• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.304-310
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• 2021

Background: Healthcare settings have been recognized among the most hazardous places to work. Based on the five categories of occupational hazards that were identified by the ILO and WHO, this study aimed to analyze policy framework relevant to occupational health protection of health workers (HWs) in public health service in China, then discussed how to share the experience of the National Health Service (NHS) England for improvement. Methods: Based on policy learning theories, policy analysis and qualitative interview were used in this study. Results: In the Chinese public health service, at least five laws related to the regulation of occupational health protection for HWs; however, enforcement of relevant laws was separated and multi-centered; the national monitoring system, which targeted to occupational hazards and health outcome for HWs in China, had yet to be developed; the top three priorities were workplace violence, bloodborne pathogens, and musculoskeletal disorders; national strategies included Security Hospital, and Healthy China 2030. In NHS England, three laws were fundamental; several monitoring systems had been set up, including NHS Staff Survey, Commissioning for Quality and Innovation incentive scheme; mental health, musculoskeletal problem, and nutrition disorder and overweight were raised great concern; Health and Safety, and NHS Healthy Workforce Program were critical nationwide strategies. Conclusion: There were several similarities as well as differences between the Chinese public health system and NHS England, which laid foundation of learning by China. Recommendations of improving occupational health policies in China were provided, based on the lessons learned from the NHS England.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.17
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• pp.309-312
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• 2001

It has recently been suggested that the release of "endocrine disrupters (EDs)" into the environment has resulted in adverse health effects on wild life populations and humans (Golden et al., 1998; Tyler et al., 1998; Kang et al., 2000). Human sperm counts have declined significantly throughout the world during the past fifty years, and which is a significant public health concern (Carlsen et al., 1992; Carlsen et al.. 1995). In addition, the EDs persisting in the environment are known to disrupt the normal endocrine systems of wildlife (Colborn, 1995; Crewet al., 1995; Folmer et at, 1996; Sumpter, 1995; Tyler, 1998). Some estrogenic chemicals bind to estrogen receptors (Bolger et al.. 1998), interfere with the binding of physiological ligands to steroid hormone-binding proteins (Danjo, 1997; Milligan et al., 1998). and show immunotoxicity (Sakae et al., 1998). (omitted) (omitted)

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.253-257
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• 2015

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an aromatic herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This study evaluated the therapeutic effect of oregano essential oil (OEO) on clinical bovine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus (S.) aureus and/or Escherichia (E.) coli. Thirty-two quarters from 18 lactating cows with subclinical mastitis were selected from a dairy farm and were divided into 4 groups (8 quarters/group): negative control (CON), positive control (GEN) and two OEO-treated groups (OEO-1 and OEO-2). Each group was intramammarily treated with saline, 10 g/tube of gentamicin ointment, and single and double doses of 0.9 mL OEO ointment twice a day for three days, respectively. After the treatments, physical udder conditions were greatly improved in GEN and OEO groups. In CON group, somatic cell counts (SCCs), number of white blood cells (WBC) and bacteria were increased. However, in OEO groups, SCCs and number of WBC were significantly decreased and S. aureus and E. coli were not detected in milk as compared with those before the treatments as well as GEN group. These results suggest that OEO may be a useful alternative to antibiotics for the control of subclinical bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus and/or E. coli.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.466-479
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to examine the level of physical activity and influencing factors in female college students. Method: Cross-sectional survey data including physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, social influences on physical activity, and perceived health status were collected from 213 subjects. Data from 204 subjects were analyzed. Results: The mean level of physical activity was 2,750.97 MET-min/week. Physical activity showed a positive association with exercise self-efficacy as well as social influences, and a negative association with age. Stepwise multiple regressions showed that physical activity among female college students was predicted by type of leisure activity, relative health status, social influences, and age. Conclusion: The findings suggest that a program for improvement of physical activity in female college students should include interesting and dynamic leisure activities and strategies for performing together with friends should be developed.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.231-236
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• 2017

Vital to the prevention of work-related ill-health (WRIH) is the availability of good quality data regarding WRIH burden and risks. Physician-based surveillance systems such as The Health and Occupation Research (THOR) network in the UK are often established in response to limitations of statutory, compensation-based systems for addressing certain epidemiological aspects of disease surveillance. However, to fulfil their purpose, THOR and others need to have methodologic rigor in capturing and ascertaining cases. This article describes how data collected by THOR and analogous systems can inform WRIH incidence, trends, and other determinants. An overview of the different strands of THOR research is provided, including methodologic advancements facilitated by increased data quantity/quality over time and the value of the research outputs for informing Government and other policy makers. In doing so, the utility of data collected by systems such as THOR to address a wide range of research questions, both in relation to WRIH and to wider issues of public and social health, is demonstrated.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.243-250
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• 2014

This study examined the knowledge and understanding of integrative medicine in Korea, specifically conflicts between western and oriental medicine within Parallel (Dual) health care systems. Qualitative methodology using grounded theory guided semi-structured, in-depth interviews with Western Medical Doctors (W.M.D., n = 6), Oriental Medical Doctors (O.M.D., n = 5) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (T.C.M.P., n = 4). Thematic analysis was used to determine broad themes from the interviews. 15 professionals (W.M.D. (40%), O.M.D. (33%), T.C.M.P. (27%), 10 males (67%) and 5 females (33%), mean age 45) were interviewed, recorded, and transcribed. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: systematic conflicts, integration and future directions. Subthemes of systematic conflicts included: credibility of Oriental Medicine, commercial imperatives, maintaining social standing of O.M.D., professional qualifications and lack structures supporting collaborative practice. Integration subthemes included lack of academic linkage and clarity for appropriate triage, opposing medical paradigms and limited social imperative. Future directions should include: social justification, guarantee of oriental medicine legitimacy, role of government and understanding of scientific evidence. To successfully integrate dual medical systems there is a need to address differences in social-environmental factors and perceptions of scientific understanding, as well as developing strong academic links in clinical practice.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.70-95
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• 1991

