• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4073-4081
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• 2012

This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of arthritis and to identify subgroups with high prevalence rates of arthritis. Study subjects were 18,406 Korean adults aged 19 and more from the 4th (2007-2009) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys data. Annual self-reported prevalence and its rate ratios by demographic and behavioral factors were calculated using SAS 9.2 with survey procedure. The result was as follows. The crude prevalence of arthritis was 11.7% (osteoarthritis 10.2% and rheumatoid arthritis 1.7%). The prevalence was increased by age strata (2.4% in 19-44 aged, 16.4% in 45-64, 38.3% in 65 and more). After adjusting for age, we found the subgroups with high prevalence: older people, women, residents in non-apartment area, separated and divorced people, people with low education, people with several occupations (agricultural and fishery workers, elementary occupations, and unemployed), people with low household incomes, people with medical aid, and people with higher BMI. Those subgroups may be target populations in community health programs to control the disability from arthritis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.9
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• pp.1431-1438
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• 2014

This study assessed the risk and prevalence of anorexia as well as associated factors among home-dwelling elderly adults. The subjects were 419 elderly men (116) and women (303) aged 65 years and older ($76{\pm}5.6yr$) living in Korea. Data were collected by personal interviews using questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation. The prevalence of anorexia was 35.1% among participants. Male elders (74.1%) had higher proportions of anorexia than female elders (20.1%) (P<0.001). Significant differences in the appetite were observed according to type of disease, depression, and activities of daily living (ADL) index. In the poor appetite group, central nervous system diseases were the primary illness in male elders (P<0.01), whereas endocrine diseases were the primary illness in female elders (P<0.01). Elders with good appetites had less symptoms of depression (P<0.001) and greater independence in ADL (P<0.001). These results explored the high prevalence of anorexia in geriatric populations in Korea and its impact on elderly nutritional status and health. Further research should be performed to identify the causes of anorexia and establish an intervention protocol allowing the early diagnosis of anorexia.

• Korea journal of population studies
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.167-187
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• 2000

The rates and numbers of elderly suicide in Korea have been increased during 1985-1998. This indicates the seriousness of the problems which the elderly are faced with. So many late-life problems may push older people across the edges. Those in unbearable situations may call out fur helps, they may try to cope with various ways, or they may commit suicides. Because it is widely believed that suicide among the elderly can be understood as a personal solution or alternative to late-life problems in old age, the elderly\`s suicides seem to be an appropriate indicator in estimating seriousness of late-life problems. A comparison of the history of suicide research with other populations shows that the several late-life problems have been found with placing an individual elder at risks for increasing suicidal behaviors Research has identified such problems as financial insecurity, retirement, loss of social roles, physical illness, lack of social supports, and loneliness as the problems that increase the incidence of suicidal behavior. Though it is difficult far us to explain and understand the phenomenon of the elderly\`s suicide because of its complexity, we need to ascertain problems and social conditions behind suicides and also to prepare for some appropriate policy-tasks in light of social welfare for the aged, through examining the phenomenon. For explaining the elderly\`s suicide, the theoretical orientations are based on sociological perspectives in the paper. From the standpoints of social integration theory and exchange theory, this study is to examine the relationship between late-life problems and suicide. These two may have been fruitfully employed in conjunction with each other. Finally, this study would identify urgent late-life problems related with the elderly\`s suicide and suggest the relevant policies for Korean elders. Sometime in the near future, the government should be required to provide social welfare programs for the elderly, particularly for those at risk for increasing suicidal behaviors.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.11
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• pp.785-791
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• 2002

The results of reoperative valve replacement can be improved if appropriate analysis for the risk of reoperation was achieved. The purpose of our study was to analyze the results of reoperations for failure of bioprosthesis, and to define the risk factors in high-risk populations for reoperative procedures. Material and Method The series of 46 consecutive patients who had undergone first reoperative replacement for failed bioprosthesis between 1993 and 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. Mean age was 42 $\pm$ 12 years, mean body surface area was 1.52 $\pm$0.15 $m^2$. The reoperative procedure comprised of 36 MVR, 8 DVR, and 2 AVR. The first operation comprised of 2 DVR, 1 AVR, and 43 MVR. Factors which were choose to assess a predictor of results in reoperative valve replacement were sex, old age(＞60 years), early age at first operation(＜30 years), long interval between first and redo operation(.15years), poor NYHA functional class(＞3), LV dysfunction(LVEF＜45%), long operation time(＞8hours), endocarditis, combined procedures, and renal insufficiency, Result : Overall mortality was 4.3%(2 cases). The risk factors that influenced postoperative complications and unexpected postoperative results were lower ejection fraction(p＝0.012), older age(p＝0.045), endocarditis(p＝0.023), long operation time above 8 hours(p＝0.027). There was no statistically significant factor influencing hospital mortality. Conclusion : No factor influenced the mortality. Better results could be achieved if reoferation was performed carefully in poor left ventricular function, old aged patient, and with endocarditis. Effort to shorten the operation time would be helpful on postoperative results.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.76-83
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• 2012

