• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.372-388
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• 2018

Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: Using the keywords "benign prostatic hyperplasia", "benign prostatic hypertrophy", "benign prostatic enlargement", "prostatic hyperplasia", and "moxibustion", we searched papers in numerous databases, including National Discovery for Science Leaders (NDSL), Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal (KTKP), Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL. The search range included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Papers not matched with inclusion criteria were excluded. The methodological quality of each RCT was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Where appropriate, meta-analyses were performed. Results: Initially, 77 studies were found. Of these, 11 duplicate studies were removed and 27 were excluded following title and abstract screening. After the remaining 39 papers were scanned, 13 RCTs were selected and analyzed. Among these 13 RCTs, five compared moxibustion therapy and oral medication, seven compared moxibustion plus acupuncture therapy and oral medication, and one compared moxibustion plus acupuncture therapy and sham-moxibustion. The meta-analysis showed positive results for the use of moxibustion therapy in terms of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality Of Life (QOL), Maximum Flow Rate (Qmax), Prostate Volume (PV), and the efficacy rate. The meta-analysis showed positive results for the use of moxibustion plus acupuncture therapy in terms of IPSS, QOL, and the efficacy rate. Conclusions: This meta-analysis of clinical trials suggests that moxibustion is effective intreating BPH patients. The results of this study could be applied to clinical treatment of BPH. However, additional large-scale clinical researches should be conducted.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.47-63
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• 2018

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of lumbar spinal herniated intervertebral Disc on MRI accompanying or not High-intensive zone(HIZ) by Korean Medical Combination Treatment Methods : 324 patients who received inpatient treatment from January 2017 to September 2017 in the Daejeon-Jaseng of Korean Medicine Hospital were divided into 2 groups by High-intensive zone(HIZ) confirmed with a Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging. All patients received a combination of treatment including acupunture, chuna manual therapy, pharmacopunture, herbal medication. They were compared and analyzed on the basis of improvement between measuring Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol-5 Dimension Index (EQ5D Index), physical examination as they were hospitalized and as they were discharged. The statistically significance was evaluated by SPSS 18.0 for windows. Results : After treatment, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol-5 Dimension Index (EQ5D Index), physical examination was improved respectively. But there was no statistically significance between 2 group's improvement after treatment. Conclusions : After inpatient treatment by Korean Medical Combination Treatment, Most patient's pain, disability and Health Related Quality of Life was improved significantly. But there was no statistically difference between accompanying or not High-intensive zone(HIZ). So We think that future research of higher quality and correct statistics shall be necessary.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.4 s.261
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• pp.310-316
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• 2006

Background: We study the QOL (quality of life) & functional improvement in patients underwent esophageal surgery for cancer by the viewpoint of the patient and would like make the guideline of recovery course. Material and Method: Between Dec. 1996$\sim$Aug. 2002, 250 patients were operated and 57 patients was enable interview, didn't have evidence of recurrence & survived more than 1 year postoperatively at Asan Medical Center. Questionnaire made by direct or telephone interview & include diet habitus, change of body weight, G-E (gastroesophageal) reflux, dumping symptom, change of daily life. Result: There were 53 men (93%), 4 women (7%) with mean age of $62.05{\pm}8.7$ (range: $37{\sim}94$). Operation method was Ivor Lewis operation in 43 case (75.4%), Esophagocolojejunostomy 4 case (7.1%), Mckeown operation 10 case (17.5%). In Diet habitus, 55 patients (96.5%) ate more than three times in a day with mean diet frequency was 3.5 times/day, 51 patients (89.5%) have been ate solid, regular diet, 5 patients (8.8%) enable to eat liquid diet. To compare with preoperative state, 32 patients (56.9%) had a diet speed more than 80%, 28 patients (39.1%) had a diet amount more than 80%. 32 patients (56.9%) had a little change of body weight within a 10%, 25 patients (43%) had a improvement rather than preoperative state. In G-E reflux, 4 patients (7%) had a reflux after every diet, 27 patients (47.4%) had a little reflux after diet. In dumping symptom. 7 patients (12.3%) had a diarrhea after meal. 38 patients (66.6%) had a normal activity 19 patients (33.3%) had a decreased activity. At present state, majority (53 patient-93%) of patient were satisfactory to the operation result, in spite of discomfort from time to time. In the emotional status, 50 patients (88%) had a well sleeping without disturbance. 65% of patients were comfortable in the psychology state. 39% of patients had a libido. Compare with their median age (63 y), it's a normal varient. Conclusion: QOL in patients underwent esophageal surgery for esophageal cancer nearly recovery to preoperative state.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.4685-4690
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• 2015

