• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.172-179
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• 2018

Background: Insufficient training in infection control and occupational health among healthcare workers (HCWs) in countries with high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) burdens requires attention. We examined the effectiveness of a 1-year Certificate Program in Occupational Health and Infection Control conducted in Free State Province, South Africa in an international partnership to empower HCWs to become change agents to promote workplace-based HIV and TB prevention. Methods: Questionnaires assessing reactions to the program and Knowledge, Attitudes, Skills, and Practices were collected pre-, mid-, and postprogram. Individual interviews, group project evaluations, and participant observation were also conducted. Quantitative data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Qualitative data were thematically coded and analyzed using the Kirkpatrick framework. Results: Participants recruited (n = 32) were mostly female (81%) and nurses (56%). Pre-to-post-program mean scores improved in knowledge (+12%, p = 0.002) and skills/practices (+14%, p = 0.002). Preprogram attitude scores were high but did not change. Participants felt empowered and demonstrated attitudinal improvements regarding HIV, TB, infection control, and occupational health. Successful projects were indeed implemented. However, participants encountered considerable difficulties in trying to sustain improvement, due largely to lack of pre-existing knowledge and experience, combined with inadequate staffing and insufficient management support. Conclusion: Training is essential to strengthen HCWs' occupational health and infection control knowledge, attitudes, skills, and practices, and workplace-based training programs such as this can yield impressive results. However, the considerable mentorship resources required for such programs and the substantial infrastructural supports needed for implementation and sustainability of improvements in settings without pre-existing experience in such endeavors should not be underestimated.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.81-86
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• 2004

Objective: This study was designed to investigate clinical features of chronic urticaria and assess Korean traditional medical therapy on that. Methods: The ratio of male and female, duration of symptoms, personal history and family history of allergic diseases, serum IgE level, and suspected causes and provocation factors were investigated in 41 patients with chronic urticaria. And frequency of wheals, duration of wheals, number of wheals, itch severity, and antihistamine counts of 6-point(0-5) score was assessed in 26 patients. The change of total scores between baseline and follow up were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test(p〈0.05). Results: 1. The ratio of male and female was 1:1.28 and the mean duration of symptoms was 26.0 months. 2. The frequency of personal history and family history of allergic diseases was each 53.7$\%$ and 48.8$\%$ and 30.6$\%$ had over 200 IU／mL serum IgE level. 3. The suspected causes were none(43.9$\%$), foods(29.3$\%$), drugs(9.8$\%$) and stress(7.3$\%$). 4. The suspected provocation factors were foods(39.0$\%$), none(19.5$\%$), fatigue(17.0$\%$), heat and sweating(l4.6$\%$), pressure(12.2$\%$) and stress(9.8). 5. The total scores between baseline and follow up of 26 patients was lowered from 14.85${\pm}$3.80 to 7.65${\pm}$4.31 and it was significant statistically. Conclusions: Korean traditional medical therapy was proved to be effective on the chronic urticaria and we need to consider foods as important factor in both treatment and patient education of urticaria.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.210-215
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• 2014

Background: The ongoing economic crisis in Greece has affected both stress and quality of life (QoL) at all socioeconomic levels, including professionals in the police force. The aim of this study was to examine perceived stress, job satisfaction, QoL, and their relationships in a sample of police officers in Greece. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first trimester of 2011 in 23 police stations in the greater Athens area. A total of 201 police officers agreed to participate (response rate 44.6%). The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used to assess general health, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14) questionnaires were used to assess QoL and perceived stress, respectively. Results: The PSS and GHQ subscales and total scores exhibited strong, positive, and significant correlations coefficients (r): 0.52 for somatic disturbances, 0.56 for stress and insomnia, 0.40 for social dysfunction, and 0.37 for depression, yielding an r equal to 0.57 for the total GHQ score. A higher level of perceived stress was related to a lower likelihood of being satisfied with their job; in this regard, male participants and higher ranked officers reported lower job satisfaction. The PSS and GHQ scores were inversely, consistently, and significantly related to almost all of the QoL aspects, explaining up to 34% of their variability. Parenthood had a positive effect on QoL related to physical health, and women reported lower QoL related to psychological health. Conclusion: Higher levels of stress are related to an increased risk of reporting suboptimal job satisfaction and QoL. The magnitude of these associations varied depending on age, gender, and rank, highlighting the need for stress-management training.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.209-215
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• 2019

