• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.86-94
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to identify current quality control (QC) practices of primary care clinics participating in the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) in Korea. Methods: A nationwide survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted among the primary care clinics participating in the NCSP, which were selected by a proportionate stratified sampling. The questionnaire consisted of general information about the responding clinics and the scope of QC activities undertaken. A total of 360 clinics responded and the set of data was then analyzed with Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Among 360 respondents, 332 (92%) reported that they were involved in the QC activities. Most frequently performed QC activities were 'maintenance of facility and instruments' (89%) and 'staff training' (85%). The analysis revealed, with statistical significance (p<.05), that there was an association between certain characteristics of the clinics and the scope of QC activities. These findings also indicated that the diversity of QC practices varies according to the size of the clinics. The clinics screening more types of cancer, those with more screenees, and those with more employees were more likely to implement various QC activities including 'maintenance of facility and instruments', 'external quality control', and 'management of screening data'. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the current status of QC activities conducted among primary care clinics participating in the NCSP. The results of this survey can be used as a basis for further development of policies on quality management of small- and medium-sized primary care clinics in Korea. However, further studies encompassing various aspects of QC activities and management of primary care clinics are needed to assess the current situation in a concise manner.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.248-256
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• 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of national dental screening for children in Korea in the aspects of prevention of dental caries, the number of treatments related to dental caries, and cost of dental care. The study used the national cohort data on children health screening provided by National Health Insurance Service, and analyzed 32,937 1st dental screening, 22,608 2nd dental screening, 13,708 3rd dental screening, and 241,043 cases from the dental care of 27,944 children born in year 2008 and 2009. The decayed-filled teeth index and decayed-filled person rate, calculated from the results of the 2nd and 3rd dental screening, decreased as the number of preceding dental screening increased. Glass ionomer and amalgam restoration, pulp treatment of primary teeth and extraction of primary canine and molar were shown to decrease as the number of examined dental screening increased, and the total cost of dental care covered by national health insurance also decreased as the number of dental screening increased. In conclusion, national dental screening for children is an efficient and economical oral health care method that prevents dental caries and lowers the possibility of dental caries related treatment, thereby reducing cost of dental care.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.64 no.10
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• pp.519-520
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• 2021

• Journal of Oriental Medical Thermology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.6-14
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• 2004

Purpose: We intended to research the relations between abdominal temperature and primary dysmenorrhea severity. Methods: We selected the 95 primary dysmenorrhea patients by means of screening test (first screening test-inquiry, second screening test-clinical test, additionally Waist-to-Hip ratio (WHR) by Inbody 2.0). We measured 4 points abdominal temperature (Chon-jung(CV17), Chung-wan(CV12), Kwan-won(CV4), Chung-guk(CV3)) by DITI (DOREX Inc., USA). And then we checked the difference of temperature $({\Delta}T)$ between CV17 and CV4 / CV17 and CV3 / CV12 and CV4 / CV12 and CV3. After that, we compared ${\Delta}T$ with primary dysmenorrhea severity evaluated by multidimensional scales (verbal rating scale modified from the one devised by Bibe roglu & Berhrman(VRS; B&B), multidimensional verbal rating scale by Andersch & Milsom(MVRS)). In dysmenorrhea severity, we standardized scale score and 3-group-severity by score (mild, moderate, severe). For statistics, we used Pearson correlations and Spearman's rho correlations, SPSS 11.0 for windows. Results: In case of MVRS, MVRS score and 3-group-severity were not correlated to ${\Delta}T$. In case of VRS; B&B, VRS; B&B score was correlated to ${\Delta}T$ (CV12 and CV4 / CV12 and CV3) and 3-group-severity was correlated to ${\Delta}T$ (CV12 and CV3). Statistically they showed significant result (p<0.05). So we can consider that ${\Delta}T$ (CV12 and CV3) and the primary dysmenorrhea severity by VRS; B&B are most correlated. Conclusion: The primary dysmenorrhea patients showed that severity by VRS; B&B was connected with ${\Delta}T$ (CV12 and CV3). So we can consider DITI as primary dysmenorrhea evaluation instrument and must further research measurement points for the exact primary dysmenorrhea evaluation by DITI.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.16
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• pp.6669-6671
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• 2014

Background: We here examined the awareness of female health employees (doctors, nurses, midwives) working in primary health care service about cervical cancer and its risk factors. Additionally attitude and behavior for gynecologic examination and pap smear screening wwere researched. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study con cerned female health employees working at primary health care services in two southern cities of Turkey, over a four month period in 2013. Participants were recently or previously sexually active research was explained and verbal informed consent was obtained face to face. The questionnaire consisted of two parts; socio-demographic characteristics and level of knowledge about cervical cancer and its risk factors. Results: The average age of the participants (midwives 43.7%, n=143; nurses 40.4%, n=132; doctors 6.4%, n=21; emergency medical technicians and others, 9.5%, n=31; total, n=327) was $30.9{\pm}6.41$ years. 64.2% (n=210) were working in Diyarbakir and 35.8% (n=117) in Batman. A large proportion reported low knowledge and inadequate screening practice Conclusions: Health employees should be better informed about the importance of screening for cancers, given their preventive roles for the general population.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.190-195
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• 2023

