• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.360-370
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• 2022

Objectives: This study evaluated the response in Daegu, Korea to the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic according to a public health emergency response model. Methods: After an examination of the official data reported by the city of Daegu and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as a literature review and advisory meetings, we chose a response model. Daegu's responses were organized into 4 phases and evaluated by applying the response model. Results: In phase 1, efforts were made to block further transmission of the virus through preemptive testing of a religious group. In phase 2, efforts were concentrated on responding to mass infections in high-risk facilities. Phase 3 involved a transition from a high-intensity social distancing campaign to a citizen participation-based quarantine system. The evaluation using the response model revealed insufficient systematic preparation for a medical surge. In addition, an incorporated health-related management system and protection measures for responders were absent. Nevertheless, the city encouraged the participation of private hospitals and developed a severity classification system. Citizens also played active roles in the pandemic response by practicing social distancing. Conclusions: This study employed the response model to evaluate the early response in Daegu to the COVID-19 pandemic and revealed areas in need of improvement or maintenance. Based on the study results, creation of a systematic model is necessary to prepare for and respond to future public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.72 no.5
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• pp.426-432
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• 2012

Background: Varenicline is an effective smoking cessation aid. However, smokers prescribed with varenicline do not always receive varenicline for 12 weeks, as recommended. This study analyzed the subjects who received varenicline and investigated the effect of varenicline treatment duration on the success rate of 6-month smoking cessation. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 78 subjects, who received varenicline, out of the 105 smokers that had visited the smoking cessation clinic after medical examination from September 2007 to December 2009. Results: The subjects were all males. Twenty-two subjects (28.2%) had varenicline treatment for 12 weeks or longer; 18 subjects (23.1%) for 8~12 weeks; 22 subjects (28.2%) for 4~8 weeks; and 16 subjects (20.5%) for less than 4 weeks. The total success rate of the 6-month smoking cessation was 47.4%. The success rate of the 6-month smoking cessation was 63.6% in the group that received varenicline for 12 weeks or longer, which was higher than 41.1% of the group that early terminated the varenicline treatment (p=0.074). The period of varenicline treatment was extended for one more week, the odds ratio of the 6-month smoking cessation success increased to 1.172-folds (p=0.004; 95% confidence interval, 1.052~1.305). Adverse events occurred in 30.8% of the subjects who received varenicline, but no serious adverse events were found. Conclusion: If varenicline treatment period is extended, the odds ratio of the success rate for the 6-month smoking cessation increases. Therefore, an effort to improve drug compliance for varenicline in clinical practices could be helpful for the long-term success of smoking cessation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.7
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• pp.4373-4377
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• 2013

Background: The majority of cervical cancers, the most prevalent cancer among Nepali women, are diagnosed in advanced stage leading to high mortality in Nepal. The present study explored factors associated with late diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in two specialized cancer hospitals of Nepal from August 12 to October 12, 2012. Randomly selected 110 cervical cancer patients were interviewed and their medical records were reviewed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to predict associations. Results: Mean age of patients was 52.7years (SD=10.6), 66% were illiterate and 77% were rural inhabitants. Medical shops (33.6%) and private hospitals (31%) were major first contact points of patients with health care providers (HCP). There was no cervical/per-speculum examination (78.2%) and symptoms misinterpretation (90%) of patients occurred in initial consultation with HCP. Four in every five cases (80.9%) of cervical cancer had late diagnosis. Literate women (adjusted OR=0.121, CI: 0.030-0.482) and women having abnormal vaginal bleeding as early symptom (adjusted OR=0.160, CI: 0.035-0.741) were less likely to suffer late diagnosis. Women who shared their symptoms late (adjusted OR=4.272, CI: 1.110-16.440) and did so with people other than their husband (adjusted OR=12.701, CI: 1.132-142.55) were more likely for late diagnosis. Conclusions: High level of illiteracy among women and their problematic health seeking behavior for gynecological symptoms are responsible for late diagnosis of cervical cancer in Nepal. In the absence of a routine screening program, prevention interventions should be focused on raising awareness of gynecological symptoms and improving health seeking behavior of women for such symptoms.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 1978

