• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.259-264
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• 2007

Effective communicable disease surveillance systems are the basis of the national disease prevention and control. Following the increase in emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases since late 1990s, the Korean government has strived to enhance surveillance and response system. Since 2000, sentinel surveillance, such as influenza sentinel surveillance, pediatric sentinel surveillance, school-based sentinel surveillance and ophthalmological sentinel surveillance, was introduced to improve the surveillance activities. Electronic reporting system was developed in 2000, enabling the establishment of national database of reported cases. Disweb, a portal for sharing communicable disease information with the public and health care workers, was developed. In general, the survey results on usefulness and attributes of the system, such as simplicity, flexibility, acceptability, sensitivity, timeliness, and representa-tiveness, received relatively high recognition. Compared to the number of paid cases of national health insurance, reported cases by national notifiable disease surveillance system, and various sentinel surveillance system, the result of the correlation analysis was high. According to the research project conducted by KCDC, the reporting rate of physicians in 2004 has also greatly improved, compared with that in 1990s. However, continuous efforts are needed to further improve the communicable disease surveillance system. Awareness of physicians on communicable disease surveillance system must be improved by conducting education and information campaigns on a continuous basis. We should also devise means for efficient use of various administrative data including cause of death statistics and health insurance. In addition, efficiency of the system must be improved by linking data from various surveillance system.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.228-232
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• 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is inflicting a brutal blow on humankind, and no corner of the world has been exempted from its wrath. This study analyzes the chief control measures and the distinctive features of the responses implemented by Korea and the United States to contain COVID-19 with the goal of extracting lessons that can be applied globally. Even though both nations reported their index cases on the same day, Korea succeeded in flattening the curve, with 10 752 cases as of April 28, 2020, whereas the outbreak skyrocketed in the United States, which had more than 1 million cases at the same time. The prudent and timely execution of control strategies enabled Korea to tame the spread of the virus, whereas the United States paid a major price for its delay, although it is too early to render a conclusive verdict. Information pertaining to the number of people infected with the virus and measures instituted by the government to control the spread of COVID-19 was retrieved from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites and press releases. Drawing lessons from both nations, it is evident that the resolution to the COVID-19 pandemic lies in the prudent usage of available resources, proactive strategic planning, public participation, transparency in information sharing, abiding by the regulations that are put into place, and how well the plan of action is implemented.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.734-745
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• 2009

Diabetes mellitus is the prevalent disease among older adults. The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate the nutrition education program for diabetes mellitus patients aged 60 and over. The one group pretest and posttest design was employed to evaluate the program effectiveness. Nutrition education program for diabetes mellitus patients was carried out at the public healthy center in Guri city. The 38 out of 63 patients completed education program. They received four sessions of group education during four weeks. Nutrition education materials (booklet, leaflet) for older adults were provided to participants. Data about blood glucose, blood pressure, nutrition and diabetes mellitus knowledge, dietary behavior, dietary intake by 24-hour recalls were collected before and after nutrition education to evaluate the program effectiveness. All data were statistically analyzed using SAS package (ver.8.2) and significant difference was evaluated by $X^2$-test, paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Study results showed that blood pressure and blood glucose were slightly decreased after nutrition education but they did not reach statistical significance. There were positive changes in nutrition knowledge and dietary behavior. The total score of nutrition and diabetes knowledge increased significantly (p < 0.001), and the total score of dietary behavior was improved (p < 0.05) after nutrition education. Dietary intakes of most of nutrients examined were not significantly different between pre- and post-test. Based on study results, it appears that nutrition education program for the aged diabetes mellitus patients might effectively increase nutrition knowledge, dietary behavior and diet quality. This nutrition education program can be used at the public health centers or senior centers for the management of diabetes mellitus for older adults.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.600-608
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• 2001

