• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.81-92
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• 2008

Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) problems have been increasingly reported in hospital sector but the problems were not addressed with respect to holistic aspects of the target population in Korea. Often, it is required to understand how MSD symptoms are associated with factors such as personal, work environmental and psychosocial stressors. To examine features of association between sets of MSD symptoms and the factors, a questionnaire survey was conducted in a university hospital. A 140-item questionnaire was developed and used for collecting information including factors (e.g., job/occupation, task/activity, job stress) and MSD symptoms. A total of 1,091 workers (male 23.7% and female 76.3%) were finally determined for data analyses. Prevalence rate for the whole body was 72% and, among body parts, the highest was 48.7% for the shoulder, followed by 34.6%(the low back), 32.7%(the leg/foot), 27.9%(the neck), 26.7%(the wrist) and 12%(the elbow). The symptoms were significantly different by job/occupational variable in each of all body parts except the neck. The symptoms were very significantly different by task/activity variables in each of all body parts while those symptoms were significantly different by psychosocial variables, depending on body part and gender. In the logistic regression analyses performed for MSD symptoms by body part and each of 3 factors, odds ratio values varied, ranging from 0.7 to 3.3. The controls for reducing the symptoms were discussed on the basis of the findings. The results show that the MSD symptoms can remarkably vary by the factors and, in particular, can be highly differential for the task/activity factor. This study suggests that MSD symptom features be examined by using various factors and then a higher differential factor be primarily utilized for controling MSD symptoms in general industry including hospital settings.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.131-139
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the changes in stress, occupational stress, and subjective health problems of novice female nurses within the first 18 months of work. Methods: This was a longitudinal study conducted with a secondary data analysis based on the Shift Work Nurse's Health and Turnover (SWNHT) study. The participants were 178 female novice nurses who participated in all 3 data collection activities (on the first day of orientation before ward placement [T0], 6 months after work [T1], and 18 months after work [T2]). The stress, occupational stress, 8 subjective health problems (upper musculoskeletal pain, leg/foot discomfort, depression, anxiety or emotional disorder, sleep disturbance, headache, gastrointestinal disorder, menstrual disorder, and others), and the greatest health problem during the study period were measured, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 to obtain descriptive statistics. Results: The subjective health of novice female nurses were found to be poor at T1 compared to T0 on both physical (upper musculoskeletal pain, leg/foot discomfort, and sleep disturbance) and psychological health problems (depression and stress). However, the psychological health problems of the participants were alleviated at T2 whereas; physical health problems persisted until T2. Conclusion: Novice nurses had poor health problems 6 months after work. Sleep disturbance and musculoskeletal pain persisted although other health problems such as depression and stress were alleviated over the period. Strategies to prevent and manage different health problems of novice female nurses at different work duration are urgently needed.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.1-10
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to examine associations between subjective symptoms of musculoskeletal diseases and the degree of job stress among shipyard workers. The study population was 7,078 employees of the D shipbuilding company. Survey data was obtained from 1,727 employees using a proportional sample according to age and a self-administered questionnaire. The associations were examined with ${\chi}^2$ and logistic regression. The main results were as follows: First, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disease in any one part is 59.5% by NIOSH standard. Second, subjects who had worked in the shipyard for over five years had a prevalence of musculoskeletal disease 1.8 times higher than subjects who had worked in the shipyard for less than five years (p<.01). Finally, those who had less support from co-worker's had a prevalence of musculoskeletal disease 1.3 times higher than subjects who had more support from co-worker's (p<.05). Throughout the results, shipyard workers had higher occurrences of musculoskeletal diseases than other manufacturing workers and the risk of musculoskeletal disorder tended to increase with higher job stress. In this research, the plan to reduce musculoskeletal diseases involved making a program and policy which would be able to lower job stress socio-psychologically. This research will prove useful by using basic preventive materials to improve the musculoskeletal health of labores who work in shipyards and similar places.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.27-38
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• 2020

