• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.18
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• pp.7489-7497
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• 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs of 20-24 nucleotides that play important roles in carcinogenesis. Accordingly, miRNAs control numerous cancer-relevant biological events such as cell proliferation, cell cycle control, metabolism and apoptosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and concepts concerning the biogenesis of miRNAs, miRNA roles in cancer and their potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis including the regulation of key cancer-related pathways, such as cell cycle control and miRNA dysregulation. Moreover, microRNA molecules are already receiving the attention of world researchers as therapeutic targets and agents. Therefore, in-depth knowledge of microRNAs has the potential not only to identify their roles in cancer, but also to exploit them as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and identify therapeutic targets for new drug discovery.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.9
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• pp.3639-3644
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• 2015

Oral, cervical and breast cancers, which are either preventable and/or amenable to early detection and treatment, are the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in India. In this paper, we describe implementation science research priorities to catalyze the prevention and control of these cancers in India. Research priorities were organized using a framework based on the implementation science literature and the World Health Organization's definition of health systems. They addressed both community-level as well as health systems-level issues. Community-level or "pull" priorities included the need to identify effective strategies to raise public awareness and understanding of cancer prevention, monitor knowledge levels, and address fear and stigma. Health systems-level or "push" and "infrastructure" priorities included dissemination of evidence-based practices, testing of point-of-care technologies for screening and diagnosis, identification of appropriate service delivery and financing models, and assessment of strategies to enhance the health workforce. Given the extent of available evidence, it is critical that cancer prevention and treatment efforts in India are accelerated. Implementation science research can generate critical insights and evidence to inform this acceleration.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7237-7241
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• 2013

Background: Smokeless tobacco use in South Asia is believed to be a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. In India, only a few studies involving health educational intervention by health care providers have demonstrated reduction in smokeless tobacco usage. In the present study we assessed the cessation efforts towards smokeless tobacco by physicians in two high tobacco prevalence states of India. The study also identified opportunities and barriers for integration of tobacco cessation services in routine practices of physicians. Materials and Methods: This mixed method study involved qualitative (phase I) and quantitative research study (phase II). In phase I, 59 in-depth interviews with physicians were conducted. In phase II, a quantitative study conducted among 238 physicians. An inductive approach was followed to analyze qualitative data using ATLAS. Ti software. The Chi-square test was employed to test the association between different variables of interest using SPSS version 17. Results: The majority of physicians related only respiratory problems and cancer with smokeless tobacco. Other major health effects like cardio-vascular problems, oral diseases, and effects on reproductive and neonatal health were recognized only by a few physicians. The age-group of 10-19 years was identified as most vulnerable to smokeless tobacco use. Less than one-third of physicians reported recording smokeless tobacco history of all patients. Findings indicated that less than half of physicians provided information on harmful health effects of smokeless tobacco with regard to specific diseases. Conclusions: The study revealed a low level of knowledge of physicians about harmful effects of tobacco and their suboptimal engagement in tobacco control practices. The study indicates the need of capacity building initiatives to equip physicians with skills in tobacco cessation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.5869-5873
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• 2015

Background: Breast and cervical cancers are among the most frequent and most fatal cancers in women. Life span of patients may be increased and quality of life improved through early diagnosis and treatment. This investigation was performed in order to determine knowledge and practices of female health personnel working at a university hospital regarding breast and cervical cancers. Materials and Methods: This descriptive investigation was performed in Erciyes University Hospitals in 2014. A total of 524 female health personnel were included in the study. Data were collected through a questionnaire of 36 questions prepared by the researchers. The Chi square test and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. Results: The mean age of the study group was $32.8{\pm}6.9$ years, 18.3% being doctors and 81.7% nurses. Of the study group, 60.5% stated that they performed self breast-examination, 4.4% underwent HPV testing, 26.3% thought about taking an HPV test, 34.7% of those who are 40 years and over had mammography regularly and 19.5% of those who were married had a Pap smear conducted regularly. Most important causes of not performing the methods for early diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers are "forget and neglect". Conclusions: It was concluded that female doctors and nurses do not pay sufficient attention to screening programs for breast and cervical cancers. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment should be emphasized during the undergraduate education and in-service training programs. Health condition of personnel and their utilization of preventive health care should be followed by occupational physicians.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.393-406
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to find out women's need and level of knowledge about episiotomy, pain and discomfort related to episiotomy on a cross-sectional survey design. The subjects were 102 postpartal women agreed on oral consent. 34 postpartal women admitted at obstetric ward of H university hospital, 34 postpartal women admitted at 2 Sanhujoriwons, and 34 women within one year afterbirth. They were selected in Seoul, Korea. Data were collected from July, 1 to September 30, 2000, by a structured questionnaire. The instrument used for this study was a questionaire consisted of 5 items of general characteristics, 12 items of obstetric characteristics, 10 items of level of knowledge (Chronbach $\alpha$ .8176), 8 items of need of education(Chronbach $\alpha$ .8836), 3 items of pain (Chronbach $\alpha$ .9252), and 3 items of discomfort (Chronbach $\alpha$ .8092). The data were analyzed by the SPSS/PC+ program using t-test, ANOVA and Scheffe test as a post hoc and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The results of the study were as follows; 1. 63.2% of respondents had right answer on 6-8 items among 10 items. Only 4.4% of women got right answer on 10 items all. 2. The need of education was high(4.45%) on all items and the range of score was $4.25{\sim}4.64$. 3. The strength of pain was the highest within one week afterbirth(5.93/10) and became lower in 8-14 days afterbirth(2.55). And after 15days of postpartum, the pain level became to the lowest level(1.08). However, pain was delayed until more than one month afterbirth. 4. The level of discomfort was the highest one week afterbirth(6.88/10) and became lower in 8-14 days afterbirth(4.20). And after 15days of postpartum, the discomfort level became to the lowest level(2.47). Universally, the degree of discomfort was higher than pain. 5. There was a strong positive correlation between discomforts and pain ($r=.752^{**}$) and weak positive correlation between discomforts and the level of educational need($r=.308^*$). In conclusion, women have a right to choose whether she will have episiotomy or not according to her decision making based on the comprehensive knowledge of episiotomy before they get episiotomy with consent process and explanation in detail. Women health care providers like nurses have a responsibility to do conscious raising and empowerment for women so that they could lead themselves to choose given medical treatments for women's health and wellbeing and the quality of life in her life cycle.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.6141-6147
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• 2015

