• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.104-111
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• 2016

This study examined the effects of the biological markers and lifestyle factors on the presence of diabetes in middle-aged adults. A total of 5,363 adults aged 40-64 years were recruited from the 2010-2012 Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, ANCOVA and logistic regression. The results were as follows. The body mass index was significantly higher in the prediabetes and diabetes group than in the normal group. Hypertension, abdominal obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, smoking, drinking, and carbohydrate intake were significantly different among three groups. Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, abdominal obesity, body mass index and drinking were the influencing biological markers and lifestyle factors in prediabetes. The significant factors influencing diabetes were hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, abdominal obesity, body mass index, and smoking. Overall, the development of intervention programs for effective diabetes prevention in middle-aged adults by lifestyle modification of hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, drinking, and smoking is recommended.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.19
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• pp.8127-8134
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• 2014

Background: Qigong is highly favoured among Asian breast cancer survivors for enhancing health. This study examined the hypothesis that quality of life (QoL) in the Qigong group is better than the placebo (aerobic) or usual care group. Materials and Methods: A total of 197 participants were randomly assigned to either the 8-week Kuala Lumpur Qigong Trial or control groups in 2010-2011. Measurement taken at baseline and post-intervention included QoL, distress and fatigue. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Kruskal Wallis were used to examine for differences between groups in the measurements. Results: There were 95 consenting participants in this 8week trial. The adherence rates were 63% for Qigong and 65% for the placebo group. The Qigong group showed significant marginal improvement in Quality of life scores compared to placebo (mean difference=7.3 unit; p=0.036), compared to usual care (mean difference=6.7 unit; p=0.048) on Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Breast measure. There were no significant changes between the placebo and usual care groups in fatigue or distress at post intervention (8-week). Conclusions: Cancer survivors who participated in the Qigong intervention showed slightly better QOL. Follow up studies are greatly needed to evaluate which subgroups may best benefit from Qigong. With a steep rise of cancer survivors, there is an urgent need to explore and engage more cultural means of physical activity to fight side effects of treatment and for cancer control in developing countries.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.515-525
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• 2019

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a customized health promotion program (CHPP) on depression, cognitive functioning, and physical health of elderly women living alone in the community. Methods: A randomized comparison of pre-and post-test design was used with 62 participants assigned to either an intervention (n=32 in seven clusters) or a control group (n=30 in seven clusters) in 14 areas of a town. The final sample included 30 intervention participants who completed the CHPP for 10 weeks, and 26 control participants. The intervention group participated in the CHPP weekly; they were provided with instructions about coping with their chronic illnesses, lifestyle modification, risk management, providing emotional support to each other, and floor-seated exercise, which they were encouraged to do three times a week in their homes. Results: Significant group differences were found in depression (U=48.50, p<.001), cognitive functioning (U=2.50, p<.001), left arm flexibility (U=251.50, p=.023), right arm flexibility (U=225.00, p=.007), static balance (U=237.00, p=.012), and gait ability (U=190.50, p=.004). However, there were no significant differences in bothgrip strength and muscle mass between the two groups. Conclusion: The findings indicate that CHPP was overall effective at improving depression, cognitive functioning, and physical functioning of elderly women living alone, and could therefore be considered a positive program for community-dwelling elderly women living alone.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.275-283
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• 2021

Objectives: The workplace is an ideal place for encouraging health-promoting behaviors. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of an empowerment program on the health-promoting behaviors of women workers. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted with 80 women workers employed at a food packaging facility in 2020. The subjects were selected using convenience sampling and were classified into intervention and control groups using block randomization. An empowerment program for women workers was conducted across 6 sessions based on an empowerment model. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II, which participants completed both before the program and 8 weeks after the last session. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 using descriptive analysis and inferential statistics. Results: There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in various health-promoting behaviors before the program. However, the intervention group's scores for nutrition (34.92±1.09 vs. 27.87±4.23), physical activity (24.40±2.94 vs. 17.40±5.03), stress management (26.35±2.60 vs. 23.05±4.27), spiritual growth (34.02±3.00 vs. 30.22±5.40), interpersonal relationships (30.82±2.38 vs. 27.60±4.61), and health responsibility (31.60±2.71 vs. 28.22±4.59) were significantly higher than the control group's 8 weeks after the program had ended. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the total score of health-promoting behaviors for the intervention group compared to the control group (179.00±9.22 vs. 151.42±20.25, p=0.001). Conclusions: An empowerment program for women workers led to significant improvements in the health-promoting behaviors of the participants. Similar programs can ultimately improve women's health in the workplace.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.223-231
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• 2007