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to define the underserved emergency medical services (EMS) areas in Daejeon metropolitan city, as well as to identify their distinctive characteristics in public health perspectives. Methods: An underserved EMS area was operationally defined as an area in which it is difficult to arrive at an emergency medical center within 30 minutes. Using a cost-weighted distance algorithm with a geographic information system (GIS), the underserved EMS area was calculated. The characteristics of the underserved areas were analyzed by the Chi-square test. The SPSS statistical software package was used to perform the statistical analysis. All statistical tests were two-sided, and a p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twelve administrative sectors ('Dong' in Korean) were included in the underserved areas, accounting for a population of approximately 8,100 citizens. The relationships between underserved EMS area and populations of agriculture, fishery, and forestry; citizens who are recipients of national basic livelihood security program; disabled; or aged 65 or older were statistically significant. Conclusion: It was found that 12 administrative sectors were included in the underserved EMS areas. Revealing underserved EMS areas using GIS analysis based on a cost-weighted distance algorithm of road data was an effective analytic method. However, as this study was confined to Daejeon City, South Korea, a nation-wide study should be performed to provide a more accurate conclusion.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.121-133
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of socioeconomic factors and health behaviors on the prevalence of oral diseases(dental caries and periodontal disease) among Korean adults. Data from the 2005 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was analyzed for adults aged over 19 years (n=25,215). Oral disease was defined as disease diagnosed by a dentist for the previous 12 months. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to conduct statistical analysis. The population without dental caries and periodontal diseases were used as the reference category for all analysis. The overall prevalence of annual dentist-diagnosed dental caries and periodontal diseases were 23.5% and 10.6% respectively. The relative risk of developing dental caries for graduates of middle school and lower were 1.53 times (95% CI: 1.24-1.89) more likely to develop dental caries comparing to college graduates. Low income earners were 1.23 times(95% CI: 1.01-1.49) more likely to develop dental caries than high income earners. Persons covered by national medical insurance were 1.45 times(95% CI: 1.08-1.95) more likely to develop dental caries comparing to persons covered by employee medical insurance. Compared with persons not eating snacks, the risk of developing caries in persons eating snacks once a day was 1.16(95% CI: 1.01-1.32), while those who snacked twice or more a day were 1.19(95% CI: 1.01-1.41). The relative risk of developing periodontal disease was 3.71(95% CI: 2.38-5.80) higher in older individuals than younger. In terms of education level, middle school graduates and lower were 1.54 times more likely to develop periodontal disease than college graduates. Low income earners were 1.47 times more likely to develop periodontal diseases than high income earners. Using data from a large, nationally representative sample of Korean populations, we support the hypothesis that the prevalence of oral diseases is related with socioeconomic factors and health behaviors. More intensive intervention efforts to reduce the prevalence of dental diseases are warranted in Korea.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.453-462
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The inverse relationships of combined fruits and vegetables intake with blood pressure have been reported. However, whether there are such relationships with salty vegetables has rarely been investigated in epidemiologic studies. We evaluated the relation of combined and separate intake of fruits, vegetable intakes, and salty vegetables, as well as sodium and potassium, with blood pressure among the middle-aged and elderly populations. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The present cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort baseline survey was performed with 6,283 subjects (2,443 men and 3,840 women) and free of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Dietary data were collected by trained interviewers using food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: The significantly inverse linear trend of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was found in fruits and non-pickled vegetables (81.2 mmHg in the lowest quintile vs 79.0 mmHg in the highest quintile, P for trend = 0.0040) and fruits only (80.9 mmHg in the lowest quintile vs 79.4 mmHg in the highest quintile, P for trend = 0.0430) among men. In contrast, sodium and sodium to potassium ratio were positively related with blood pressure among men (DBP, 78.8 mmHg in the lowest quintile vs 80.6 mmHg in the highest quintile, P for trend = 0.0079 for sodium; DBP, 79.0 mmHg in the lowest quintile vs 80.7 mmHg in the highest quintile, P for trend = 0.0199 and SBP, 123.8 mmHg in the lowest quintile vs 125.9 mmHg in the highest quintile for sodium/potassium). Kimchies consumption was positively related to DBP for men (78.2 mmHg in the lowest quintile vs 80.9 mmHg in the highest quintile for DBP, P for trend = 0.0003). Among women, these relations were not found. CONCLUSION: Fruits and/or non-pickled vegetables may be inversely, but sodium, sodium to potassium, and Kimchies may be positively related to blood pressure among men.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.101-107
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• 2003