Background: Pain is an unpleasant sensation ranging from mild localized discomfort to agony and is one of the most commonly experienced symptoms in oral surgery. Usually, local anesthetic agents and analgesics are used for pain control in oral surgical procedures. Local anesthetic agents including lignocaine and bupivacaine are routinely used in varying concentrations. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 0.25% and 0.5% bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in infraorbital nerve block. Methods: Forty-one patients undergoing bilateral maxillary orthodontic extraction received 0.5% bupivacaine (n = 41) on one side and 0.25% bupivacaine (n = 41) on the other side at an interval of 7 d. The parameters evaluated for both the bupivacaine concentrations were onset of action, pain during procedure (visual analog scale score [VAS]), and duration of action. The results were noted, tabulated, and analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: The onset of action of 0.5% bupivacaine was quicker than that of 0.25% bupivacaine, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.306). No significant difference was found between the solutions for VAS scores (P = 0.221) scores and duration of action (P = 0.662). Conclusion: There was no significant difference between 0.25% bupivacaine and 0.5% bupivacaine in terms of onset of action, pain during procedure, and duration of action. The use of 0.25% bupivacaine is recommended.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.384-391
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• 2021

Purpose: The Cow's Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS^TM) was developed as an awareness tool for evaluating cow's milk-related symptoms in otherwise healthy children. Using a convenience sample of participants, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine CoMiSS^TM values of symptomatic infants based on retrospectively or prospectively obtained information. Methods: CoMiSS^TM values were determined in infants aged <12 months with symptoms suggestive of cow's milk protein allergy or functional gastrointestinal disorders. The exclusion criteria were previous diagnosis with acute or chronic disease, treatment with a therapeutic formula, and in case of breastfeeding, an elimination diet followed by the mother. Two CoMiSS^TM values were assessed. A retrospective collection was defined as the collection of data after initial contact with the medical center but before the first medical consultation. A prospective collection was defined as the collection of data within 24 hours from the time of medical consultation but before starting any therapeutic intervention. The CoMiSS^TM total and individual component scores obtained retrospectively or prospectively were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: This study was performed between August and November 2019. Data of 110 children (62 males and 48 females), with a mean±standard deviation age of 18.2±11.7 weeks, were obtained. The total CoMiSS^TM value (p<0.001) and some individual component scores (crying, regurgitation, and stool) were significantly lower when collected prospectively than when collected retrospectively. Conclusion: CoMiSS^TM values were retrospectively and prospectively determined. Lower CoMiSS^TM values were obtained during prospective evaluation. Possible differences should be considered when using CoMiSS^TM in clinical practice.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.287-297
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation and agreement of physical activity (PA) between data obtained from wearable Actigraph devices and self-reporting questionnaires, and to investigate the relationship between psychological state (depression, anxiety, and fatigue) and PA. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using physical measurements and surveys. PA was measured through both the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Actigraph GT3X+ device. The demographic characteristics of the subjects, as well as their depression, anxiety, and fatigue scores, were collected with structured questionnaires. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman plot method were employed. Results: Data from 36 healthy adults were analyzed. The overall levels of PA measured using the IPAQ and the Actigraph were 1,891.69 MET min/week and 669.96 MET/day, respectively. Total levels of PA did not show a significant correlation between the two measurement methodologies. However, the moderate-intensity PA resulting from the IPAQ scores showed a significant positive correlation with the light-intensity PA recorded by the Actigraph. The Bland-Altman plot analysis demonstrated that the levels of PA as measured by the two different methods did not match. In addition, PA measured using the Actigraph showed a significant negative correlation with depression and anxiety whereas PA measured using the IPAQ showed a significant positive correlation with fatigue. Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that the data obtained from the subjective self-reporting questionnaire and the wearable Actigraph do not correlate or match in healthy adults. Future research should investigate the relationship between depression and PA intensity through the Actigraph, or other wearable devices equipped with smartphone apps.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.364-372
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• 2023

