• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.465-475
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• 2020

Objectives: This study was conducted to examine the association between birth patterns (defined in terms of birth order and interval) with delayed breastfeeding initiation in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using data from the Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey 2017. The weighted number of respondents was 5693 women aged 15-49 years whose youngest living child was less than 2 years old. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to evaluate associations between birth patterns and delayed breastfeeding initiation after adjusting for other covariates. Results: This study found that 40.2% of newborns in Indonesia did not receive timely breastfeeding initiation. Birth patterns were significantly associated with delayed breastfeeding initiation. Firstborn children had 77% higher odds of experiencing delayed breastfeeding initiation (adjusted odds ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 3.04; p<0.05) than children with a birth order of 4 or higher and a birth interval ≤ 2 years after adjusting for other variables. Conclusions: Firstborn children had higher odds of experiencing delayed breastfeeding initiation. Steps to provide a robust support system for mothers, especially first-time mothers, such as sufficient access to breastfeeding information, support from family and healthcare providers, and national policy enforcement, will be effective strategies to ensure better practices regarding breastfeeding initiation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.65-76
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• 2018

Although there has been a steady increase in the prevalence of food allergies worldwide in recent decades, no effective therapeutic strategies have been developed. Modulation of the gut microbiota composition and/or function through probiotics has been highlighted as a promising target for protection against food allergies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the allergy-reducing effects of a probiotic mixture (P5: Lactococcus lactis KF140, Pediococcus pentosaceus KF159, Lactobacillus pentosus KF340, Lactobacillus paracasei 698, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 26N) in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy. Administration of P5 significantly suppressed the oral OVA challenge-induced anaphylactic response and rectal temperature decline, and reduced diarrhea symptoms. Moreover, P5 also significantly inhibited the secretion of IgE, Th2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13), and Th17 cytokines (IL-17), which were increased in mice with OVA-induced food allergy, and induced generation of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. These results revealed that P5 may have applications as a preventive agent against food allergy.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.201-209
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• 2011

Objectives: This study examined the use of health impact assessment (HIA) as a tool for intersectoral collaboration using the case of an HIA project conducted in Gwang Myeong City, Korea. Methods: A typical procedure for rapid HIA was used. In the screening step, the Aegi-Neung Waterside Park Plan was chosen as the target of the HIA. In the scoping step, the specific methods and tools to assess potential health impacts were chosen. A participatory workshop was held in the assessment step. Various interest groups, including the Department of Parks and Greenspace, the Department of Culture and Sports, the Department of Environment and Cleansing, civil societies, and residents, discussed previously reviewed literature on the potential health impacts of the Aegi-Neung Waterside Park Plan. Results: Potential health impacts and inequality issues were elicited from the workshop, and measures to maximize positive health impacts and minimize negative health impacts were recommended. The priorities among the recommendations were decided by voting. A report on the HIA was submitted to the Department of Parks and Greenspace for their consideration. Conclusions: Although this study examined only one case, it shows the potential usefulness of HIA as a tool for enhancing intersectoral collaboration. Some strategies to formally implement HIA are discussed.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.336-346
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• 2017

Objectives: To characterize the usage patterns of new types of tobacco products (NTTPs) to develop effective strategies for the regulation of NTTPs in Korea. Methods: We conducted focus group interviews to identify the NTTP usage patterns of research subjects. The NTTPs were limited to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), waterpipe tobacco, and rolling tobacco. We categorized 30 research subjects into 4 groups. The ecigarette group was divided into adult and adolescent groups. Each group contained 7-8 subjects. An interview lasting approximately 2 hours was conducted with each group. Results: Ninety percent of NTTP users used an NTTP in combination with conventional cigarettes. Subjects mostly bought NTTPs online, unlike how they bought cigarettes. Additionally, a great deal of information, such as how to use NTTPs and descriptions of NTTP products, was exchanged through online or offline societies. The primary reason why the subjects used NTTPs was that NTTPs offer a greater range of flavors and aromas than cigarettes. Moreover, NTTPs were felt to be less repulsive than cigarettes. NTTPs were not used as a cigarette substitute; rather, they were mostly used in places and situations where traditional cigarette smoking was not allowed. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, the government should conduct studies on the effects of the combined use of NTTPs and cigarettes on the human body, obtain and provide accurate data regarding NTTP use, and develop and implement polices to ban NTTP advertising, which may arouse adolescents' curiosity, and the addition of flavoring substances to tobacco products.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.121-129
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• 2018

Objectives: To assess the nurses' hand hygiene (HH) knowledge, perception, attitude, and self-reported performance in small- and medium-sized hospitals after Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak. Methods: The structured questionnaire was adapted from the World Health Organization's survey. Data were collected between June 26 and July 14, 2017. Results: Nurses showed scores on knowledge ($17.6{\pm}2.5$), perception ($69.3{\pm}0.8$), self-reported HH performance of non-self ($86.0{\pm}11.0$), self-reported performance of self ($88.2{\pm}11.0$), and attitude ($50.5{\pm}5.5$). HH performance rate of non-self was $Y_1=36.678+0.555X_1$ (HH performance rate of self) (adjusted $R^2=0.280$, p<0.001). The regression model for performance was $Y_4=18.302+0.247X_{41}(peception)+0.232X_{42}(attitude)+0.875X_{42}(role model)$; coefficients were significant statistically except attitude, and this model significant statistically (adjusted $R^2=0.191$, p<0.001). Conclusions: Advanced HH education program would be developed and operated continuously. Perception, attitude, role model was found to be a significant predictors of HH performance of self. So these findings could be used in future HH promotion strategies for nurses.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.41-56
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• 2013