Accidents are the fourth-leading causal factor of death among the elderly, and fall is a major type of accident (53.17%). Many cases of falls in the elderly result in delayed discovery and loss of quality of life. As the number of the elderly grows, falls will be a more important health problem. Most previous research on falls investigated prevalence. mortality, and the related factors. There are many studies proving the effect of rhythmic movements. But few researches considered linking risk factors of fall with rhythmic movements. Purpose: We want to show the changes after performing rhythmic movement program, in risk factors of falls and mobility such as flexibility, balance, muscle power and persistency in the elderly, in order to provide basic information needed for the development of fall injury prevention program for the elderly. Method: The design of this study is quasi-experimental, the equivalent control group, pretest-posttest. The subjects consist of 124 people who lived in Do-Bong-Qu. Seoul, agreed to participate in this study, and were able to follow this rhythmic movement program. About 93 % of them are from 65 to 84 years (Mean${\pm}$sd: $73.7{\pm}5.7$): 64% are female. The rhythmic movement program was designed. and performed by two community health nurses working in the Do-Bong-Gu Public Health Center, regularly twice a week from May, 4 to December, 17. in 10 senior citizens' community centers. Risk factors of fall were measured with RAFS- II (Risk Assessment for Falls Scale II) by asking about each item: mobility was measured by observing their specific movements asked by investigators. Results: 1. After performing the program during 7 months, risk factors score of falls were decreased significantly (paired-t = 4.77. p<0.01). 2. After performing the program during 7 months, flexibility (paired-t = 2.26. p=0.03) and mobility were improved (paired-t = 4.98. p<0.01). but muscle power and persistency did not change (paired-t = 0.33. p=0.74). Overall, mobility affecting the occurrence of falls was improved significantly (paired-t = 5.15. p<0.01). Conclusions: A regular rhythmic movement program can be helpful in preventing falls in the elderly. Further. we can develop a fall injury prevention program using rhythmic movement.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.609-621
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• 1998

Although many people initially enroll in health education programs, there are many instances of erratic participation and dropouts. Inconsistent participation in intervention programs minimizes their impact on health promotion. Therefore, a theoretical understanding of factors influencing participation in these programs can potentially enhance the effectiveness of its educational strategy. This study used the Pender's Health Promotion Model to examine specific factors influencing incentives to participate in an elderly nutrition education program. The Elderly Nutrition Counseling and Education Program was conducted with 147 volunteers (76 males, 71 females), aged 60 to 87, at 5 separate community elderly centers, by public health dietitians from February to April 1997. Some participants dropped out during the program. Overall, 61 people(18 males, 43 females) finished all 7 steps over 2 months. Pre-intervention data were collected by trained dietitians. This data included individual cognitive-perceptual factors(perceived benefits of nutrition improvement, importance of health, perceived control over health by multidimensional health locus of control, self esteem, perceived health status, concern about health, depression scale and social health scale), which were known to influence the likelihood of health behavior, and modifying factors(socioeconomic variables, biological characteristics, behavioral factors, such as smoking, alcohol drinking and exercise). Male finalists had a significantly lower chance for health locus of control, and better social health status with their children and grandchildren, compared to males who dropped out. Female finalists had a significantly higher locus of control regarding food behavior, higher self-esteem, better recognized nutritional status, worse self-recognized health status and lower concern about health than those who dropped out. There was no significant difference between the attendees and dropouts in age, BMI$(kg/m^2)$, Nutritional Risk Index, depression scale and daily nutrient intake. These results suggest that elderly nutrition intervention plans should focus on the individual cognitive and perceptual factors, with interpersonal influences, to increase participation in nutrition in nutrition improvement programs.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.160-169
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• 2020

This study was conducted to identify the linkage and cooperation experiences in public case-management services of visiting health care practitioners. Focus group interviews were conducted with three people in charge of providing visiting healthcare services in public health centers. A semi-structured interview questionnaire was developed in advance through discussions among researchers In response to the interview questions, study participants described in detail the success and failure factors associated with linkage and cooperation that they experienced while providing visiting healthcare services. The interview data were analyzed qualitatively to identify the main themes and sub-themes reflecting visiting nurses' experiences with linkage and cooperation. The three main themes were: 'Guidelines act as positive performance factors for community-based linkage and cooperation', 'Unstable employment and lack of an integrated system act as barriers to linkage and cooperation', and 'Necessary for multidimensional approach to promoting linkage and cooperation'. Based on these results, the authors propose the development of clear linkage and cooperation standards and procedures, thereby ensuring job security for visiting nurses. Moreover, an integrated information system should be developed and implemented.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.195-200
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• 2017

