• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제9권3호
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• pp.314-318
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• 2018

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the health industry are quite common, however, there have only been a few studies regarding physiotherapists, while in Greece, there is an apparent lack of research and data. The aim of this study is to investigate MSDs experienced by physiotherapists in Greece, their causes and specific measures, and good practices followed. Additional emerging risk factors will be examined. Methods: A questionnaire of MSDs followed by individual and workplace characteristics was completed by 252 physiotherapists. It covered the major workplace categories such as public hospitals, private rehabilitation centers, and private practices. Results: Analysis indicated that 89% of the respondents had experienced a work-related MSD; 32.2% of those injuries occurred within the first 5 years of working. The most lumbered physiotherapists were those working as private practitioners and almost half of the injured respondents chose to work while injured. The most common measure taken to tackle work related MSDs was found to be physical therapy sessions. Job satisfaction and psychosocial issues were also identified as side-effects of the economic slowdown. Conclusion: Physiotherapists in Greece were found to suffer from MSDs; workplace musculoskeletal injuries were quite common but under-reported. The body parts most affected were the lower back, the upper back, the shoulders, and the neck. There was a strong correlation between the workplace setting and the number of MSDs. A well-defined occupational safety and health management system and strict administration steering were found to reduce MSDs. The economic slowdown experienced in Greece during the execution of this study placed additional pressure on physiotherapists.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.155-173
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• 2018

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is an unwanted adverse event in any operation. It leads to functional limitations and psychological trauma for patients, and leaves the operative team with feelings of failure and humiliation. Therefore, it is crucial that preventive strategies for CPSP are considered in high-risk operations. Various techniques have been implemented to reduce the risk with variable success. Identifying the risk factors for each patient and applying a timely preventive strategy may help patients avoid the distress of chronic pain. The preventive strategies include modification of the surgical technique, good pain control throughout the perioperative period, and preoperative psychological intervention focusing on the psychosocial and cognitive risk factors. Appropriate management of CPSP patients is also necessary to reduce their suffering. CPSP usually has a neuropathic pain component; therefore, the current recommendations are based on data on chronic neuropathic pain. Hence, voltage-dependent calcium channel antagonists, antidepressants, topical lidocaine and topical capsaicin are the main pharmacological treatments. Paracetamol, NSAIDs and weak opioids can be used according to symptom severity, but strong opioids should be used with great caution and are not recommended. Other drugs that may be helpful are ketamine, clonidine, and intravenous lidocaine infusion. For patients with failed pharmacological treatment, consideration should be given to pain interventions; examples include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, botulinum toxin injections, pulsed radiofrequency, nerve blocks, nerve ablation, neuromodulation and surgical management. Physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications are also useful for relieving the pain and distress experienced by CPSP patients.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.791-804
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• 1997

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is one of the common health problem that has been considered as stress-induced. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between life style and the level of stress and IBS by structured questionnaire which included questions on life style, the self-esteemed gastrointestinal symptoms, and Psychosocial Well-being Index(PWI). Subjects were 1,498 male white collars who get the regular health check and participated in survey at Inje University Health Promotion Center from January to ,December, 1996. The overall prevalence of IBS was 37.5%(561 cases), and the level of stress by PWI score was higher in IBS group$(41.8{\pm}14.2)$ than symptom-free group$(34.6{\pm}12.6)$. As the result of comparison between the two groups, heavier smoking (adjusted O.R=2.48, 95% C.I 1.81-3.41), longer daily working time (adjusted O.R=5.19, 95% C.I 3.59-7.56), stimulatory food materials-mainly hot or salty (adjusted O.R=1.87, 95% C.I 1.44-2.45), higher body mass index (adjusted O.R=1.80, 95% C.I 1.27-2.57), and higher level of stress (adjusted O.R=2.81, 95% C.I 1.80-4.43) were estimated as risk factors of IBS. On the contrary, 6-8 hours sleeping per day (adjusted O.R=0.38 95% C.I 0.21-0.70), 3-4 times exercise per week (adjusted O.R=0.57 95% C.I 0.39-0.83), and tenure more than 20 years (adjusted O.R=0.25 95% C.I 0.16-0.35) were considered as protective factors to IBS. In summary, the assessment of the stress level might be placed in the first priority to control IBS, at least by some degree, which suggested that IBS could be controlled by avoiding such risk factors and by encouraging such protective factors.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제1권2호
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• pp.149-157
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• 2010

Objectives: To quantify disability level in salespeople with concurrent low back pain (LBP) and to determine the relative associations between demographic, occupational, psychosocial and clinical factors and back disability. LBP is the most common cause of work-related disability in people under 45 years of age and the most expensive cause of work-related disability, in terms of workers' compensation and medical expenses. Evidence suggests high prevalence of LBP in salespeople. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in which 184 saleswomen with a current episode of self-reported LBP working in a large up-scale department store filled out a battery of 6 self-administered questionnaires and received a standardised physical examination. Results: Saleswomen with concurrent LBP had low disability levels. Factors significantly associated with disability were pain intensity, measured by a visual analogue scale, in the past week (p < 0.001), physical and mental health status (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively), fear avoidance scores for both work and physical activities (p = 0.031, p = 0.014, respectively), past history of LBP (p = 0.019), and self-reported frequency of pushing or pulling objects placed in high positions during work (p = 0.047). A significant level (45%) of the variance in disability status was explained by these variables. Conclusion: In clinical management of LBP workers who required prolonged standing, such as salespeople, clinicians should look for modifiable risk factors associated with disability. Specific measures need to be taken to prevent disability due to LBP among salespeople.