Objectives: This article reviewed researches on intersectoral partnership of school health programs to suggest importance, current status and development plan of those. Methods: Domestic research papers were screened though Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), Koreanstudies Information Service System (KISS), Medical Library Information System (MEDLIS), Korean Medical Database (KMbase), and digital national assembly library. International papers were searched mainly via Pubmed. Results: Since intersectoral partnership is effective, comprehensive and universal approach for school health programs, many collaborative programs are universally progressing in various domain including smoking, alcohol, mental health and sexual behavior. On the other hand, intersectoral partnership of school health programs in Korea is still in the beginning stage, and there are few intersectoral partnerships. Moreover, there are several limitations including top-down approach, passive participation and lack of studies on the effect of intersectoral partnership. However, intersectoral partnerships in school health program including tuberculosis control system in school or WEE project are in progress, so it is worth looking forward in the future. Conclusions: To achieve successful intersectoral partnership in school health programs, appropriate partnership guideline for Korean society, policy support, active participation and improvement of consciousness in community stakeholders are needed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.5607-5611
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• 2015

Thousands of people die each year from cancer due to occupational causes. To reduce cancer in workers, preventive strategies should be used in the high-risk workplace. The effective prevention of occupational cancer requires knowledge of carcinogen agents. Like other areas of healthcare industry, occupational health has been affected by information technology solutions to improve prevention, early detection, treatment and finally the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the healthcare system. Information technology solutions are thus an important issue in the healthcare field. Information about occupational cancer in information systems is important for policy makers, managers, physicians, patients and researchers; because examples that include high quality data about occupational cancer patients and occupational cancer causes are able to determine the worker groups which require special attention. As a result exposed workers who are vulnerable can undergo screening and be considered for preventive interventions.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3405-3409
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• 2016

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), an aggressive malignant tumor of mesothelial origin associated with asbestos exposure, shows a limited response to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore, the overall survival of MPM patients remains very poor. Progress in the development of therapeutic strategies for MPM has been limited. We recently reported that the calpain inhibitor, calpeptin exerted inhibitory effects on pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the proliferation of lung fibroblasts. In the present study, we examined the preventive effects of calpeptin on the cell growth of MPM, the origin of which is mesenchymal cells, similar to lung fibroblasts. Calpeptin inhibited the proliferation of MPM cells, but not mesothelial cells. It also prevented 1) the expression of angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and Tie-2 mRNA in MPM cells, but not mesothelial cells and 2) the Ang-1-induced proliferation of MPM cells through an NF-kB dependent pathway, which may be the mechanism underlying the preventive effects of calpeptin on the growth of MPM cells. These results suggest potential clinical use of calpeptin for the treatment of MPM.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.298-309
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• 2005

As the population of the elderly grows, the prevalence of osteoporosis and its related fractures will increase in both men and women. The etiology, preventive and curative strategies of male osteoporosis are relatively unknown and understudied in comparison with those of female osteoporosis. Even currently approved therapies, e.g. bisphophonates, parathyroid hormone, and testosterone for male osteoporosis are in need of further investigation to test their safety and efficacy. Isoflavones which are found in soy have been shown to positively affect bone by stimulating bone formation while concurrently slowing down bone resorption. These observations mainly come from studies that have employed women or female animal models of osteoporosis. Therefore, there is a need to explore the role of soy and its isoflavones in preventing bone loss or rebuilding bone utilizing men or animal models of .male osteoporosis. From the review of existing literature it is too early to state the extent to which men with osteoporosis can benefit from consumption of soy or its isoflavones. In this review, the efficacy of soy and its isoflavones as alternative and/or adjunctive treatment for male osteoporosis will be discussed.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.387-395
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• 2010

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the physical and mental health status of disaster victims according to disaster types, such as a typhoon disaster and an oil spill disaster, and to suggest adequate health care services for them. Methods: A total of 484 people who suffered disasters were selected for this study, and data were collected from July to August, 2008. The data-set for this study included 286 victims of typhoon disasters in Jeju and Jeollanamdo district in South Korea, and 198 victims of the oil spill disaster in Taean. Physical health status was measured using revised Patient Health Questionnaire and mental health status was measured using the Korean version of 'Post-traumatic Diagnostic Scale'. Results: According to the comparative analyses of typhoon disaster victims and oil spill disaster victims, poorer physical health outcomes were shown among the oil spill disaster victims when compared to the typhoon disaster victims. Also, the oil spill disaster victims showed symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, at rates higher than those found among the typhoon disaster victims. Conclusions: These findings suggest that there is a need to provide adequate physical and mental health-related care services for oil spill disaster victims. The seriousness of oil spill disaster should be realized and reconsidered in developing recovery strategies and disaster preparedness for physical and mental health services.