Background: Growing evidence suggests that beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), arginine (Arg), and glutamine (Gln) positively affect wound recovery. This study investigated the effects of long-term administration of HMB/Arg/Gln on pressure ulcer (PU) healing in sedentary older adults admitted to geriatric and rehabilitation care facilities. Methods: This was a pilot retrospective case (standard of care and HMB/Arg/Gln)-control (standard of care alone) clinical study. Outcome measures were relative healing rates and Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) scores (calculated after 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks) and time to healing. Results: The study subpopulation was comprised of 14 participants (four males, 28.6%) with the median age of 85.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 82.0-90.2 years). The control subpopulation was comprised of 31 participants (18 males, 58.1%) with the median age of 84.0 years (IQR, 78.0-90.0 years). At the beginning of follow-up, there were no statistically significant demographic (sex and age) and clinical (main diagnosis, baseline area, and PU perimeter) differences between the groups. During the study period, there were no significant differences in the relative healing rates and PUSH scores between the subpopulations. The median time to complete healing in the study and control populations was 170.0 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 85.7-254.3) and 218.0 days (95% CI, 149.2- 286.7) (log-rank, chi-square=3.99; p<0.046), respectively. Conclusion: More than 20 weeks of HMB/Arg/Gln supplementation had a positive effect on difficult PU healing in older adults with multiple comorbidities.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.8.1-8.12
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• 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Dental Practicality Index (DPI) training using an online video on the treatment planning decisions and confidence level of dental undergraduates (DUs). Materials and Methods: Ninety-four DUs were shown 15 clinical case scenarios and asked to decide on treatment plans based on 4 treatment options. The most appropriate treatment plan had been decided by a consensus panel of experienced dentists. DUs then underwent DPI training using an online video. In a post-DPI-training test, DUs were shown the same clinical case scenarios and asked to assign the best treatment option. After 6 weeks, DUs were retested to assess their knowledge retention. In all 3 tests, DUs completed the confidence level scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the related-samples Wilcoxon signed rank test and the independent-samples Mann-Whitney U test with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: DPI training significantly improved the mean scores of the DUs from 7.53 in the pre-DPI-training test to 9.01 in the post-DPI-training test (p < 0.001). After 6 weeks, the mean scores decreased marginally to 8.87 in the retention test (p = 0.563). DPI training increased their confidence level from 5.68 pre-DPI training to 7.09 post-DPI training. Conclusions: Training DUs using DPI with an online video improved their decision-making and confidence level in treatment planning.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.13-21
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• 2012

Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify the effects of a community-level individual health counseling program for community. Methods: Data included baseline demographics, blood pressure, blood sugar, waist circumference, total cholesterol and health behavior index(body mass index, dietary practice guidelines score, physical activity, high-risk drinking) collected at public health centers in Chungnam province from January to September, 2011. Data obtained from the individual health counseling program in Chungnam province were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and McNemar Test. Results: After the individual health counseling intervention, the results of health measurement index; systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, waist circumference decreased in the health risk group, while total cholesterol and waist circumference decreased in the disease management group. Health behavior change in both groups. Body mass index, moderate physical activity, dietary practice guidelines scores were improved. Conclusions: These results indicate that the individual health counseling program for community was effective in improving health behaviors and status. The results demonstrate that step-by-step counseling program development and intervention studies are needed.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.122-130
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in vaccination status and awareness between influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations in the elderly. Methods: This cross-sectional study was used with a questionnaire. Data were collected from 107 older people over 65 years registered at one community center in December, 2012. The data were analysed with Chi-square, Fisher's exact-test, Wilcoxon Signed rank sum test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskall-Wallis test. Results: There were significant differences in the experiences of vaccination and reason for unvaccination by vaccine types. The mean scores for awareness of vaccination were 1.81 (range 0~3) in influenza and 1.50 in pneumococcus (range 0~3). There was a significant difference in awareness by vaccine types (Z=6.12, p<.001). There was a positive association between influenza and pneumococcal vaccination awareness (rho=.236, p=.014). Conclusion: This study showed different vaccination status and awareness in vaccine types. It is necessary to consider vaccination status and awareness by vaccine types of the target population in the education program related to vaccination.