The mean percentile score for knowledge was 35.52±20.63. The mean scores for attitudes and PBPs were 3.31±0.47 and 3.07±0.72, respectively, out of 5 points. Knowledge (t=-5.79, p<.001), attitudes (t=-3.17, p=.002), and PBPs (t=-2.67, p=.009) differed significantly with respect to awareness concerning Zika virus infection. The factor 'attitudes' significantly affected PBPs, with an R² value of 12.0% (β=.27, p<.001). Conclusion: Developing a correct attitude toward Zika virus infection may be key to improving preventive behaviors. Health education messages should be tailored to increase preventive behaviors against Zika virus infection. Nursing educators will benefit from partnerships with health educators and by using internet media to speed up the dissemination of Zika virus information.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.441-443
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• 2013

Liver abscess following ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting occurs very rarely. We report an unusual case of multiple liver abscesses caused by Staphylococcus capitis in a 50-year-old compromised woman due to a complicating VP shunt infection. We reviewed the nine cases of VP shunt complications reported in the English literature, and speculated that the most likely pathogenetic mechanism in our case is an infected peritoneal tip that migrated to and penetrated the liver, which subsequently caused the formation of multiple liver abscesses. The patient was successfully treated with percutaneous aspiration, drainage of the abscesses, intravenous antibiotics, and shunt revision. Awareness and vigilance of the possibility of liver abscess formation caused by VP shunt infection will help establish an early accurate diagnosis and therapeutic strategy.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.169-178
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was conducted to investigate the actual state of dental hygienist's behavior for infection control during dental practice and radiologic examination and to evaluate the dental hygienist's awareness of the importance of infection control in dental office. Methods : A survey on 218 dental hygienists was carried out. The respondents to complete a questionnaire were the dental hygienists who were in dental office on Gwang-ju area or attended complementary training conducted by the Seoul Branch of Korean Dental Hygienists Association in April 2010. The data were collected and analyzed with $x^2$ test, t-test, ANOVA using SPSS program. Results : The ratios of educational experience for infection control in dental practice and radiologic examination room accounted for 87.6% and 30.3% respectively. Behavior degree of mask-wearing in the dental practice and radiologic examination room were $4.60{\pm}0.70$ and $3.77{\pm}1.09$ respectively. Behavior degree of glove-wearing in the dental practice and radiologic examination room were $4.40{\pm}0.91$ and $3.68{\pm}1.17$ respectively. In case of the relation between educational experience and behavior degree in mask-wearing or glove-wearing, there was no significant difference in the performance of mask or glove wearing during dental practice, and mask-wearing during radiologic examination. However, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the performance of glove-wearing during radiologic examination, which revealed that behavior degree between the respondents having educational experience and the others no having it were $3.92{\pm}1.19$ and $3.58{\pm}1.14$ respectively. The surface disinfection control for radiation and protective equipments used in radiologic examination room was done by occasional needs without premeditated schedules. Conclusions : The result of this study shows lower behavior degree during radiologic examination compared with one during dental practice. We suggest that there are needs to raise the awareness of infection control and to improve infection control behavior, and through this study, the importance of education was verified.

• Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.17-28
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• 2019

Dengue infection is becoming a serious global health threat. Public awareness is a pre-requisite for the successful implementation of dengue prevention programs. The main purpose of this study was to investigate dengue-related information needs and seeking behavior of the general public in Singapore. Some areas covered by this study were: importance of dengue-related information needs, preferred channels for seeking information, and respondents' perceptions of using dengue-related information. A questionnaire was used for data collection and 152 individuals participated in this study. Data analysis showed that the most sought after information concerned: dengue-related medicines, primary symptoms of dengue infection, and different possible treatments. The popular channels for seeking information were: websites of hospitals and other health agencies, the social media, television, and newspapers. Medical staff, such as doctors and nurses, were trusted for providing accurate information. Although credibility of social media was considered low, respondents were using it due to its easy accessibility. The findings of this study will be useful to government health departments in Singapore as well as in other countries suffering from dengue, hospitals, and public welfare agencies involved in public health awareness campaigns.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.8 no.8
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• pp.127-136
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• 2017

The purpose of the study was to investigate the awareness of basic emergency care by private ambulance drivers. A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 300 private ambulance drivers in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon from February 20 to April 1, 2013. The questionnaire consisted of basic life support related airway management(3 items), respiratory management(9 items), circulation(4 items), consciousness(4 items), and infection control(3 items). The awareness of infection control accounted for 87% and emergency care including airway, breathing, consciousness, and respiration was 60%. The knowledge of emergency care was 15.20(maximum 23.0 points). Consciousness was 2.55(maximum 4.0), airway management was 2.08(maximum 3.0), respiration was 5.35(maximum 9.0), circulation was 2.56(maximum 4.0), and infection control was 2.64(maximum 4.0). In order to improve the quality of private ambulance drivers, it is important to develop the emergency care program and expansion.