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between cosmetic outcome (CO), body image, and quality of life in post breast-conserving therapy (BCT) women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study concerned one-year post-completed BCT Thai women. The data included subjective and objective CO with a questionnaire covering demographic and clinical data, anti-hormonal treatment status, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, Self-Reported Cosmetic Outcomes (SRCO), Self-Reported Breast Symmetry (SRBS), Body Image Scale (BIS), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy with Breast Cancer subscale (FACT-B). Participants had breast photographs taken for the evaluation of objective cosmetic outcome (OCO) after breast cancer conservation treatment. The relationship between CO and FACT-B was tested using Spearman's rank correlation Results: A total 127 participants volunteered for the study. The participant characteristics were age 52(${\pm}9$), Buddhist 87%, married 65%, body mass index 25.0(${\pm}4.6$), breast cup size A-C 91%, college educated 60%, employed 66%, ECOG 0-1 95%, tumor size less than or equal to 2 cm 55%, no lymph node metastasis 98%, and taking tamoxifen 57%. Two percent of the participants regretted their decision to undergo BCT. The SRCO was excellent in 2%, good in 68%, fair in 30%, and poor in 0%. For SRBS, rates were 17%, 58%, 24% and 1% for excellent, good, fair and poor cosmetic outcomes, respectively. The BCCT scores were excellent 24%, good 39%, fair 32%, and poor 6%. The median total QOL score of the participants was 130 (93-144). There was no significant correlation between CO and FACT-B scores. Conclusions: The significance of CO for FACT-B in Thai women with breast cancer could not be assessed in detail because of a very low level of correlation. The results may be due to the effects of cultural background.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.105-113
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the new version of the arthritis self-management program (ASMP) developed by the Korean Society of Muscle and Joint Health. Methods: A total of 150 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) were participated in a 6-week self-arthritis management program provided once a week in 3 community health centers. Each session took 1.5 hours. This study measured present health status, frequency of fall during last 3 months, pain, difficulties in activity of daily living, exercise-related efficacy, flexibility of both arms, balance, and health-related quality of life. Results: After a 6-week program, pain, difficulties in ADL, present health status, exercise-related efficacy, health-related quality of life, flexibility of both shoulders, and balance were significantly improved. Conclusion: The results showed the possibility of the 6-week ASMP program in improving health state, physical function, and health-related quality of life in patients with OA.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.361-368
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• 2017

Objectives: This study aimed to explore dimensions in addition to the 5 dimensions of the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L) that could satisfactorily explain variation in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the general population of South Korea. Methods: Domains related to HRQoL were searched through a review of existing HRQoL instruments. Among the 28 potential dimensions, the 5 dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L and 7 additional dimensions (vision, hearing, communication, cognitive function, social relationships, vitality, and sleep) were included. A representative sample of 600 subjects was selected for the survey, which was administered through face-to-face interviews. Subjects were asked to report problems in 12 health dimensions at 5 levels, as well as their self-rated health status using the EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) and a 5-point Likert scale. Among subjects who reported no problems for any of the parameters in the EQ-5D-5L, we analyzed the frequencies of problems in the additional dimensions. A linear regression model with the EQ-VAS as the dependent variable was performed to identify additional significant dimensions. Results: Among respondents who reported full health on the EQ-5D-5L (n=365), 32% reported a problem for at least 1 additional dimension, and 14% reported worse than moderate self-rated health. Regression analysis revealed a $R^2$ of 0.228 for the original EQ-5D-5L dimensions, 0.200 for the new dimensions, and 0.263 for the 12 dimensions together. Among the added dimensions, vitality and sleep were significantly associated with EQ-VAS scores. Conclusions: This study identified significant dimensions for assessing self-rated health among members of the general public, in addition to the 5 dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L. These dimensions could be considered for inclusion in a new preference-based instrument or for developing a country-specific HRQoL instrument.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.114-134
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• 2017

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the changes of women's postpartum symptoms, including their weights, edema index and quality of life (QOL) over the first six weeks after childbirth. Methods: The study participants were 31 postpartum women treated in the Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynecology, at Woo-Suk University Korean Medicine Hospital, from May 20th to August 5th, 2016. In the first 2 weeks of the postpartum period, the main data collection method was to interview each patient and write down all of their complaints, and additionally referring to each participant's PHR (Personal Health Records). At the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th week, the researcher interviewed participants by phone once a week. The participants' weight, edema index (ECW/TBW) and the quality of life (by EQ-VAS) were measured at 1st and 2nd week after childbirth. And, EQ-VAS was assessed once more at the 6th week after childbirth. As a last step, the participants responded to a survey on satisfaction regarding their postpartum care with Korean Medicine. Results: 1. In the 1st one week after childbirth, edema was the most frequent complaint. It was about joint pain of the upper limbs in the 2nd and 3rd weeks, sweating in the 4th week, and joint pain of the upper limbs in the 5th and the 6th weeks. 2. In the 1st two weeks of the postpartum period, the weight of the participants decreased from $66.33{\pm}9.30kg$ to $62.60{\pm}8.92kg$ (p<0.001) and the edema index ECW/TBW decreased from $0.399{\pm}0.010$ to $0.385{\pm}0.0 4$ (p<0.001). The EQ-VAS significantly improved from $61.77{\pm}17.72$ to $73.51{\pm}14.67$ (p<0.001). In the last 4-weeks of the postpartum period, the EQ-VAS decreased from $74.30{\pm}14.25$ to $73.63{\pm}13.35$, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.749). 3. Regarding the satisfaction with postpartum care with Korean Medicine, 60% of the participants responded that it was 'Excellent' and 40% said it was 'Good'. Conclusion: Over the entire postpartum period, the most frequent complaints were about musculoskeletal symptoms. Postpartum care with Korean Medicine treatments in the early postpartum period improves various postpartum symptoms and the quality of life for postpartum women.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2009

