• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.503-512
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of socioeconomic status on quality of life(QOL) among breast cancer survivors. The data were from breast cancer survivors in their forties, among whom the prevalence in terms of age was the highest in Korea. A total of 607 cases were analyzed and the mean scores of QOL measured by FACT-B were 93.75(SD=21.50). After controlling for the other socio-demographic and medical variables, QOL was significantly correlated to income and job type, which confirms the association between high socioeconomic status and better QOL. Specifically, groups with higher income($${\geq_-}4$$ million won/month, ${\beta}=0.11$, p= .03) and groups with self-employed(${\beta}=0.10$, p= .01) or professional/managerial(${\beta}=0.17$, p< .001) job type showed significantly better QOL. The need for more attention and support, including formal and informal resources, for breast cancer survivors with low socio-economic status and the implication for practice were discussed.

• Proceedings of the Korea Technology Innovation Society Conference
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• 2015.11a
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• pp.580-593
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• 2015

The quality of life is emphasized as one of the important issue in modern society. Such attention to quality of life started getting more attention lately as it is coupled with the country's competitiveness. In spite the quality of life is very significant, the level of the quality of life in the country is not satisfactory. So, the purpose of this study was to analyze the Korean standard measuring technology in terms of the QOL. First, We identified constructs of the QOL on the basis of several studies to derive an analytical framework. Then, We analyzed the distribution of the measurement standard technology in the country in accordance with the framework. The results of the analysis, many of the current measurement technologies described it regardless of the quality of life. Even if the technologies are relevant. they showed a state biased to the economic QOL. This means that QOL was not considered in the measurement technology standard. Therefore the further improved will be needed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.13
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• pp.5283-5286
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• 2014

Stage of cervical cancer may adversely affect the quality of life (QOL) among patients. The objective of this study was to predict the QOL among cervical cancer patients by the stage of their cancer. A cross-sectional study from September 2012 until January 2013 was conducted among cervical cancer patients who completed treatment. All patients completed a interviewer-guided questionnaire comprising four sections: (A) socio-demographic data, (B) medical history, (C) QOL measured by general health status questionnaire (QLQ-30) and (D) cervical cancer specific module CX-24 (EORTC) was used to measured patient's functional, symptom scale and their global health status. Results showed that global health status, emotional functioning and pain score were higher in stage III cervical cancer patients while role functioning was higher in stage I cervical cancer patients. Patients with stage IV cancer have a lower mean score in global health status (adjusted b-22.0, 95 CI% -35.6, -8.49) and emotional functioning (adjusted b -22.5, 95CI% -38.1, -6.69) while stage III had lower mean score in role functioning (adjusted b -14.3, 95CI% -25.4, -3.21) but higher mean score in pain (adjusted b 22.1, 95 CI% 8.56, 35.7). In conclusion, stage III and IV cervical cancers mainly affect the QOL of cervical cancer patients. Focus should be given to these subgroups to help in improving the QOL.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3095-3099
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• 2016

Background: Cervical cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in India. Understanding quality of life (QOL) in women undergoing chemo-radiotherapy for cervical cancer will help in introducing interventions for better care and outcomes in these women. This study assessed QOL before and after chemo-radiotherapy in cervical cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This follow-up study covered sixty-seven newly diagnosed women with advanced cervical cancer (stages 2b to 4b). Structured questionnaires (the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CX24) were used to assess the change in QOL after 6 months of treatment. Results: The mean age of women at the time of detection of cervical cancer was $52.3{\pm}11.29$ years (Range 30-75 years). Six months survival was 92.53%. The mean global health score of cervical cancer patients after six months of treatment was 59.52, which was significantly higher than the pre-treatment score of 50.15 (p=0.00007). Physical, cognitive and emotional functioning improved significantly (p<0.05) after treatment. Fatigue, pain, insomnia and appetite loss improved but episodes of diarrhea increased after treatment. The mean "symptoms score" using EORTC QLQ-CX24 post treatment was 20.0 which was significantly lower as compared to the pre- treatment score 30.0 (p<0.00001). Sexual enjoyment and sexual functioning decreased significantly after treatment. Conclusions: QOL of newly diagnosed cervical cancer patients improved significantly following chemo-radio therapy. Enhancement was also demonstrated on three of the five functional scales of EORTC QLQ-C30. To further improve QOL, interventions focusing on social and psychological support and physical rehabilitation may be needed.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.817-828
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• 1999