• 정신신체의학
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.22-28
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• 2007

임신과 출산은 일부 여성들을 주요우울증 발병에 취약하게 한다. 산모의 10%에서 출산 후 수주 이내에 산후 우울증이 발병하며 이는 장차 아동의 인지적, 정서적 발달에 부정적 영향을 줄 수 있다고 알려졌다. 임신 중 우울증은 상대적으로 간과되어 왔지만 산후 우울증과 마찬가지로 흔하며 임산부의 정신병리가 태아의 생리 발달에 영향을 미친다는 증거가 축적되고 있어 주목을 받고 있다. 임신 및 출산과 관련된 우울증의 원인을 이해하기 위해서는 다양한 정신사회학적, 생물학적 위험 요인을 포괄적으로 고려할 필요가 있다. 임신과 관련된 우울증을 치료하기 위해 정신과 의사는 임신 및 치료 방법과 관련된 여러 가지 상황의 위험 혹은 이득을 포괄적으로 분석해야 하며 치료 방법을 능숙하게 결정할 수 있어야 한다. 임신 중 우울증에는 심리치료, 약물치료, 전기 충격 요법 등이 효과적이라고 알려져 있다. 산후 우울증을 치료하는 데에는 생물학적, 심리학적, 환경적 개입 등의 방법이 있으며, 구체적으로는 세로토닌 재흡수 억제제 등의 항우울제, 지지적 상담 등의 효과가 증명되었고, 증상이 심할 경우에는 Estrogen이 효과적이라고 알려져 있다. 한편, 임신 및 출산과 관련된 우울증의 신경내분비학적, 심리사회학적 병인을 규명하기 위한 연구들이 진행되고 있다. 향후 임산부의 산전 및 산후 관리에 있어서 임상각과 간의 통합적인 접근에 의한 우울증의 조기 진단 및 치료가 필요할 것으로 보인다.

• 여성건강간호학회지
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• 제30권3호
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• pp.238-249
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and explored associated factors among mothers attending postnatal care in Bhutan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to November 2023 at a national referral hospital in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. In total, 314 mothers were recruited. Sociodemographic, psychosocial, obstetric, and infant-related data were collected using questionnaires. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, with a threshold of ≥11, was employed to screen for PPD, and logistic regression was used to test the potential factors. Results: The prevalence of PPD was 14.97%. Mothers with a perceived change in body image (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.91-10.17; p=.001), perceived heightened stress after delivery (AOR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.45-9.67; p=.006), poor relationship with inlaws (AOR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.24-5.30; p=. 011), and negative birth experience (AOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.17-5.00; p=.016) demonstrated significantly higher odds of developing PPD. However, mothers with a higher monthly family income (Bhutanese ngultrum [Nu.] 20,000 to <50,000; AOR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13-0.92; p=.033), ≥Nu. 50,000 (AOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.13-1.07, p=.067) compared to <Nu. 20,000, and advanced gestational age (37 to <41 weeks; AOR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09-0.71; p=.009) and ≥41 weeks (AOR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.00-0.75; p=.028) compared to <37 weeks had significantly lower risks of PPD. Conclusion: To mitigate the prevalence and risk of PPD, prioritizing screening strategies and interventions may benefit mothers with perceived changes in body image and heightened perceived stress after delivery, poor relationships with in-laws, and those with negative birth experiences.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.1495-1504
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• 2012

Objective: Improvements in diet can decrease the cancer rates. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationships between self-perception of diet quality and personality, impulsiveness, stress, coping strategy, sense of coherence, self-efficacy, and social support. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a multiple-stratified random sampling method based on the Korea Census of 2007. In October 2009, investigators conducted 15-minute face-to-face interviews with 1,530 South Korean volunteers who ranged from 30 to 69 years of age without a history of cancer. Results: Respondents were more likely to perceive that they consumed a healthy diet if they were older than 50 years, lived with a partner, had a monthly family income greater than $4,000 USD, had a low perceived risk of cancer, consumed less alcohol, exercised regularly, had a less agreeable or conscientious personality, had low stress levels, had a high sense of coherence or self-efficacy, and had ample social support. Conclusion: Psychosocial factors, such as personality, stress, sense of coherence, self-efficacy, and social support, are associated with the self-perception of diet quality. Analysis of the factors that contribute to a perceived healthy diet could assist with the design of educational campaigns.