Purpose: This study was to compare differences in and correlation among depression. sleep and fatigue between younger and older elders. Method: A total of 370 subjects aged between 65 and 88 were selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected using a self report questionnaire from March to December, 2005. Results: Younger elders showed lower levels of depression and fatigue than older ones. The level of sleep satisfaction was higher in older elders than in younger ones. In both groups, fatigue was positively correlated to depression, and depression and fatigue were negatively correlated to sleep satisfaction. In addition, fatigue was affected by depression, the number of persons in household and sleep satisfaction. Conclusion: Older elders showed more serious health problems than younger ones. It is necessary to develop comprehensive intervention programs in order to promote healthy lifestyle for older elders.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.710-720
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to help understand the life and illness-experiences of focusing on a positive lifestyle, patients with Parkinson's disease, Method: The present study adopted a ethno graphic methodology. The participants for this study were 4 men and 3 women, who were treated for Parkinson's disease. Data was collected by an interview and participant observations from August 2003 to September 2004. Tape-recorded interviews were transcribed after the interview and classified and described to realistic tale. Result: Patients with Parkinson's disease experienced the stage of retake-off pursuing positive life by overcoming the acceptance process of illness including the stage of recognition of change, the stage of disruption and the stage of acceptance. The factors of positive life of Patients with Parkinson's disease were their strong will and social support. Conclusion: This study may be used in future studies as an important resource to develop nursing intervention strategies and programs for patients with Parkinson's disease that can help the patients to achieve strong willingness and positive life in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.267-279
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify blood pressure control rate and related factors in hypertensive patients. Methods: Data were collected using face to face survey with measuring blood pressure from 268 hypertensive patients. Results: Subjects without spouses were 2.19 times more likely to control their blood pressures (p=.002). Whenever subjects came up 1 score in the low sodium diet score, they were 1.37 times more likely to control their blood pressures (p=.044). The possibility of blood pressure control rose 1.58 times per point in the stress management score (p=.011) and the sleep and rest score (p=.002). Conclusion: It is important to develop education and intervention program of lifestyle regarding low sodium diet, stress management and sleep and rest, in order to improve the blood pressure control.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.44-49
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• 2011

Objective: This study aimed to get information on the current status of therapies to date for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods: All randomized clinical controlled trial (RCT)-derived papers for NAFLD or NASH were reviewed via PubMed Database. Results: 39 RCTs met the review criteria, of which 15 and 24 papers were for NAFLD and NASH, respectively. 83% of the papers were released since 2006, and 30 studies were conducted for western medicines, antioxidants and lifestyle intervention whereas nine trials were done using herbal medicine or acupuncture which showed positive outcome. Conclusions: NAFLD and NASH are new epidemic disorders which can be a target of traditional Oriental medicine. This study will be helpful for the Oriental medicine-based strategies or therapeutic development for them.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.7-14
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• 2006

Despite well-known benefits of physical activity for older adults, most older adults remain significantly underactive. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a physical activity on blood cholesterol in older adults with an inclusive, choice-based physical activity promotion program to increase lifetime physical activity levels of seniors. A six-month comparison-group trial was conducted with 14 older adults(experimental group = 8, control group = 6) in community senior center. Changes in self-reported physical activity and blood cholesterol were evaluated using paired t-test. The intervention group increased estimated caloric expenditure by 858 calories/week in physical activities of any intensity (p=.050), total cholesterol(p=0.049), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(p=0.045). Control group changes were also negligible. The program led to meaningful physical activity increase. Individually tailored programs to encourage lifestyle changes in seniors may be effective and applicable to health care and community settings.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.83 no.4
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• pp.257-267
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• 2020

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receive a range of treatments including but not limited to inhaled bronchodilators, inhaled and systemic corticosteroids, supplemental oxygen, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary intervention that seeks to combine patient education, exercise, and lifestyle changes into a comprehensive program. Programs 6 to 8 weeks in length have been shown to improve health, reduce dyspnea, increase exercise capacity, improve psychological well-being, and reduce healthcare utilization and hospitalization. Although the use of pulmonary rehabilitation is widely supported by the literature, controversy still exists regarding what should be included in the programs. The goal of this review was to summarize the evidence for pulmonary rehabilitation and identify the areas that hold promise in improving its utilization and effectiveness.