Objectives: Pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes (GDM), and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), impact long-term health. We compared the frequency of screening documentation for pregnancy complications versus a general medical history at well woman visits between providers in primary care and obstetrics and gynecology. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of subjects with at least 1 prior birth who presented for a well woman visit in 2019-2020. Charts were reviewed for documentation of a general medical history (hypertension, diabetes, and mood disorders) versus screening for comparable obstetric complications (pre-eclampsia, GDM, and PMADs). The results were compared using the McNemar and chi-square tests as appropriate. Results: In total, 472 encounters were identified, and 137 met the inclusion criteria. Across specialties, clinicians were significantly more likely to document general medical conditions than pregnancy complications, including hypertensive disorders (odds ratio [OR], 2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18 to 5.48), diabetes (OR, 7.67; 95% CI, 3.27 to 22.0), and mood disorders (OR, 10.5; 95% CI, 3.81 to 40.3). Obstetrics and gynecology providers were more likely to document any pregnancy history (OR, 4.50; 95% CI, 1.24 to 16.27); however, they were not significantly more likely to screen for relevant obstetric complications (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 0.90 to 6.89). Overall, the rate of pregnancy complication documentation was low in primary care and obstetrics and gynecology clinics (8.8 and 19.0%, respectively). Conclusions: Obstetrics and gynecology providers more frequently documented a pregnancy history than those in primary care; however, the rate was low across specialties, and providers reported screening for clinically relevant complications less frequently than for general medical conditions.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.60 no.11
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• pp.353-358
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• 2017

Purpose: To develop and evaluate a simple screening tool to assess hearing loss in newborns. A derived score was compared with the standard clinical practice tool. Methods: This cohort study was designed to screen the hearing of newborns using transiently evoked otoacoustic emission and auditory brain stem response, and to determine the risk factors associated with hearing loss of newborns in 3 tertiary hospitals in Northern Thailand. Data were prospectively collected from November 1, 2010 to May 31, 2012. To develop the risk score, clinical-risk indicators were measured by Poisson risk regression. The regression coefficients were transformed into item scores dividing each regression-coefficient with the smallest coefficient in the model, rounding the number to its nearest integer, and adding up to a total score. Results: Five clinical risk factors (Craniofacial anomaly, Ototoxicity, Birth weight, family history [Relative] of congenital sensorineural hearing loss, and Apgar score) were included in our COBRA score. The screening tool detected, by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, more than 80% of existing hearing loss. The positive-likelihood ratio of hearing loss in patients with scores of 4, 6, and 8 were 25.21 (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.69-43.26), 58.52 (95% CI, 36.26-94.44), and 51.56 (95% CI, 33.74-78.82), respectively. This result was similar to the standard tool (The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing) of 26.72 (95% CI, 20.59-34.66). Conclusion: A simple screening tool of five predictors provides good prediction indices for newborn hearing loss, which may motivate parents to bring children for further appropriate testing and investigations.

• Journal of Korean Society for Quality Management
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.273-288
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• 2015

Purpose: In this study, we apply environmental stress screening (ESS) to battle management system (BMS) of a tank and use the ESS profile based on production process data, guided by MIL-HDBK-781/344/2164. Methods: To optimize ESS Profile of the BMS of a tank, we estimate ESS model parameters (e.g., defect density, screening strength) using primary production failure reporting and corrective action system (FRACAS) data of military supply contract firm. Results: First, we collect the Primary production FRACAS data of military supply contract firm. Second, we compute curve fitting approach to find patent defect density and latent defect density using FRACAS data. Third, we solve the equation of Defect Density(patent defect density + latent defect density)($D_{IN}$) and Screening Strength(SS) Using second step data. As a result of analysis according to the order, we calculate $D_{IN}$(Temperature stress case : 74.02, Vibration stress : 10.252) and : SS(Temperature stress case : 0.4632, Vibration stress : 0.4142) and confirm the Condition II-D based on MIL-HDBK-344. According to Condition II-D, it is necessary to modify existing ESS profile through decreasing the $D_{IN}$ and increasing the SS. Conclusion: Identification of defect causes through ESS approach reduce defect densities for production. It provides feedback to a lessons-learned data base to avoid similar problems on next generation tank BMS.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2023

Purpose: This study developed a shelter for dementia programs based on primary health care posts; and examined its effectiveness in rural older adults. Methods: This study used a case report provided by a primary healthcare post in Jeonnam, Korea, in 2023. A single group pre-test post-test design was used; for three months, and 10 older adults participated in the shelter for dementia programs based on the primary health care post. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured immediately after entering the shelter for dementia programs. Results: There were significant differences between the pre-test and post-test on the cognitive impairment screening test (p=.005). Conclusion: The shelter for dementia programs based on primary health care posts was effective in improving cognitive impairments of rural older adults.

• Journal of Menopausal Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.188-195
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• 2018

Objectives: This study investigated the association between menopausal-specific quality of life (MENQOL) and breast cancer screening beliefs among Hong Kong Chinese menopausal and postmenopausal women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed to collect data. The questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 218 women aged above 45. The outcome variables were breast cancer screening beliefs and breast examination. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the effect of 4 domains in MENQOL (vasomotor, psycho-social, physical, and sexual symptom) and the health behaviors on the 2 outcome variables. Results: This study found that the overall MENQOL scores (in particular psycho-social, and physical aspects) were significantly associated with positive attitudes toward health check-ups and better knowledge and perceptions in breast cancer. Regular exercise was also significantly related to breast examination. Conclusions: MENQOL (especially psycho-social and physical domain) and regular exercise are important factors associated with breast cancer screening beliefs. The results of this study illuminate health care professionals to develop primary health care strategies to improve the quality of life of mid-life women.