• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권10호
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• pp.4429-4434
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• 2015

Background: Public awareness/knowledge on oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC), potentially malignant disorders (PMODs) and their risk factors is crucial for prevention and early detection of OPC and PMODs. Yet, there are no published data available on the awareness and knowledge of OPC and PMODs among people living in Far North Queensland, Australia. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a cross sectional survey. A self-administered questionnaire was designed and consisted of relevant questions to ascertain socio-demographic information, awareness and knowledge of OPC, PMODs and risk factors and questions on participant's exposure to risk factors and dietary history were also included. Survey was carried out at the Dental Clinic of the James Cook University School of Dentistry (JCU Dental), Cairns, Australia. Subjects above the age of 20 years (n=366) were randomly selected during the period from 31st July to 6th September 2013 and questionnaire was distributed to complete while they are waiting for treatment. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 21 and the chi -squared test was employed to compare groups. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study revealed that 52.3% of the respondents were aware of the existence of OPC but only 19.0% were aware of PMODs. Of those who were aware of oral cancer, 92% agreed or strongly agreed that smoking is a strong risk factor for OPC. Similarly a relatively high proportion of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that tobacco chewing (84%), tobacco chewing with areca nut (68%), chewing areca nut alone (51%) and exposure to actinic radiation (71%) as risk factors. However, the results for alcohol intake, age, and HPV infection were found to be relatively poor with proportions 33%, 34%, and 23% respectively. Conclusions: This study revealed an alarming lack of awareness and knowledge of OPC and PMODs.

• 한국자연치유학회지
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.93-107
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• 2021

배경: 헤어 미용인들의 코로나감염증에 대한 위생과 인식에 대한 조사의 필요성이 대두되었다. 목적: 헤어 미용인들의 COVID-19에 대한 보건위생 관심 정도와 인식 정도를 조사하였다. 방법: 대전광역시 소재 헤어 미용인을 대상으로 설문 조사하였다. 회수한 설문지 총 260부를 SPSS 26.0 프로그램을 분석하였다. 결과: 미용인들의 보건위생 관심도는 연령, 학력, 직급, 미용실의 형태, 근속연수에 따라서 통계적으로 유의한 차이를 보였다. 코로나-19에 대한 인식 정도에서 코로나의 위험성에 대해서는 30대 이상, 원장, 중간크기 가게, 근속연수 10년 이상에서 높게 나타났다. 코로나에 대한 낙관적 측면에서는 20대, 보조 스텝, 대형가게 및 근속연수 5년 미만에서 높게 나타났다. 보건위생 관심, 위생 관심도, 손 위생 및 마스크 위생, 코로나 위험성 인식과 낙관적 인식은 정(+)의 상관관계가 있었다. 결론: 대전지역 헤어미용인들에 대한 보건위생 관심과 인식 정도는 연령, 학력, 직급, 헤어샵의 형태 및 근속연수에 따라서 유의하게 증가하였다. 본 결과는 이 분야의 연구에 기초자료가 되리라 평가한다.

• 산경연구논집
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• 제14권4호
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• pp.33-46
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• 2023

Purpose: During the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak, mask-wearing is required to protect against and limit the spread of infection, but it can directly affect skin problems. Change in skin condition might be related to mental health. This study explored the association between skin conditions and behavior of skin cares and stress levels during the Covid-19pandemics. Research design, data and methodology: A survey was conducted on 516 adults who were aware of damaged skin due to continuous wearing of masks for a long time during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The study included 164 men and 352 women in the Republic of Korea. Results: Skin conditions and behavior of skin cares associated with stress perceptions. A multiple linear regression model was used adjusting for potential confounder. Conclusion: Since management so far in the COVID-19 Pandemic can cause skin concerns and change the original skin type, it is necessary to redefine and improve the use of skin care, face-washing methods, and functional cosmetics. People with high and low interest in skin type recognition and management were evenly identified, and it was confirmed that stress awareness decreases as awareness of skin care attitude increases.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.897-900
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• 2012