Background : The study aimed at examining the awareness and satisfaction level of Korean medicine treatment of musculoskeletal patients and non-musculoskeletal patients. Method : The frequency and percentage were calculated to identify the overall characteristics, and to identify the characteristics of the respondents who visited the hospital to treat musculoskeletal diseases and those who visited for the treatment of non-musculoskeletal diseases, the correlation between the variables was analyzed using the chi-square analysis (χ2-test). Furthermore, analysis items were compared depending on detailed diseases within the musculoskeletal disorder (lumbar pain, sprains, arthritis, frozen shoulders, spondylitis, disc) Result : Respondents who used Korean medicine for the purpose of treating musculoskeletal diseases had answered that costs involved in Korean medicine was expensive, and answered that herbal decoction was the preferred Korean medicine treating method for expanding health insurance benefits. Regarding the safety awareness of Korean medicinal herbs, responses that said it was safe was high, and their willingness to use and recommend Korean medicine in future was also high. Respondents who used Korean medicine for the purpose of treating musculoskeletal diseases said they were overall satisfied along with the attitude of Korean medical doctors, treatment results, and costs of treatments. Conclusion : The study was aimed at securing basic data to indirectly identify the national demand for Korean medicine, through investigating the level and degree of differences that exist in the perception and satisfication level and further find a point where policy intervention is possible in future.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.52-59
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• 2023

Due to the routine nature of social distancing in accordance with the COVID-19 pandemic, the logistics industry is under rapid development, given that offline demand is focused on online platforms. The number of warehouse workplaces and workers are steadily increasing per annum, and the industrial accident rate of transportation, warehouse, and telecommunication industries to which warehouse employees belong is higher than the total industrial accident rate in Korea. In previous studies, warehouse workers reported exposure to health hazards such as musculoskeletal disorders due to the handling of heavy objects and improper working postures. Accordingly, in this study, a survey was conducted to investigate symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders with focus on parcel delivery workers nationwide. The questionnaire included a musculoskeletal disorder symptom survey table to identify information such as worker occupational history, work type, and signs or symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders. Survey response data from 453 people were obtained to determine the influence of delivery business characteristics on occupational musculoskeletal disorders, and the influencing factors were analyzed. Based on the results, in the analysis of pain with respect to body part, the duration, degree, and frequency of pain were highest in the leg part, and as a result, the average value for the leg part exhibited a significant difference from those of other body parts. In addition, 52.32% of workers exhibited symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders, and a high number of patients with musculoskeletal disorders was observed in the work group with less than three years of service and with ages ranging from 30-39. The results of this study can serve as basic data for the derivation of a management plan that meets the characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders that impact logistics workers overburdened with work due to the rapid increase in parcel delivery volume in accordance with an increase in online consumption.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.447-454
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• 2023

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of changes in working conditions on job-related stress and musculoskeletal disorders using the results of seven surveys conducted at a single workplace from 2004 to 2022 regarding factors hazardous to the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, the study aims to propose alternative methods of investigating factors hazardous to the musculoskeletal system. Methods: A car parts manufacturing plant where the same survey was taken seven times from 2004 to 2022 was selected and the survey data was analyzed. The main contents of the survey were weekly working hours, Borg's scale, work intensity, job-related stress, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. The statistical analysis was performed using SAS (version 9.4). Results: The results of this study are as follows. Firstly, changes in working conditions have an impact on job-related stress. Secondly, changes in working conditions have an impact on work intensity indicators. Thirdly, changes in working conditions have an impact on the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Fourthly, even with an increase in age and length of service, job-related stress and musculoskeletal symptoms were alleviated when working conditions were improved. Conclusions: In order for measures to reduce musculoskeletal disorders to be successful, working conditions must not deteriorate, and it is necessary to demand revisions to regulations, etc. to reflect these points in the investigation of hazardous factors to the musculoskeletal system.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.430-441
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• 2014