This Study was conducted, during the period of 8-16th, August in 1977 and 27th, January through 2, Feburury in 1978, to measure laking off and on time for patient's clothes at the radiologic department in general hospitals. The study dealt with three general hospitals which were classified into groups by ownerships; two university hospitals, one private hospitals. The scope of the study was limited to measurement's of taking off and on time except taking a radiograph. The results were summarized as follows: [1] In Summer, the average taking off ana on tine for male was 3 minutes and 7 seconds and 3 minutes and 43 seconds for female. The latter was longer than that for the former. [2] In Winter, the mean taking off and on time for male was 3 minutes 42 seconds, 4 minutes 17 seconds for female. [3] In this respect, the average taking off and on time for female was longer than that for male and that for winter was expended that for summer. [4] In Summer, regardless of age group and sex, the average taking off and on time for taking a radiograph was 3 minutes 25 seconds, and 3 minuteds 59 seconds in Winter. [5] Regardless of season, sen, and age, the mean time expended to take off and on for taking a radiograph was 3 minutes 43 seconds.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.sup3
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• pp.17-22
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• 2016

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Fecal occult blood testing has proven a very effective screening tool for early detection and mortality reduction. The aim of this study was to determine predictors factors related to fecal occult blood testing using the Health Belief Model method among residents of Bushehr, Iran. A cross sectional study was performed on a sample of 600 men and women more than 50 years of age. The sample was selected by a convenience method from patients referred to public and private laboratories throughout the city. Each subject filled out a questionnaire which was designed and developed based on Health Belief Model constructs. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA, T-test, chi-square test, and logistic regression. Fecal occult blood tests were performed on 179 (29.8%) out of 600 subjects, of which 95 patients (58.1%) did a periodic examination test and 84 patients (46.9%) had a doctor's advice for testing. According to the logistic regression model, the perceived barriers (P=0.0, Exp(B)= 0.3), perceived benefits (P<0.01, Exp(B)= 1.9) and self-efficacy (P<0.01, Exp(B)= 1.6) were predictive factors related to occult blood testing among subjects. The results showed that reducing people's perception of barriers to testing, increasing perceived benefits of screening, and reinforcing self efficacy can have major effect in increasing the rate of fecal occult blood screening for colorectal cancer prevention.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.65-75
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• 2004

Objectives: Immunizations have been one of the most effective measures preventing from infectious diseases. It is quite important national infectious disease prevention policy to keep the immunizations rate high and monitor the immunizations rate continuously. To do this, Korean CDC introduced the National Immunization Registry Program(NIRP) which has been implementing since 2000 at the Public Health Centers(PHC). The National Immunization Registry Program will be near completed after sharing, connecting and transfering vaccination data between public and private sector. The aims of this study was to evaluate the immunization module of non-chart system in private clinic with health information system of public health center(made by POSDATA Co., LTD) and immunization registry program(made by BIT Computer Co., LTD). Methods: The analysis and survey were done by specialists in medical, health field, and health information fields from 2001. November to 2002. January. We made the analysis and recommendation about the immunization module of non-chart system in private clinic. Results and Conclusions: To make improvement on immunization module, the system will be revised on various function like receipt and registration, preliminary medical examination, reference and inquiry, registration of vaccine, print-out various sheet, function of transfer vaccination data, issue function of vaccination certification, function of reminder and recall, function of statistical calculation, and management of vaccine stock. There are needs of an accurate assessment of current immunization module on each private non-chart system. And further studies will be necessary to make it an accurate system under changing health policy related national immunization program. We hope that the result of this study may contribute to establish the National Immunization Registry Program.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.455-467
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• 2006