Cervical cancer resulting from prior infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health threat against young Japanese women. A national immunization plan to vaccinate 13~16 year old female students against HPV infection has been started in Japan since 2010, and may reach almost full coverage by the end of 2012. Older age females who may already be sexually active are not targeted by this plan but should follow safer sex practices as well as periodic screening of the cervix cytology to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer. HPV vaccination alone does not offer full protection either, because only some HPV types are covered by the vaccines and the long-term efficacy of the vaccines has not been determined yet. Therefore, we did a survey at an international university in Japan to study the knowledge and attitude of female college students towards prevention of cervical cancer, to examine the age when they start sexual activity and other related attributes that may influence the risk of cervical cancer. We discuss the results of our survey and what they imply for the possible impact of an HPV immunization plan on the risk of cervical cancer in Japan, and conclude by an emphasis on the need to increase awareness among Japanese female adolescents and to enhance the cervical screening rates among older females who are already sexually active.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권5호
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• pp.2279-2283
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• 2012

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and oncogenic HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. However, HPV vaccination is already available as the primary preventive method against cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of HPV vaccination among Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Malaya (UM) students. This study was conducted from March until August 2009. Pre-tested and validated questionnaires were filled by the third year UKM (n=156) and UM (n=149) students from medical, dentistry and pharmacy faculties. The results showed that the overall level of knowledge on HPV infection, cervical cancer and its prevention among respondents was high and the majority of them had positive attitude towards HPV vaccination. Medical students had the highest level of knowledge (p<0.05). Very few students (3.6%) had already taken the vaccine with no significant difference between the two Universities (p=0.399). In conclusion, the knowledge and attitude of the respondents were high and positive, respectively. Only few students took HPV vaccination. Thus, more awareness campaigns and HPV vaccination services should be provided at universities' campuses with the price of the HPV vaccine reduced for the students.

• 대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학
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• 제44권3호
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• pp.231-237
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• 2021

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the importance of hospital hygiene and infection control in hospital settings. To raise hygiene awareness among ultrasound technicians, we evaluated the hygiene status of an ultrasound room, in comparison with that of objects used in daily life. Using the swab method, the following surfaces were examined: eight surfaces in the ultrasound room including the ultrasound probes (convex, linear, sector, 3D), ultrasound track ball, ultrasound keyboard, ultrasound gel (sealed and in use) and pillow as well as four surfaces of everyday objects including subway handles, common computer keyboards, common computer mouse, and cell phones. The streak plate technique was used for inoculation into media, which was observed for the formation of bacterial colonies following incubation for 24 h. Six bacterial strains were detected from objects used in the ultrasound room, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Four strains of bacteria were detected on surfaces of everyday objects. The equipment and accessories used in an ultrasound room can act as vehicles for infecting patients. Establishment of standardized hygiene protocols and periodic training of the staff are recommended to avoid cross-infection.

• 대한간호학회지
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• 제52권6호
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• pp.554-563
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to determine how undergraduate nursing students' knowledge and health beliefs affected their COVID-19-related infection-prevention behaviors. Methods: This study used a descriptive survey. A total of 188 undergraduate nursing students from two universities in South Korea participated in this study. The data were collected from June 2020 to August 2020. Factors influencing infection-prevention behaviors were identified using multiple regression analysis. Results: The participants' mean knowledge level regarding COVID-19 was 84.05 ± 11.78 out of 100. The average health belief score was 2.80 ± 0.32 points out of 5. COVID-19-related preventive health behaviors were correlated with experiences of searching for COVID-19 information (r = .22, p < .01), perceived severity (r = .24, p < .01), perceived benefits (r = .29, p < .01), cues to action (r = .30, p < .01), knowledge (r = .27, p < .01), and perceived barriers (r = - .19, p < .05). Factors that significantly affected COVID-19-related preventive health behaviors were the participants' years of study, experiences regarding COVID-19 prevention education, perceived severity, perceived barriers, and cues to action. Conclusion: COVID-19-related preventive health behaviors are promoted by increasing awareness about the disease and promoting COVID-19 education in nursing curriculums.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.51-56
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• 2022