Objectives : Dementia has emerged as a leading public health problem in elderly persons, and its early detection is important for the treatment of curable cases, and in the educational support for other family members. Although dementia screening tests are available, they have not gained widespread use in community or primary care settings. Our goal was to validate the Tine and Change (T&C) Test, -including its validity and reliability in patients, and to assess it as a simple, standardized method for the screening of dementia in the rural elderly. Methods : The participants in this study comprised of 59 patients from an urban hospital and 405 persons from a rural community aged 65 years or older. The time test evaluated the understanding of clock hands indicating 11:10, and the change test the ability to make 1,000 Won from a group of coins, consisting of one 500, seven 100, and seven 50 Won coins. The T&C ratings were validated against a reference standard based on the physician's diagnosis of the patients. The convergent validity in relation to other cognitive measure, test-retest agreement, and inter-observer reliability were assessed. To assess the relationship between the Korean Mini-Mental State Exam (K-MMSE) and the T&C Test, the mean K-MMSE scores were compared with the results of the T&C Test in the elderly from a rural community. Results The T&C Test had a sensitivity and specificity of 73.0, and 90.9%, and positive and negative predictive values of 93.1, and 66.7%, respectively. The test-retest and inter-observer agreement rates were both 95%. The K-MMSE scores and T&C Test were significantly related in the elderly from a rural community (p<0.01), The T&C Test was not influenced by the educational status. The Time and Change Tests took a mean of 6.3 and 12.7 seconds, respectively, to complete Conclusion : The T&C Test is a simple, accurate and reliable, performance-based tool in the screening for dementia. Because it is quick, and easy-to-use, it is hoped the T&C Test will be used for the widespread cognitive screening of aging populations.

• 재활복지
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.131-150
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• 2016

This study aims to compare global policies on ICT accessibility and to suggest possible solutions that help to enhance ICT accessibility for socially disadvantaged groups. The results indicated that related laws and standards in Korea are relatively well established than Asian countries' whereas they need improvements when compared to the US or the UK. Particularly, in spite of rapid development in information communication technology industry, incorporating the definition of newly developed technologies into existing laws related to ICT accessibility seemed slow that caused reluctancy of related parties to address accessibility issues the new technologies create. In addition, Korean government seems less effortful to develop policies and standards apart from web and mobile application accessibility. In order to resolve the problems, firstly, the period or process of enacting and amending laws can be shorten. Next, a government affiliated research institute can be established to do research and develop ICT accessibility related to user scenarios so that effective policies and standards could be readily provided. Even though other possible solutions can be suggested, what is more important than that is that any interested parties should sustainably make efforts to provide equal opportunities for the underserved populations.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.30-41
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• 2019

Objectives: The effects of particulate matter and ozone on health are being reported in a number of studies. These effects are likely to be stronger on the elderly population, but studies in this regard are scarce. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of particulate matter ${\leq}2.5{\mu}m$ and ozone on the acute health status of the elderly population. Methods: In order to analyze the health status of the elderly population, the NHIS-Senior Cohort data was used. In this study of people 60 years or older in Seoul, the number of outpatient visits and ER visits between 2002 and 2013 were calculated. Each disorder and the lag effect were analyzed separately. Particulate matter and ozone were analyzed using both the single exposure model and the adjusted multi-exposure model. Results: In the single exposure analysis with PM2.5 as the exposure variable, with each increase of $10{\mu}g/m^3$, the number of outpatient visits increased by 1.0081 times, vascular disease 1.0065 times, chronic pulmonary disease 1.0086 times, and diabetes 1.0055 times. In the multi-exposure model adjusting for ozone, the number of outpatient visits increased by 1.0066 times. There was a one-day lag effect and 1.0066 times increase between PM2.5 and ER visits in the multi-exposure model and 1.0057 times when adjusted for ozone (p value <0.10). There was a one-day lag effect in all multi-exposure models with ozone as the main variable, and when the particulate matter was adjusted, there was a one-day delay and 1.0143 times increase in ER visits. Conclusions: In our study, an increase in the number of outpatient and ER visits in the elderly population in accordance with the increase in PM2.5 and ozone was found. The association found in our study could also produce a socioeconomic burden. Future studies need to be performed in regards to younger populations and other air pollutants.