Demand for appropriate health care has gradually increased in Korea. In addition, developments of community- and school-based oral health programs have also focused oral health care for the oral health promotion. Especially, school-based oral health programs are the underpinnings of promoting oral health and preventing oral diseases among schoolchildren. School-based oral health programs have had three major components: oral health education, oral health services, and a healthful environments. These included oral health education(one-to-one communication, group communication, and use of mass communication), oral examination, fluoride mouthrinsing, pit-and-fissure sealants, fluoride gel application, mechanical plaque control, and chewing xylitol candy. In this study, we evaluate the effects of oral health programs among primary schoolchildren by comparing the oral health knowledge, oral health behaviors, and perception of caries prevention procedures. Data for this study were obtained from 699 primary schoolchildren at the two primary school in Daegu, Korea. One is experimental group, N primary school, that was established school-based oral health center under supervision of Nam-gu Public Health Center, the other is control group, N' primary school, that was yet to establish school-based oral health center. We surveyed children's oral health knowledge and behaviors, and perception of caries prevention procedures using self-administrated questionnaire and then analyzed differences of each item among two groups. The brief findings of this study were summarized as follows. There are several advantage to a comprehensive school-based oral health program. (1) School-based oral health programs facilitate and increase the effectiveness of teaching oral health subjects. (2) Schoolchildren are available for prevention or treatment procedure. (3) School-based oral health center may be less threating than private dental clinic. (4) With comprehensive school-based oral health programs the decayed, missing, and filled teeth(DMFT) of schoolchildren should demonstrate a substantial and steady decrease over time(Choi et al, 2004). In conclusion, treatment is not the answer to solving children's oral health programs; rather primary prevention is the key. Many countries and communities are focusing on hoe millions of underprivileged children can be provided with health care. Schoolchildren gain the knowledge and behaviors to attain and maintain good oral health in schools. For these reasons, the role of school-based oral health center is not only important but also a necessity.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.71-91
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• 2009

To assess comparatively the administrative behavior of vaccination and satisfaction of physicians by the provision method according to the National Expanded Programme on Immunization (NEPI) between 2005 and 2006 Demonstration Project in Korea. A questionnaire was performed at 582 and 64 physicians in Daegu metropolitan city and Gunpo city on 2005 (a response rate of 39.3%, 45.3%, respectively). Also, we sampled 31, 56, and 28 physicians in Gangneung city, Yangsan city, and Yeongi county on 2006 (a response rate of 35.5%, 98.2%, and 60.7%, respectively). We analyzed these data set using descriptive analysis and $\chi^2$-test through SPSS for Windows (12.0). Most question categories in Daegu metropolitan city and Gunpo city on 2005 were higher than those in the 2006 Demonstration Project regions. These were 'preparing and signing informed consent to vaccination', 'doing physical examination before periodic immunization', 'searching past shot history and inputting the current shot record through the immunization registry management program by physician', 'filing a medical record', 'satisfying the impact of 2005 and 2006 Demonstration Project and achieving the expectation of this Project', and 'improving the immunization coverage rate', et al. In conclusion, we show that the attitudes and practices of physician should be more sensitive to free vaccination services by private clinics and hospitals than public health centers. In the near future, the government must consider the opinion of physicians in implementing the NEPI by the affordable method of the public-private dynamics.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.73-89
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• 2008