This is a descriptive study on quality of life(QOL) and related factors of ostomates to provide a basic data for development of nursing interventions. The subjects were 110 ostomates who were members of the Daegu or Daejon branches of the Korean Ostomy Association. Data collection was performed between March 1st and April 6th, 1998. Measurements of QOL, self-care, family support, self-esteem, and hope were used as the study tools. Data were analyzed with the SAS program by using t-test, ANOVA Pearson correlation and stepwise multiple regression. The results are as follows : 1) The score on the QOL scale ranged from 97 to 226 with a mean of 164.53($\pm$28.29). 2) The score of QOL on the general and ostomate-related characteristics showed significant differences according to monthly income, monthly participation in ostomate meetings, combined treatments after operation, types of evacuation management, problems of ostomy, help in caring for the ostomy, length of time since ostomate surgery, and presence or absence of readmission after discharge. 3) There were significant positive correlations between quality of life and other factors : self-esteem(r＝0.7107, P＜0.001), hope(r＝0.6584, P＜0.001) family support(r＝0.6191, P＜0.001), perception of health condition(r＝0.6017, P＜0.001), and self-care (r＝0.2286, P＜0.05). 4) The variables that affected the quality of life of the subjects were self-esteem, level of family support, perception of health condition, monthly participation in ostomate meetings, combined treatments after operation, monthly income, level of hope, and age in that order. The variance of quality of life was $R^2$＝77.20 percent by calculating the sum of those variables. In conclusion, it is necessary for nursing intervention to promote self-esteem, family support, and hope in the care of ostomates in order to improve QOL.

• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.84-91
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between quality of sleep, symptom cluster, depression, environmental disorder, and quality of life among hospitalized cancer patients. Methods: The subjects were 114 patients who underwent chemotherapy for colon cancer, gastric cancer, gynecologic cancer and breast cancer. They were recruited from the cancer center of a university hospital. Data were collected from August 4th to 30th, 2011. The questionnaires included the Korean sleep scale A (quality of sleep), MDASI-K (symptom cluster), the environmental sleep disturbing scale, Zung's depression scale, and the Korean version of EORTC QLQ-C30. The collected data was analyzed by t-test, ANOVA, multiple regression analysis using the SPSS 19.0 program. Results: Functional QOL was negatively associated with symptom QOL (r=-.798, p<.001). Symptom cluster, depression, & spouse (46.3%) were the most powerful predictors for functional QOL (46.3%) and symptom QOL (53.4%). Conclusion: It is evident that oncology nurses need to evaluate two dimensions of quality of life for cancer patients, for example, functional and symptom QOL. We recommend nurses develop specific protocols for relieving physical symptoms and alleviating depression, and furthermore test the effectiveness of them.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.337-344
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• 2007

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the level of quality of life (QOL) and to identify its related factors among the elderly using a hall for the aged. Methods: The study subjects were 350 elderly people living in Nam Gu, Gwangju City. They were interviewed by questionnaire to collect information on social-demographic characteristics, health behaviors, health-related characteristics and QOL. We used statistical analysis methods such as T-test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis to find which factors affected QOL. Results: The characteristics relating to physical functions were as follows: presence of spouse, education, alcohol drinking, teeth condition, arthritis, frequency of visiting the hall for the aged, and depression. Age, arthritis and depression were significantly related to role limitation due to physical problems. General health was related to gender, age, and depression, and vitality was related to education, frequency of visiting the hall, and depression. Role limitation due to emotional problems was related to age and depression, and mental health was related to age, hypertension, arthritis and depression. Conclusions: This study showed QOL of the elderly was significantly influenced by socio-demographic factors, and physical or emotional conditions. To improve QOL of the elderly, we need to develop programs to promote health and to manage chronic diseases of the elderly.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 1988.08a
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• pp.87-91
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• 1988

