• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.782-798
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• 1996

This study was a survey done for the purpose of constructing a nursing theory according to Korean culture and to identify the traditional Korean view of humans and the expectations of the sick role, and to confirm changes from the traditional view of humans and expectations of the sick role according to general characteristics of the population. The subjects were all adults over 18 years old. 517 who lived in six large cities and 191 who lived in five rural communities. Data collection was done from November 19th, 1994 to January 19th, 1995 using a tool to measure the traditional view of humans and expectations of the sick role which was developed by the investigator through a literature review. Collected data were analyzed using frequency, percent, Cronbach alpha, 1-test, F-test and Scheffe post hoc contrasts, with the SAS program. The results of this study are summerized as follows : 1. The Traditional view of human score for all subject was 49.92, which shows that Korean traditional view of human is moderate. High scored items were "human need to live by making harmony with nature, not by overcoming the nature" (3.44), "Filial duty to parents and elders is important" (3.31), "Think of family more than a individual" (2.96). 2. The differences in the traditional view of humans between residential districts showed that the residents of Chungbuk(56.00), Kyungbuk(55.26), Chonbuk(51.32), Taegu(50.59) had a more traditional view of humans than those in Pusan(45.42) and Seoul (47.27). 3. The differences in the traditional view of humans according to general characteristics showed that rural community residents, males, older people, people with lower levels of education, married and house-resident groups had a significantly higher traditional view of humans than urban residents, females, younger people, people with a higher levels of education, single and apartment-resident groups. There were differences according to religion and job. Buddhism had a higher traditional view of humans than those of atheism, Christianity and Catholicism and physical workers, a significantly highers score, than technicians and professional workers. 4. Daily expected task performance during illnesses was lowest for patients with stroke (2.16) and psychosis(2.40), in which case almost no daily general tasks were expected, followed by arthritis 4.06, peptic ulcer 4.79, headache 4.99 and cough 5.58. The amount of expected role exemption during illnesses was also highest for stroke(2.25), followed by psychosis(2.08), arthritis(1.64), peptic ulcer(1.29), headache(1.16) and cough(1.09). The amount of daily task performance in the acute stage(3.05) was significantly lower than that of convalescent stage(4.95). 5. Total expectation of role exemption according to general characteristics showed that there was no significant differences in urban /rural community, marriage, level of education and religion. By sex, women showed higher expectation of role exemption during illnesses than men. By age, the 31-40 year old group showed lower expectation of role exemption than the 41-50 year old group or over the 61 year old group.or over the 61 year old group.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.952-962
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• 2005

To explore the relationship between economic status and food and nutrient intake patterns, the 2001 National Health and Nutrition Survey result was analyzed. Dietary intake data of 6,978 Korean adults of 20 years and older who participated in the 2001 National Health and Nutrition Survey were used along with their demographic data. Economic status of the subjects was classified into the following 4 groups based on the self-reported average monthly income of household with reference to the minimum monthly living expenses (MLE) in 2001 : low < $100\%$ MLE $\leq$ middle < $200\%$ MLE $\leq$ high < $300\%$ MLE $\leq$ higher, Individuals in the higher income class had significantly higher mean intake for most of the nutrients including energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, calcium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C, and a higher percentage of energy intake from fat. In addition, they consumed more animal foods including meats, eggs, fish/shellfish, milk/dairy products and fats. On the other hand, the mean intakes of individuals in the lower economic class for calcium, vitamin A, and riboflavin were lower than $75\%$ of RDAs. And, there was a predominant difference in contribution of fat to total energy intake among the groups of different economic status. These results showed that household income is an important factor influencing the food and nutrient intake patterns of the Korean adult population. Although individuals at different age classes may respond differently to a change in economic status, developing and implementing nutrition policy and intervention programs for those nutritionally vulnerable groups should consider the economic status as an important factor to customize and differentiate the content of the Program. (Korean J Community Nutrition 10(6) : $952\∼962$, 2005)

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.301-308
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• 2012