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. A large proportion of cancer deaths are preventable through early detection but there are a range of social, emotional, cultural and financial dimensions that hinder the effectiveness of cancer prevention and treatment efforts. Cancer stigma is one such barrier and is increasingly recognized as an important factor influencing health awareness and promotion, and hence, disease prevention and control. The impact and extent of stigma on the cancer early detection and care continuum is poorly understood in India. Objectives: To evaluate cancer awareness and stigma from multiple stakeholder perspectives in North India, including men and women from the general population, health care professionals and educators, and cancer survivors. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) among 39 individuals over a period of 3 months in 2014. Three groups of participants were chosen purposively - 1) men and women who attended cancer screening camps held by the Indian Cancer Society, Delhi; 2) health care providers and 3) cancer survivors. Results: Most participants were unaware of what cancers are in general, their causes and ways of prevention. Attitudes of families towards cancer patients were observed to be positive and caring. Nevertheless, stigma and its impact emerged as a cross cutting theme across all groups. Cost of treatment, lack of awarenes and beliefs in alternate medicines were identified as some of the major barriers to seeking care. Conclusions: This study suggests a need for spreading awareness, knowledge about cancers and assessing associated impact among the people. Also Future research is recommended to help eradicate stigma from the society and reduce cancer-related stigma in the Indian context.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.311-318
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to look into the perception, experience, treatment of early childhood caries (ECC) and influential factors of perception in order to provide basic data useful for preventing the ECC by examining the relationship between oral health of young children in infancy and mother. In this study, 277 mothers were surveyed who had children in children under 6 years old and visiting the pediatrics, day care center, and pediatric dental clinics located in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do from July 10, 2013 to September 5 of the same year. The results obtained from the survey were analyzed through chi-square test, t-test, and binary logistic regression analysis by using the SPSS 18.0, a statistical program. The results of analysis showed that ECC in children under 6 years old was associated with mother's age, education background of mothers, number of children and monthly income and had a significant correlation with mother's oral health-related knowledge and oral health care of their children. Thus, it would be necessary to develop oral health education programs and implement such oral health education programs at a national level on a regular basis for the mothers of young children in infancy and would-be mothers in order to reduce the ECC in infancy and promote oral health.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.63-83
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to serve as a basis for more efficient dental hygienist human resources utilization and for determining some of the right directions for supplementary education for dental hygienists, by examining how they actually worked and what they thought of job-related things. The subjects in this study were 537 dental hygienists who participated in a seminar by the Korea Dental Hygienist Association. After a survey was conducted, the following findings were given: 1. 50.2% of the dental hygienists investigated completed legally required eight-class education. Those who worked in clinics took less supplementary education classes than the others in the other types of dental institutions. The main reason they didn't receive supplementary education was financial burden and uncooperative employers. 73.2% took supplementary education at the association or its branches. The association was most favored by those in clinical sector as a place that provides supplementary education, followed by its branch and university in the order named. And the dental hygienists in public health sector preferred university most, and the next best favored one was the association and its branch in the order named. Those in clinical sector hoped to acquire clinical information on patient management, implant or aesthetics, and the dental hygienists in public health sector wanted to learn about health administration, public oral health operations and oral health education, which were different from what those in clinical sector wanted. 2. Regarding the period of service, 492% had worked for three years or more. This fact suggested that their service term and average age continued to grow. And they thought they would decide the retirement time on their own. 3. The most common yearly income ranged from 12 million won to 16 million won(40.7%). For-those in clinics, yearly income was 14.36 million won, and that of the dental hygienists who had worked for less than 3 years was 12.90 million won. 4. The Korea Dental Hygienist Association was most required to protect the rights and interests of the members and offer new knowledge and technology. 5. The largest group of them were engaged in patient management, and this type of job also was the most favored one for them to do. The greatest number of the dental hygienists in public health sector were in charge of dental treatment. 6. Concerning their turnover rate, 492% had never changed their occupation. Specifically, 70.0% of the respondents who had worked for less than 3 years had have no experience to do that. The time constraints for self-development and conflicts with other workers were the cause of their turnover. Those in dental hospital and general hospital changed their occupation chiefly due to the lack of time for self-development, and for the dental hygienists in clinics, the conflicts with other workers were the main reason. The above-mentioned findings suggested that the way the dental hygienists looked at things was undergoing change. The service area made a difference to their preference for the type of supplementary education and institution in charge of it, as those in public health and clinical sectors had a different opinion. And the dental hygienists in clinical sector had a different opinion as well, according to service area, about salaries, reason of not taking supplementary education, preferred type of supplementary education, cause of turnover, and type of occupation to which they hoped to change employment. To utilize and supply human resources in a more stabilized manner, job description should be more segmented, standardized and classified clearly, and dental hygienists should be motivated to perform their substantial jobs, including oral disease prevention, oral prophylaxis and oral health education. To make it happen, it seems that dentists are required to have a clear understanding of dental hygienist job and to change the way they look at it.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.22-33
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• 1989