We studied the effects of red ginseng on blood pressure (BP) and the quality of life (QOL) in 19 hypertensive patients treated with antihypertensive agents. Red ginseng was administered at a dosage of three grams a day for three months. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lowered during the administration period of red ginseng. while diastolic blood pressure and hear1 rate remained unchanged. QOL was significantly improved in $89\%$ of the patients. Among the QOL variables. sleep disorder. thirst. fatigue. mood. sexual life and general well-being were improved. Furthermore. an improved coefficient of variation of R-R intervals $(CV_{R-R})$ was observed during the period. A month after the cessation of red ginseng systolic blood pressure returned to the level before the administration and QOL variables detariorated to previous pre-treatment states. These results suggest that red ginsing may lower systolic blood pressure and may improve QOL in patients treated with antihypertensive agents.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of a four-week scapular stabilization exercise program using the PNF technique on scapular symmetry and range of flexion motion (ROM), pain, function, and quality of life (QOL) in post-mastectomy women with breast cancer. Methods: This study included 20 women divided into an experimental group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10). All patients performed complex decongestive physiotherapy for 40 min daily, five times per week for four weeks. The experimental group performed the extra scapular stabilizing exercise program using the PNF technique for 50 min daily, five times per week for four weeks. Scapular symmetry, shoulder flexion ROM, pain and function, and QOL were subsequently assessed. For ROM measurement, the range of shoulder flexion was measured using a clinometer smart phone application; the pain of the shoulder was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS); the scapular position was measured using a lateral scapular slide test (LSST); the level of pain and functional activity was measured using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI); and the QOL was measured using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast. Results: There were significant differences in shoulder flexion ROM, VAS, SPADI, and LSST 0˚ and 45˚ when the experimental group was compared with the control group (p < 0.05). After the intervention, there was an improved within-group change in the ROM, SPADI, LSST, and QOL in both the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a scapular stabilization exercise program using the PNF technique may be used as a possible treatment option for post-mastectomy women with breast cancer that aims to improve scapular position, shoulder ROM and function, and QOL.

• Journal of Korean Academic Society of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.310-318
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• 2022

Purpose: This is a cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effects of dry eye syndrome symptoms and eye fatigue on the vision-related quality of life (QOL) of middle-aged patients with dry eye syndrome. Methods: The participants of this study were 94 ophthalmology clinic outpatients aged 40-59 years who were diagnosed with dry eye syndrome at A and S Ophthalmology Clinics in D City, South Korea, and were exhibiting dry eye syndrome symptoms. Data were collected from July 5, 2021 to July 22, 2021, and analyzed using independent t-test, analysis of variance, Scheffe test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis using the SPSS/WIN 25.0 program. Results: The severity of dry eye syndrome symptoms and asthenopia (r=.73, p<.001) in the participants were positively correlated, whereas the severity of dry eye syndrome symptoms and vision-related quality of life (r=-.76, p<.001) were negatively correlated. Additionally, there was a negative relationship between eye fatigue and vision-related QOL (r=-.55, p<.001). It was found that the final factors affecting the vision-related QOL of middle-aged patients with dry eye syndrome were the severity of dry eye syndrome symptoms (β=-0.76, p<.001) and dry eye stress (β=-0.14, p=.048). The explanatory power of vision-related QOL in the participants was 56.0%. Conclusion: To develop indices that can objectively measure patients' subjective symptoms for improving their vision-related QOL is necessary.