Objectives: This research was conducted to suggest a recommendation for the Korean credentialing policy of health education specialist as the primary human resource in community health promotion activities from the special group perspective of the Korean Society for Health Education and Promotion. Methods: This research was conducted by the professional focus group discussion and descriptive literature review on health education and promotion. Results: This draft recommendation for Korean credentialing system development of health education specialist was based on the four background reasons for modifying health promotion related acts, for developing better policy of health education credentialing, for keeping the public and ethical responsibilities as the competitive professional society, and for improving health promotion activities in Korea. Theoretical background of the four reasons was Ottawa Charter. We classified three credentialing levels of health education specialist based on health education own competencies, coordiating competencies with environmental factors, and research competencies. Furthermore, we developed 10 major roles and categorized 53 sub-roles based on these competencies above. We recommended 10 classes required to take to become Health Education Specialist. These 10 classes were developed based on the credentialing systems in the United States and Japan. These 10 classes were about health education and promotion methods and strategies not health intervention topics. We also built the draft plan for continuing education to keep KCHES based on the NCHEC in the United States. Conclusions: Further research should be conducted to build better health education specialist credentialing systems modifing current communtiy-based health promotion activities in terms of modifying public regulation, developing KCHEC examination system, protecting job security both in public and private sectors, and creating professionalism in KCHEC.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.66-83
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• 2007

The purpose of this study is to learn both effects of the vocal psychotherapy on the self-consciousness and the variety of the self-consciousness on the vocal psychotherapy in return. The research for this study was performed to three subjects who were students of E university, Seoul, ten times for sixty minutes. The subjects were all volunteers for the advertisement on a music-therapy program searching for them on the web site of E university. The vocal psychotherapy program consists of four steps and each of them consists of two to four short terms again. Both before and after the experiment, examinations on self-consciousness were done to recognize the change of the subjects' self-consciousness which would be caused by the vocal psychotherapy activity. After every short term, the subjects were asked to write reports to closely analyze the change of self-consciousness according to the terms and the variety of the subjects. The effect of the vocal psychotherapy activity on the changes of scores in the self-consciousness examination is the first thing to point out on this study. There appeared some personal varieties on the total scores of the examination and scores of some sub-categories. Especially, there were different scores on the private self-consciousness, the public self-consciousness, and the social anxiety between before and after performing the vocal psychotherapy program. Subject A, who had got the best score of all on the scope of the private self-consciousness, showed the steepest decrease on the very scope. On the contrary, the subject showed decrease of scores of the public self-consciousness and the social anxiety in the relatively little rate. Subject B, who had got the highest score of the three on the public self-consciousness, showed the steepest decrease on that of all scopes and showed no difference on the social anxiety scope. In the case of the last one, subject C, who had relatively low scores on the private and public self-consciousness than the others, the private self-consciousness score increased but the public self-consciousness and the social anxiety scores decreased. The changes of the scores of each questions were examined in order to see possible other changes that had not been exposed on the changes of the total and sub-categories scores. As a result of that, of all twenty-eight questions, there were changes about one to two points. Subject A showed the difference with thirteen questions, subject B with sixteen and subject C with nineteen questions. The rate of change of subject C was relatively small but more questions changed and the change of score was wider than the others. Considering all those results, It can be possibly said that the vocal psychotherapy affects the changes of the scores of sub-categories in self-consciousness examination. The next thing to point out on this study is the change of recognition that was exposed on the subjects' report after every short term of the program. As a result of the close analyzing, according to the short terms and variety of self-consciousness, recognizing the way express subjects themselves by voice and recognizing their own voices appeared to be different. How much they cared about others and why they did so were also different. According to the self reports, subject A cared much about her inner thought and emotion and tended to concentrate herself as a social object. There appeared some positive emotional experiments such as emotional abundance and art curiosities on her reports but at the same time some negative emotions such as state-trait anxiety and neuroticism also appeared. Subject B, who showed high scores on the private and public self-consciousness like subject A, had a similar tendency that concentrates on herself as a social object but she showed more social anxiety than subject A. Subject C got relatively lower points in self-consciousness examination, tended to care about herself, and had less negative emotions such as state-trait anxiety than other subjects. Also, with terms going on, she showed changes in the way of caring about her own voice and others. This study has some unique significances in helping people who have problems caused by self-estimation activated with self-consciousness, using voices closely related to one's own self, performing the vocal skills discipline to solve the technical problems. Also, this study has a potentiality that the vocal psychotherapy activity can be effectively used as a way affects the mental health and developing personality.