Objectives: Q fever is a zoonotic disease that occurs worldwide; however, little is known about its prevalence in South Korea. We attempted to determine the prevalence of Q fever seroreactivity among Korean slaughterhouse workers and the risk factors for seroreactivity according to the type of work. Methods: The study was conducted among 1503 workers at a total of 73 slaughterhouses and 62 residual-product disposal plants. During the study period, sites were visited and surveys were administered to employees involved in slaughterhouse work, and serological tests were performed on blood samples by indirect immunofluorescence assays. Serological samples were grouped by job classification into those of slaughter workers, residual-product handlers, inspectors and inspection assistants, and grading testers and testing assistants. Employee risk factors were analyzed according to the type of work. Results: Out of 1481 study subjects who provided a blood sample, 151 (10.2%) showed reactive antibodies. When these results were analyzed in accordance with the type of work, the result of slaughter workers (11.3%) was similar to the result of residual-product handlers (11.4%), and the result of inspectors and assistants (5.3%) was similar to the result of grading testers and assistants (5.4%). Among those who answered in the affirmative to the survey question, "Has there been frequent contact between cattle blood and your mouth while working?" the proportions were 13.4 and 4.6%, respectively, and this was identified as a risk factor that significantly varied between job categories among slaughterhouse workers. Conclusions: This study found a Q fever seroreactivity rate of 10.2% for slaughterhouse workers, who are known to be a high-risk population. Contact with cattle blood around the mouth while working was the differential risk factor between job categories among slaughterhouse workers.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.99-113
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• 2002

For this study a sample of 205 people, 66 males and 139 females, over 65 years of age, residing in C-gu of S-si and utilizing senior centers, were selected, The objective of the study was to provide basic data for health promotion program development provided by health centers. A questionnaire was used to collect date on general characteristics, health status, social health status and utilization rate for health services. The instruments used in this study were the Lawton scale, to measure daily routine function, the MMSE-K developed by Folstein and modified to fit the Korea situation, for mental health status, and the CES-Dtool developed by Radloff, for emotional health status. the SPSS Window program was used to calculate percentages. Tests of significance were done using t-test and ANOVA. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify variables influencing the use of health services. The results are as follows : Of those utilizing senior citizen centers, 40.9% of males and 17.3% of the female thought they were healthy. The average score for IADL was 7.4. The daily routine of female respondents consisted of buying household articles and drugs, and other IADLs such as riding the bus or subway alone. These resulted in a higher score compared to males. For emotional health, 7.6% of the males reported depression compared to 21.6% of the females. For mental health, 48.5% of the males and 28.8% of the females were found to be in the group suspicious for dementia. On social health, 57.6% of the males and 62.6% of the females reported no intimate human relations. Of those older people who had close human relations, 52.5% of the males indicated a friend as the closest person and 53.8% of the females, their children. On use of health services, there was a significantly higher need for mobile medical care services treatment for those with lower education levels and status of window/widower. There was a significantly higher need for health exmination services for those with lower levels of exercise, greater satisfaction with sleep, higher levels of oral health care, and higher social contacts. In conclusion, there is a need to provide varied programs for the promotion of health, along with parallel resolution of social, psychological and economic issues. It is recommended that health services for elderly people provided by the health centers be implemented with full recognition of these characteristics and differences.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.1-19
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• 2007

Objectives: The purpose of the this study was to evaluate lifestyle intervention program for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome. Methods: Subjects of this study were 700 adults with metabolic syndrome who took health examinations in health promotion centers of Korea Association of Health Promotion between May 1 and June 30, 2006. Subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a comparison group. Participants in the experimental group received intensive 3-month lifestyle modification intervention and participants in the comparison group received minimal information on lifestyle modification. Pre test and Post test were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention program. Results: After the intensive intervention on lifestyle modification(healthy diet, physical activity, moderate drinking, stress management, and smoking cessation), the levels of blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose and triglycerides were significantly reduced for those in experimental group(P<0.001). For those in comparison group, the levels of blood pressure(P<0.001), waist circumference(P<0.001), and triglycerides(P<0.01) were significantly reduced after the intervention. No change in the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed in both groups. After 3-month intervention, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was reduced to 35.7% in experimental group and 48.5% in comparison group. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated the efficacy of therapeutic lifestyle intervention for the management of metabolic syndrome.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.317-325
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the education intervention program as a nutrition program and exercise for the improvement of metabolic syndrome in women who voluntarily participated in health program in public health centers over 30 years of age. The subjects of this study were 120 women who completed the 12 - week obesity clinic program among the 400 obesity clinic participants in the northeastern of Seoul. Exercise and nutrition programs were administered on a daily basis for 1 hour every week for 12 hours with exercise and nutrition for 1 week to assess the effect of the participants on the risk factors of metabolic syndrome in health program. The metabolic syndrome and the risk of the disease were examined by analyzing the metabolic syndrome risk factors, change magnitude and change rates before and after the intervention. Waist circumference(p <.001), systolic blood pressure (p <.001), diastolic blood pressure (p <.001) and body mass index (p <.001) decreased during the 12 - week health program. Body weight (p <.01), waist circumference (p <.05), BMI (p <.01) and fat mass (p <.05) decreased more in the age group below 50 years.