The ageing problem of the population has been emerging in Korea since 1970's so that it is expecting the elderly 65 years and over among the total population from $4.5\%$ in 1988 to be $6.3\%$ in year 2000. This study was conducted to provide secure policy development in coming years for the aged on medical and health care aspects based on the examining current status of the aged problems and health care policies and systems. The study divided into four parts; The first part examined the medical insurance program and public assistance program of the health services in relation to the aged. The second part emphasized on reduction of medical care cost for the aged. The third part studied the regular health check-up program and health education for the aged. The fourth part examined the chronic disease management programs for the aged and strategies of the health care service quality improvement and specialized programs. The following recommendations made as the results of the study. 1. At present, the medical insurance program and public assistance program for the medically indigent is not appropriate to the elderly because it is a part of general medical insurance program so that Health Security Law for the Aged is proposed. 2. Medical cost will be increased due to the high occupancy rate of hospital beds and long stay of the elderly so that it is recommended to develop an early discharge program, home health care program, Health hospice and an althernative programs. 3. At present, a regular health check-ups for the elderly is not included in medical insurance program so that it is recommended to be included in the insurance program and at the same time health education program thoroughly developed for the aged. 4. To make proper medical and nursing services on chronic diseases for the elderly, it is recommended manpower development, specialized clinics or hospitals, nursing homes and an equivalent long term care facilitices should be established on the community based and a research institutions also to be related to supper the care programs.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.379-388
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• 2023

This study aims to propose the implementation of innovative payment models in Korea in order to promote the financial sustainability of the national health insurance system by reviewing the current status of the payment system in Korea and examining other countries' experiences with various innovative payment models. Korea primarily uses a fee-for-service payment system and additionally uses various payment systems such as case payment, per diem, and pay-for-performance. However, each payment system has its limitations. Many OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries have pointed out the limitations of existing payment systems and have been attempting various innovative payment models (e.g., add-on payment, bundled payment, and population-based payment). Therefore, it is essential for Korea to consider innovative payment models, such as a mixed payment model that takes into account the strengths and weaknesses of each payment system, and to design and pilot these models. This process requires stakeholders to work together to build a social consensus on the implementation of innovative payment systems and to refine legal and systematic aspects, develop an integrated health information system, and establish dedicated organizations and committees. These efforts towards innovative payment models will contribute to developing a sustainable health insurance system that ensures the public's health and well-being in Korea.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.255-265
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• 2022

Background: Research in environmental health (EH) is of crucial strategic importance for contemporary society. It is becoming even more critical in light of the increasingly rapid pace of environmental changes, opportunities, and threats. Objectives: This study aimed to identify trends and the prospective of environmental health research using SWOT analysis. Methods: The trends in environmental health research were reviewed in previous studies and reports. Reviewed manuscripts were searched for using the keywords of 'environmental health' and 'environmental hygiene' in the KCI (Korean Journal of Citation Index), KISS (Korean Academic Information), PubMed, and Google Scholar. Results: It is essential to center the EH research agenda around key priorities focusing on technological innovation, job creation, and the increasingly prominent role of the private sector. Given the rapidly evolving global sustainability agenda, greater clarity on the ever-increasing sources of complexity and growing expectations of the public might be needed. This requires the identification of criteria to identify EH research priorities with the ultimate goal of maximizing societal benefit. Public health relevance, such as extent and severity of health impact, level of exposure, and inequalities of effects, could be included. Conclusions: Considering the recent interest in and importance of environmental health, a comprehensive approach to environmental health research should be required through the application of the latest science and technology, citizen participation, and environmental health surveillance systems.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.205-226
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• 2021

Objectives: Biomonitoring programs have been widely implemented in the field of environmental health, both in Korea and worldwide. Recently, it has been suggested that the storage, management, and utilization of biosamples collected from biomonitoring programs should be organized based on a biobank system. Therefore, we attempted to review the current status of representative biomonitoring programs and biobank systems that have been implemented in Korea and in other countries. Methods: We searched for bio-samples collected in domestic and foreign biomonitoring programs and their applications. For this, we referred to research papers, homepages hosted by biomonitoring programs, and project reports. We also checked information for biobanks related with biomonitoring programs, including the operating systems, facilities, technologies, and regulations of biobanks. Results: We summarized six domestic and 32 foreign biomonitoring programs. These biomonitoring programs collected bio-samples to determine the relationship between environmental chemicals and diseases. Domestically, bio-samples from KoNEHS, KorSEP, MOCEH, KoCHENS, and KorEHS-C were stored at -80℃ in a deep freezer at the National Institute of Environmental Research, while KNHANES samples were stored at Korea Biobank, which has a stabilized biobanking system with a well-established database. Nine foreign biomonitoring programs (JECS, China-NHBP, CKB, CHMS, NHANES, GerES, Germaan ESB, MoBa, and UK Biobank) were ongoing for large populations. Among them, CKB, GermanESB, and UK biobank have been maintained for at least 10 years with their own biomonitoring programs as well as advanced systems for the safe storage of bio-samples. Conclusion: Currently on-going biobanks have devoted considerable efforts to managing bio-samples for public purposes. The preceding domestic and foreign biomonitoring programs and biobanks will be great references for constructing biobank facilities and systems for environmental public health in Korea in the future.