Objectives: To examine the association between alcohol consumption habit, types of beverages, alcohol consumption quantity, and overall and cancer-specific mortality among Korean adults. Methods: The alcohol consumption information of a total of 16 320 participants who were 20 years or older from the Korean Multicenter Cancer Cohort were analyzed to examine the association between alcohol consumption habit and mortality (median follow-up of 9.3 years). The Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of alcohol consumption to mortality adjusting for age, sex, geographic areas, education, smoking status, and body mass index. Results: Alcohol drinkers showed an increased risk for total mortality compared with never drinkers (HR, 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38 to 2.14 for past drinkers; HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.39 for current drinkers), while past drinkers only were associated with higher risk for cancer deaths (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.34 to 2.53). The quantity of alcohol consumed per week showed a J-shaped association with risk of mortality. Relative to light drinkers (0.01 to 90 g/wk), never drinkers and heavy drinkers (>504 g/wk) had an increased risk for all-cause and cancer deaths: (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.45) and (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.83) for all-cause mortality; and (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.11) and (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.39 to 3.09) for all cancer mortality, respectively. Heavy drinkers (>504 g/wk) showed an elevated risk for death from stomach and liver cancers. Conclusions: The present study supports the existence of a J-shaped association between alcohol consumption quantity and the risk of all-cause and cancer deaths. Heavy drinkers had an increased risk of death from cancer overall and liver and stomach cancer.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.66 no.4
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• pp.5-23
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• 2014

This study performed a series of analyses to examine the effects of regular exercise on depression using data from the HAS (Hallym Aging Study) and the KLoSA(Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing). The effect of regular exercise on depression was tested through propensity score matching methods. In addition, analyses of five indirect effect models were performed to verify a theoretical description about how regular exercise has an effect on depression. The results of analysis were as follows. First, it was found in the two samples that elderly people who exercise regularly have a lower level of depression compared to those who do not. Second, the results of analysis of five indirect effect models were all significant. The psycho-physiological models showed the effect of regular exercise on depression using ADL(Activities of Daily Living) and grip strength. The psycho-social models also demonstrated the effect of regular exercise on depression using variables related to social activities. Based on these findings, intervention strategies to prevent depression was discussed.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.142-162
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• 2014

Objectives: To evaluate the critical environmental factors on healthy-aging of Korean people, we investigated the significant factors influencing health status of septuagenarians living in rural area of Jeonla province, known to be one of the representative longevity regions in Korea. Methods: We divided subjects into healthy group (36M/25F) or poor-health group (26M/73F) based on self-reported health status, body mass index, a number of prescription, and blood test data. General characteristics, physical measurements, lifestyle, dietary behavior and nutrient intake, physical health and mental health data were statistically compared between the two groups. Results: Average age was not different between healthy group and poor-health group in men and women, respectively. In men, significantly favorable factors to health were observed to be higher education, regular exercise, higher grip strength and walking function, body mass index (${\geq}18.5kg/m^2$), moderate frequency of drinking and eating-out, non-smoking, normal red blood cell (RBC) count, higher serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS) level, good digestive function and appetite, normal hearing function, regular meals, adequate vegetable and fruit intake, diverse food intake, adequate energy and nutrients (protein, vitamin $B_1$, $B_6$, C and E, folate, niacin, P, Zn and K) intake, higher mini-nutrient status assessment (MNA) score and low level of depression. On the other hand, in women, those were literacy, living arrangement, moderate frequency of drinking, healthy teeth, higher grip strength and walking function, bone mineral density, normal RBC and white blood cell (WBC) count, higher DHEAS concentration, higher MNA score, normal cognition and memory function, having snack and adequate fruit intake. Conclusions: These results could be useful to plan effective strategies to increase health-life expectancy of Korean old people living in rural areas.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.180-194
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• 2013

Objectives Impaired lung function(ILF) and sasang constitution(SC) is associated with metabolic syndrome(MS). However, the relationship between ILF and SC is unclear. So, we assessed the relationship between ILF and MS according to SC, and examined whether SC is an independent risk factor for ILF. Methods This study included 1,148 subjects 40years and older who were performed the health examination at Kyung Hee University Hospital in Korea between December 2011 and February 2013. We defined ILF if FVC or $FEV_1$ value were less than lower limit of normal(LLN), and classified ventilatory patterns as obstructive pattern and restrictive pattern. MS was assessed according to AHA/NHLBI criteria. We used multivariate logistic regression to analyze the association of ILF with MS respective to SC types, and to identify the risk of SC types for ILF. Odds ratio(OR) was calculated by adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, drinking, physical activity, and BMI. Results In whole subjects, ILF was associated with MS [OR (95% CI), 1.69 (1.24-2.31) for FVC, 1.67 (1.20-2.33) for $FEV_1$]. And in Taeeum type(TE type) and Soeum type(SE type), ILF was associated with MS [1.63 (1.10-2.42) for FVC, 1.48 (1.01-2.24) for $FEV_1$ in TE type; 6.93 (1.14-42.00) for FVC in SE type], while in Soyang type(SY type), it wasn't. The restrictive pattern was associated with MS in TE type and SE type, while in SY type, it wasn't. Furthermore, TE type and SY type had more risk for ILF than SE type [1.71 (1.12-2.59) for SY type, 1.95 (1.23-3.08) for TE type in FVC; 2.06 (1.26-3.36) for TE type in $FEV_1$; 1.85 (1.21-2.85) for SY type, 2.17 (1.35-3.49) for TE type in Restrictive pattern]. Conclusions These results show that SC is an independent risk factor for ILF, especially TE type and SY type than SE type, and the prevalence of MS is an independent risk factor for ILF in TE type.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.61-70
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a new fall-prevention exercise intervention for the community-dwelling elderly and to examine the effects of program. Methods: A total of 7 older adults were participated in a 10-week fall-prevention exercise intervention (1 day per a week in community centers, 2 days per a week in a home). The exercise program consisted of warming-up, extension exercises, muscle strength exercises, balance exercises, and finishing exercise. Data were collected before the exercise and after 10 weeks of exercise. In this study, muscle strength of lower limbs was measured by 10 times of standing up and sitting on a chair. Static balance was measured by one-leg standing, and dynamic balance was measured by 6 meter walking. Results: After a 10-week exercise program, muscle strength of lower limbs (t=4.18, p<.05), statical balance were significantly improved (left leg, t=-3.11, p<.05; right leg, t=-4.56, p<.05). Seven of 11 items measuring fear of falls were significantly decreased (p<.05), and dynamic balance tended to be improved (p=.117). Conclusion: This result suggests that evidence-based, fall-prevention exercise program can improve muscle strength, static and dynamic balance, and fear of falling in the community living elderly.