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic increased awareness regarding the importance of hand hygiene in infection prevention. Although social distancing and vaccination are the strongest ways to prevent infection, personal hand hygiene is the most basic and easiest way to maintain public health. However, in addition to hand washing using running water, sanitizing tissues, and disinfection products are convenient for hand hygiene, especially outdoors. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the appropriateness of individual hand hygiene methods. In this study, we investigated the degree of hand hygiene offered by various hygiene products and hand drying methods for maintaining hand hygiene. Methods: An LED UV light kit was used for fluorescent observation of hand contamination. Bacteria from the hands were cultured to compare the degree of hand hygiene offered by various hygiene products. Bacteria were cultured in a hand-shaped medium dish to identify areas vulnerable to hand hygiene. Moreover, the degree of hand hygiene was observed according to the drying method using bacterial cultures. Results: We confirmed that hand washing under running water with antibacterial soap, sanitizing with alcohol gel disinfectant, and wiping with antibacterial wet wipes was effective for hand hygiene compared to washing under running water alone. However, for all hygiene products, a large number of bacteria were detected on the fingertips. We verified that natural drying, rather than rubbing, is effective in maintaining hand hygiene. Conclusion: These results suggest that hand hygiene products and drying methods are critical in hand hygiene management. Therefore, these results provide a basis for determining whether an individual's hand hygiene management method is appropriate.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권24호
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• pp.10723-10728
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• 2015

Background: To determine the level of knowledge on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and vaccination, and the attitude towards HPV vaccination in pediatricians, obstetricians and gynecologists (OBG). Materials and Methods: Participants were administered a 40-question survey, investigating the demographic properties, the knowledge on the HPV infection-vaccination and attitudes towards vaccination. Results: The study enrolled a total of 228 participants (131 pediatricians and 97 OBGs). At a rate of 99.6%, the participants agreed with the fact that the HPV infection was the most common sexually transmitted disease and 33.8% of the participants had the opinion that the HPV vaccination should be administered only in women. The lowest level of HPV vaccine recommendation was among the pediatrics specialists (59.4%, p=0.012). When asked whether they would have their daughters receive HPV vaccination, 79.5% of the participants answered favorably; this rate was 36.7% for the sons. At a rate of 59.5% of the participants thought that the HPV vaccine needed to be included in the national vaccine schedule. Most of the participants (91.6%) had the idea that reduction of the vaccine costs would increase the vaccination frequency. Conclusions: We observed that the consideration of the costs and the prejudices relating to the inefficacy of vaccination as well as the inadequate level of knowledge were involved in the physicians' resistance to HPV vaccination. We believe that the healthcare professionals should be informed adequately to overcome false beliefs, thereby ensuring success of the HPV vaccine upon inclusion in the national vaccine schedule in the future.

• Perinatology
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.11-19
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• 2017

Objective: Human milk bank is known as best alternative option for sick infants. However, only two human milk banks (HMBs) are working in Korea. In the present study, we evaluated the awareness on the HMB in female health care provider to find out the issues that would help facilitating HMB establishment in Korea. Methods: The survey questionnaire was developed by a team composed with neonatologists, obstetricians, nurses, nutritionists, and health care specialists. The survey was performed for female health care workers in Soon Chun Hyang Cheonan Hospital between March and June in 2016. Eighty-eight of 110 questionnaires were collected and the results were analyzed. Results: Most of subjects were found to have correct knowledge on the breast milk feeding. However, only 49% of subjects had awareness of the presence of HMB. Unfortunately, less than half of them could get information about HMB by official way including mass media. In addition, 76% of subjects were found not to want to use HMB. Most important reason was found as a concern on the safety of donor milk including life style of donors, infection controls, and possible nutritional loss of banked milk. Conclusion: The purpose and function of HMB was not widely educated and it seems to be one of most important reasons why women have negative concept about HMB in Korea. Thus, further study is warranted with more numbers of subjects after active public education about the HMB.