Objectives: This study was conducted to estimate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using EuroQoL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) and to identify its related factors among urban-dwelling adults. Methods: The data for this study were obtained from 1,134 subjects aged $20\sim91$, who participated in 'Survey on the health status and demand for health' in two cities of Korea (Dong-gu, Gwangju and Suncheon-si, Jeollanamdo). The HRQOL was measured using the EQ-5D instrument and EQ-5D index scores were calculated by two Korean valuation study model using time trade-off method. Results: The mean EQ-5D index scores for all subjects were $0.865{\pm}0.218$ (model A), and $0.921{\pm}0.170$ (model B). The EQ-5D index score was significantly different according to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics (gender, age, marital status, education, occupation, income, and health security system), self-rated health condition, health-related psychological assessments (enough sleep, fatigue rate, stress rate, and degree of satisfaction on the residence). The results of multiple linear regression showed that age, marital status, income, coverage of medical insurance, self-rated health condition, and fatigue rate were significantly related common statistical factors of HRQOL in two Korean valuation study model. Conclusion: Among the adults residing in urban environment, the HRQOL was significantly lower on the subjects with following conditions: higher age, being alone without a spouse as a result of death, divorce or separation, low income, medical aid program, poor self-rated health condition, and chronic fatigue. In order to improve the urban adults' quality of life, healthcare policy and health promotion program must be developed with considerations to factors related to the HRQOL.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.263-277
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• 1998

Conventional high-dose antipsychotics tend to result in more side effects, negative symptoms and dysphoria, and at the same time lower the cognitive function which is already impaired in most schizophrenics. Florid psychotic symptoms, negative symptoms and cognitive impairment greatly impede psychosocial performance and eventual reintegration into society. The reduction of symptom and the improvement of cognitive funtions and social skills are therefore central to the psychiatric rehabilitation process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dose-reduction effects of antipsychotics on chronic schizophrenics prescribed conventional high-dose antipsychotics more than 1,500mg equivalent of chlorpromazine. Fifty-one chronic schizophrenics who maintained high-dose antipsychotics for more than three months were randomly assigned to two groups : 20 patients comprised the dose-maintaining group and 31 patients made the dose-reduction group. Over a sixteen weekperiod Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS), Extrapyramidal Symptom(EPS), Nurses' Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation(NOSIE-30), Continuous Performance Test(CPT), Quality of Life(QOL), and haloperidol/reduced haloperidol blood levels were determined at the base line and after 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 weeks to evaluate the dose reduction effects of high-dose antipsychotics. The results were as follows : 1) Dose-reduction is highly effective in reducing positive and negative symptoms, and general psychopathology. Effects were most prominent at 8, 12, 16 weeks. Among the dose reduction group, positive symptoms in positive symptom group and negative symptoms in negative symptom group were more reduced. 2 Extrapyramidal symptoms showed no significant difference between two groups. But the EPS was reduced time after time within two groups. 3) Hit rates of Continuous Performance Test, which indicate attentional capacity, increased significantly after dose reduction. 4) Haloperidol and reduced haloperidol blood levels decreased until the 4th week, after which they were constant. 5) Total scores of Nurses' Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation were unchanged between the two groups. But among the indices, social interest and personal neatness were improved in the dose-reduction group and retardation was aggrevated in the dose-maintaining group. 6) Total quality of life scores were unchanged between two groups. But in the dose maintaining group, satisfaction scores of attention, autonomy, and interpersonal relationship decreased progressively. These findings suggest that the dose reduction of antipsychotics for chronic schizophrenics on programs of high-dose antipsychotics were effective. Dose reduction should therefore be implemanted to spread the rehabilitation and improve quality of life for chronic schizophrenics.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.121-129
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• 2021

Sodium intake has been associated with the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study examined the demographic factors related to HRQoL and whether there is an association between sodium intake and HRQoL in adults residing in rural areas. A total of 1,980 adults (aged ≥20 years) were selected from a cross-sectional study conducted between December 2013 and February 2014 in Gyeongju, South Korea. The sodium intake and HRQoL were measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire and the EuroQol Five-Dimension (EQ-5D) (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression), respectively. The education levels (<5 years) were inversely associated with all five dimensions of HRQoL. Men had better EQ-5D scores for each of the five components examined. Adults living with spouses had better scores related to usual activities and anxiety/depression, whereas widowers had decreased scores of mobility and self-care. Unlike older adults aged 70-79 years, adults aged <60 years were more likely to have greater scores related to mobility, usual activities, and pain/discomfort. The income levels were also inversely related to the scores for self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Sodium intake was positively associated with the HRQoL related to self-care, usual activities, and pain/discomfort, but it was negatively associated with anxiety/depression. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the demographic factors and sodium intake were independently associated with HRQoL. The results highlight the need to provide tailored, targeted policies and interventions that consider personal characteristics and dietary intake to improve the overall HRQoL in adults residing in rural areas.