• 한국노년학
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.467-480
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the cell phone utilization and depression among the Korean elderly living alone using '2014 Korean National Survey on Older Adults. A total of 2,493 survey data of the elders living alone 65 years or more was included in the analysis. The degree of the cell phone utilization were categorized into (1) No cell phone, (2) Only phone calls, (3) Phone calls and text messages, and (4) Searching news and information through the internet surfing. The results showed that 81.5% elderly living alone had a cell phone. The 'no cell phone' group was 19.5% while 'information search' group was 3.5% among the elderly living alone and has more probability of depression than 'information search' group (OR=0.064, 95% CI=0.018-0.227), which indicates that as elders living alone utilize their cell phone more, the probability of the depression decreased. This result implies that elders living alone who utilize their cell phone more are engaged in social interaction more and this can lead to decrease in depression.

• Korean Public Health Research
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.99-109
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• 2018

Objective : Health literacy (HL) is, defined as "the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions." Being old is one of the main risk factors with limited health literacy. This study aims to adapt Chew's health literacy scale into the Korean language and validate the scale for the use of the elderly. Methods : Data were drawn from the '2016 Seoul Survey on Elderly Health and Functional Assessment, which includes a total of 725 people aged 60 to 79. The sample was randomly divided into two groups for reliability and validity tests of the modified Chew's scale of 8 items. The Korean version of the questionnaire was developed by group translation, expert reviews, and forward-backward translation. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to assess and validate the factor structure of the scale. Results : Results suggest the two-factor structure ("Understanding" and "Applying" of HL) with 8 items. Exploratory factor analyses of the first sample (n=400) revealed that the internal reliability of the scale was high (Cronbach's ${\alpha}=.904$). Principal axis factoring extracted two factors ("Understanding" and "Applying" of HL) and explained 78.3% of total variance (KMO=.872, Bartlett's ${\chi}^2=2431.3$, df=28, p<.001). Confirmatory factor analysis of the second sample (n=325) was performed and the two-factor model was supported (GFI=.960, CFI=.979, TLI=.969, RMSEA=0.075). Conclusions : This study provides evidence for adequate criterion and validity of the health literacy scale for the community dwelling elderly in Korea.

• 한국노년학
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.1263-1280
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• 2010

The present study describes the acculturation meaning of 12 Chinese-Chosun residential care attendants(RCAs) who are currently working in long-term care settings for Korean older adults. Using a qualitative research method, the findings show that the acculturation process of Chinese-Chosun RCAs consists of three stages: entrance, conflict, and adaptation. In the initial stage, the assets of the social and cultural networks among their friends and relatives, who already settled down or employed as RCAs, provided more opportunities for being employed as a RCA. However, most Chinese-Chosun RCAs experienced a number of conflicts while they adapted to mainstream society and perform caregiving tasks. They perceived discrimination, heavy workload, prejudice, and homesick. Nevertheless, they appeared to adapt effectively to Korean society and working environments because they were aware of the various benefits of working as a RCA such as higher wage and more job openings compared to other jobs, a rapport with the patients and patients' families, flexible work hours, and pride as a caregiver. This type of qualitative groundwork will be an important precursor to the design, implementation, and evaluation of acculturation research for minority immigrant workers in the Korean social welfare system.