Rapid socio-cultural and economic changes in the country has brought with it changes in the society's value system. For a traditional society that is increasingly being exposed to modernization but where sex norms are still very restrictive, the adolescent sexual mores takes on added significance. Adolescents are caught between two opposing forces, the changing environment that allows for freer and liberal mores and the traditional society that cannot keep pace with the changing environment and therefore demands resistance to changes. This paper focuses on problems of adolescent sexuality in this country and considers the countermeasures for the existing problems. Amongst the problems are: (a) increasingly younger age of the adolescents who start sexual intercourse (b) non-use of contraception, (c) unwanted pregnancies, (d) increase in the number of induced abortion and (e) increase in the number of unwanted children and unmarried mothers. The Korean adolescent's sexual behavior seems to follow that of the developed countries. In other words, many western modes of life and sexual values seem to bave been copied in Korea and yet Korean adolescents lack in their knowledge of sex related matters such as reproductive physiology and contraception. Among middle and high school students, female students are reported to have less knowledge on sex than male students according to a 1988 survey by KIPH. Even among the unmarried famale factory workers, only 42.5 percent replied they know of the condom, and 25.1 percent and 23.1 percent said they had knowledge of spermicide and menstrual regulation respectively. However, 14.9 percent and 13.9 percent reported that they had a knowledge of the loop and female sterilization respectively according to the 1984 study by KIPH. Among the middle school students 0.8 percent said they had experience in sexual intercourse, while 7.3 percent of the high school students reported having had sexual intercourse. The sexual intercourse experience rate among the unmarried female factory workers is 37.8 percent. Among those female factory workers with sexual experience, 46.7 percent had more than one sex partners. Only 39.1 percent of male students and 18.9 percent of female students among those with sexual intercourse experience have used contraceptives. mostly condoms and oral pills 45.1 percent of female factory workers with sexual intercourse experience used contraceptives such as pills, condoms and rhythm methods. The pregnancy experience rate among the female factory workers who had experience in sexual intercourse is 29.5 percent, which is 11.1 percent among the total respondents. Out of the 102 pregnant female workers, 98 workers(96.1 percent) terminated their pregnancy by induced abortion and 2 workders(2 percent) in natural abortion, while 1 worker(1 percent) was in pregnancy and another 1 worker had normal birth that was subsequently sent to orphanage. In order to cope with the problem of adolescent sexuality, a drastic and strong policy measures should be taken by the government. The most effective countermeasure to the adolescent sexual problems appears to the education. The sex and population education in the school is very much in need. In addition, sex education program through mass media and at the job sit-should be promoted for a healthy development of adolescents' sexual behavior. Also, the existing national family planning program, which has focused on the married couples, should be extended to the unmarried people in its scope and contents of the program.

• The Journal of Korean society of community based occupational therapy
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.25-35
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• 2012

Objective : This study conducted in rural areas, elderly services voucher business and leisure satisfaction survey based on data from the use of community-dwelling older people considering service needs was to find ways to take advantage of leisure time. Methods : Buyeo county residents in this study 71 patients were elderly, the characteristics of elderly gender, the presence of spouse, health status, education level, monthly living expenses, number of children, occupation, and the variables were included. Subjects' self-esteem, life satisfaction, quality of life, program satisfaction questionnaire for the survey were used, t-test and correlation analysis using the correlation between each factor were analyzed. Results : In a survey of participants in leisure activities, TV watching, meeting friends, such as phone calls to static and time-consuming activities were surveyed about satisfaction of the voucher business, the elderly oral health care services, health screening services, sports massage such as health-related services is relatively high degree of satisfaction. Conclusion : The results of this study of elderly people in rural communities through meaningful leisure time were utilized to determine what is lacking, a strong desire for health-related services that could be confirmed. Therefore, further experience and knowledge about activities by providing opportunities for meaningful leisure time needs to improve, and it based on a variety of programs to meet the needs of the elderly should be provided.