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.183-196
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess the agreement between job physical risk factor analysis by ergonomists using ergonomic methods and physical examinations made by occupational physicians on the presence of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities. Background: Ergonomics is the systematic application of principles concerned with the design of devices and working conditions for enhancing human capabilities and optimizing working and living conditions. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent injuries and physical and emotional stress. The major types of ergonomic injuries and incidents are cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), acute strains, sprains, and system failures. Minimization of use of excessive force and awkward postures can help to prevent such injuries Method: Initial data were collected as part of a larger study by the University of Utah Ergonomics and Safety program field data collection teams and medical data collection teams from the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH). Subjects included 173 male and female workers, 83 at Beehive Clothing (a clothing plant), 74 at Autoliv (a plant making air bags for vehicles), and 16 at Deseret Meat (a meat-processing plant). Posture and effort levels were analyzed using a software program developed at the University of Utah (Utah Ergonomic Analysis Tool). The Ergonomic Epicondylitis Model (EEM) was developed to assess the risk of epicondylitis from observable job physical factors. The model considers five job risk factors: (1) intensity of exertion, (2) forearm rotation, (3) wrist posture, (4) elbow compression, and (5) speed of work. Qualitative ratings of these physical factors were determined during video analysis. Personal variables were also investigated to study their relationship with epicondylitis. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association between risk factors and symptoms of epicondyle pain. Results: Results of this study indicate that gender, smoking status, and BMI do have an effect on the risk of epicondylitis but there is not a statistically significant relationship between EEM and epicondylitis. Conclusion: This research studied the relationship between an Ergonomic Epicondylitis Model (EEM) and the occurrence of epicondylitis. The model was not predictive for epicondylitis. However, it is clear that epicondylitis was associated with some individual risk factors such as smoking status, gender, and BMI. Based on the results, future research may discover risk factors that seem to increase the risk of epicondylitis. Application: Although this research used a combination of questionnaire, ergonomic job analysis, and medical job analysis to specifically verify risk factors related to epicondylitis, there are limitations. This research did not have a very large sample size because only 173 subjects were available for this study. Also, it was conducted in only 3 facilities, a plant making air bags for vehicles, a meat-processing plant, and a clothing plant in Utah. If working conditions in other kinds of facilities are considered, results may improve. Therefore, future research should perform analysis with additional subjects in different kinds of facilities. Repetition and duration of a task were not considered as risk factors in this research. These two factors could be associated with epicondylitis so it could be important to include these factors in future research. Psychosocial data and workplace conditions (e.g., low temperature) were also noted during data collection, and could be used to further study the prevalence of epicondylitis. Univariate analysis methods could be used for each variable of EEM. This research was performed using multivariate analysis. Therefore, it was difficult to recognize the different effect of each variable. Basically, the difference between univariate and multivariate analysis is that univariate analysis deals with one predictor variable at a time, whereas multivariate analysis deals with multiple predictor variables combined in a predetermined manner. The univariate analysis could show how each variable is associated with epicondyle pain. This may allow more appropriate weighting factors to be determined and therefore improve the performance of the EEM.

• 한국컴퓨터정보학회논문지
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.91-97
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• 2017

In this paper, we propose a Recently, the use of Smart phones surge in youth the youth are becoming a big addiction social problems Mobile Messenger. The prevalence of Smart phones is Mobile Messenger, access time, spatial constraints for assured. As a result, pc room, with a focus on traditional Internet addiction is to be reduced, whereas with a focus on Mobile Messenger Smartphone addiction level is rapidly on the rise. Korea information agency of Internet addiction and mobile addiction risk appeared to be well over 10 percent of the rate of 35% is gaming and mobile addiction unfolds exemplifies the seriousness of Messenger. Addiction is the individual's psychosocial problems such as negative consequences can result, causing the addiction, because it is necessary for an understanding of the mechanism. In this study, Mobile Messenger, the leading factors affecting the addiction said. Mobile Messenger is a major factor causing the addiction habit and consider the user's satisfaction. And social relations and the formation of plougastel Wu Mobile Messenger and its impact on the cause of addiction.

• Journal of Community Nutrition
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.24-30
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• 2006

Disparities in health and disease between various population subgroups, such as racial and ethnic groups, are a major focus of public health research but also pose considerable challenges. Diet is a key contributor to disparities in many chronic diseases and conditions. Therefore, in order to understand and address racial and ethnic health disparities, it is important to characterize the dietary patterns of the populations of interest. African Americans are at higher risk for many diet-related chronic disease conditions, such as obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many cancers relative to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. In this report, I describe the diet-related chronic disease profiles of African Americans, characterize their dietary patterns and food preferences, identify demographic, psychosocial, environmental, and cultural factors that may affect their dietary choices, and propose strategies for improving the dietary and health profiles of African Americans.