The present study is a descriptive survey to examine the knowledge of and attitudes towards musculoskeletal disorders and the bad postural habits in nursing students and to determine the relationships between the both sides. This study was performed using a structured questionnaire from September 2 through 17, 2013. The questionnaire copies collected from 272 nursing students were analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient. The following are the results: First, the subjects won 2.75, 3.24 and 3.21 among 1 to 5 points in the knowledge of musculoskeletal disorders, the attitudes towards musculoskeletal disorders and the bad postural habits. Among the bad postural habits, they earned higher points in the postures of lying on the back in a sofa, carrying a bag on the shoulder and sitting with legs crossed. Second, significant negative correlations with the knowledge of and attitudes towards musculoskeletal disorders were shown only by the postures of sleeping lying on the side, lifting things with the waist bent at and sitting with hips placed on and no back attached to a chair. The results of this study are expected to be used as basic data to enhance the awareness that nursing students should correct their bad postural habits and to strengthen the knowledge of and attitudes towards musculoskeletal disorders at the time of developing any musculoskeletal health improvement program for nursing students.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.51-62
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• 1998

Conversion disorder is defined as a specific and enduring sensorimotor dysfunction that contradicts known neurological or musculoskeletal pathology or physical findings. The patient with conversion symptoms unconsciously adopts these symptoms to convert their psychological stress to a physical phenomenon. Conversion disorder often involves the mimicry of organic symptoms similar to those experienced by a relative or an acquaintance. Because conversion symptoms are produced by psychological stress, specific treatment strategy and reinforcement program are needed for treatment. Treatment comprises avoiding unnecessary medical tests and removing symptoms by using graded exercises given by physical therapists. Clinical therapists must maintain a continuous and detailed follow-up to completely recover from conversion symptoms. The goal of treatment is to emphasize health rather than disease, to resolve physical symptoms, and to prevent recurrence. This study looks into the case reports of 4 patients diagnosed with conversion disorder.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.184-197
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics related to the musculoskeletal disorders in pediatric dentists and general dentists. This study was conducted based on the survey results of a total of 109 dentists who have been working for the last year. Forty - three pediatric dentists and 66 general dentists were surveyed through online survey tool. Both pediatric dentists and general dentists mainly complained of musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, shoulders, wrists, and back. Most pediatric dentists usually suffered from back pain due to their unbalanced posture while giving dental treatments. Pediatric dentists in sedative treatment felt more pain in particular part of their body, such as neck and shoulder. Regular exercise and stretching for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorder have been shown to mainly relieve pain in the back but no other parts in their body.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.185-192
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• 2023

Background: The turnover rate of nurse aides in Taiwan is high. However, the predictors of turnover behavior in the newly employed are still unclear. Objective: To examine the predictors of turnover behavior in newly employed licensed nurse aides. Methods: A longitudinal study design was used and subjects were newly employed certified nurse aides from a nurse aid training association in Taiwan. A total of five questionnaire surveys were conducted. The questionnaire was mainly used to collect information on turnover behavior, personal socioeconomic background, workplace psychosocial hazards, worker health hazards, and musculoskeletal disorders. Results: A total of 300 participants were recruited in the study. Cox regression analysis results showed that short working experience (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.21, p < 0.01), work as non-home nurse aides (HR = 0.58, p = 0.01), low monthly salary (HR = 0.68, p < 0.01), high work mental load (HR = 1.01, p = 0.01), low workplace justice (HR = 0.97, p < 0.01), high workplace violence (HR = 1.60, p < 0.01), high burnout (HR = 1.01, p = 0.04), poor mental health (HR = 1.06, p = 0.04), and high total number of musculoskeletal disorder sites (HR = 1.08, p = 0.01) contribute to a higher risk of turnover. Conclusion: The results indicated that employment period, work as a home nurse aide, monthly salary, work mental load, workplace justice, workplace violence, work-related burnout, mental health, and total number of musculoskeletal disorder sites are predictors of turnover behavior in newly employed certified nurse aides.