• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.265-270
• /
• 1997

To assess several chemotherapeutic schemes for control of enterobiasis, 738 children in five primary schools in Chunchon, Korea, were studied from May 1994 to June 1995. They were divided into 6 groups by the schemes: treatment of once or hice a year; treatment of positive cases or of whole class students; treatment with or without family members. The overall egg Positive rate before intervention was 17.5% out of 789 children. Treating all individuals in a class together with family members of positive cases brought better control efficacy than other schemes (P=0.000). However, when egg Positive rate is less than 30%, treating only egg Positive cases also can reduce egg Positive rate. The con- founding factors for the enterobiasis control in primary schoolchildren were new-comer to a class and familial infection.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.32 no.5 s.92
• /
• pp.506-514
• /
• 2006

The objectives of this study were to evaluate personal exposure estimated using a time activity pattern and microenvironmental model. The study was carried out for 44 children attending a primary school nearby the lines (school A) and 125 children attending a school away from 154 kV power lines (school B). For children attending school A, the estimated personal level was a little weak correlated with the measured level($Pearson\;r\;=0.34{\sim}0.35$). For children attending school B, the correlation was very low ($Pearson\;r\;=\;0.09{\sim}0.16$) using the TW A Model II, otherwise, TWA Model II-I which considered the average residential MF level according to the distance from the power line and home explained $39{\sim}53%$ of the correlation in MF personal exposures. The estimated personal exposure level was very well represented by the measured exposure level using TWA Model II-2 which consisted on spot and 24 h stationary measurements at subject's home ($Pearson\;r\;=\;0.65{\sim}0.85$). In conclusion, personal magnetic field expsoure estimated using a TWA Model II-2 should be provided for a reasonable estimate of measured exposure in schoolchildren living near the power line.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.38 no.6
• /
• pp.472-481
• /
• 2012

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the AD (allergic diseases: asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis) prevalence among elementary schoolchildren in an industrial city, Ulsan, and identify major environmental risk factors associated with AD prevalence. Methods: Data on the physician-diagnosed prevalence over the past 12 months and potential risk factors of AD were collected through a questionnaire from a 2009-2010 survey of 4,067 schoolchildren living in different urban environments. The logistic regression analysis was performed to assess differences in AD prevalence among the areas and to determine which environmental factors impacted AD. Results: Our survey results showed that the AD prevalence rate ranged between 26.2% and 35.9%. Children living in polluted areas (near industrial and central urban areas) had about a 10% higher prevalence of AD than did those living in coastal or suburban residences. The Chi-Square test demonstrated that this local difference was statistically significant before and after adjustment of major confounders such as parental AD history and parental education. The results of the logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between several environmental factors (ventilation in winter, odor conditions and exposure to traffic smoke, and outdoor $PM_{10}/O_3$ pollution) and the prevalence of AD found by multivariate model after adjusting confounders. Conclusion: These results suggest that local differences in AD prevalence are significantly associated with outdoor environmental factors. Although there are likely to be other risk factors for AD, living in a polluted area and exposure to high levels of air pollutants can contribute to an increased risk of childhood AD.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.139-145
• /
• 2016

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a major public health problem for all ages. Despite the high prevalence of smoking among the Saudi population, there is limited information about levels of urinary cotinine in Saudi children exposed to SHS. The aim of the study was to assess the exposure of schoolchildren to ETS, and measure their urinary cotinine levels. Multistage cluster sampling was carried out, where schoolchildren from 4 schools were randomly chosen from primary schools in Taif city. A questionnaire including questions on SHS exposure and smoking rules in the residence were sent to students parents/guardians. Urine samples were taken and analyzed for total cotinine using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Of the studied children, 38.4% had a smoking father, 61.8%, 41.2% and 49.3% of them were exposed to ETS indoors, outdoors and both indoors and outdoors respectively. The mean urinary cotinine was significantly higher among children exposed to ETS compared to unexposed children. Urinary cotinine levels in children with both indoor and outdoor exposure was significantly higher compared with its level in children with single exposure. A significant positive correlation was found between urinary cotinine concentrations and the number of cigarette packs smoked by parents, and the number of smokers in the residence. The mean urinary cotinine level was significantly higher in children who reported no smoking rules at the residence.. The study revealed a high exposure of Saudi children to ETS. An antismoking media awareness campaign on the harmful effects of ETS should be carried out, in addition to family counseling programs targeted to parents to protect their children from ETS.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.141-143
• /
• 2008

Purpose: This study investigated visual acuity and refractive error in elementary schoolchildren and examined relationship between visual acuity and refractive error. Methods: Naked visual acuity and refractive error for selected 200 schoolchildren (400 eyes) of 1st, 3rd and 6th grades. Results: The refractive error in hyperopia was gradually decreased and visual acuity was increased as higher grade. The regression line of Y=2.1471X-3.1484 (F=313.9377, P<0.001) and closed inter-relationship were found between visual acuity and refractive error in myopia. The regression line equation of Y=-0.6854X+1.1764 (F=7.054, P<0.01) and closed inter-relationship were found between visual acuity and refractive error in hyperopia. The relationship between visual acuity and refractive error in astigmatism was Y=2.2509X-2.8738 (F=21.7952, P<0.001) and closed inter-relationship was found. Conclusions: Myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism showed closed inter-relationship with visual acuity.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.10 no.3
• /
• pp.359-363
• /
• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the association of Japanese schoolchildren's involvement in at-home meal preparation with food intake and cooking skill. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We included 1,207 fifth-grade children aged 10-11 years and one parent of each child. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data on involvement in at-home meal preparation. Correspondence analysis was used to classify involvement in at-home meal preparation into three groups: food-related activities (cooking only or with other activities such as shopping, table-setting, clean up, and dishwashing), non-food-related activities (table-setting and/or clean up), and no (helping) activities. Food intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to examine involvement in at-home meal preparation associations. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 1,207 fifth-grade children. Vegetable intake was lower in the no (helping) activities group than the food-related activities group (95% CI; boys: 1.2, 5.1, girls: 2.0, 8.9). Fewer children in the non-food-related activities group reported they were able to make a portion of their meals compared with the food-related activities group (95% CI; boys: 1.6, 3.5; girls: 1.5, 3.2). CONCLUSIONS: Children in the food-related activities group showed more favorable food intake and cooking skills than children in the no (helping) activities or non-food-related activities group.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.13-22
• /
• 1981

A study was conducted to provide comprehensive information on epidemiological state of crippled schoolchildren in Chungnam area from November 23,1979 to June 19,1980. In this study, two step survey was conducted upon whole primary, middle and high school, and subsequent selected 537 cases in total 3,063 crippled children. The results obstained are as follows; 1. The prevalence rate of orthopedic defect children was 3.7 per 1,000 and dominant male as 6:4. 2. It was relatively higher the school grade and prevalence rate more increased. Prevalence rate was highest in high school as 4.7 per 1,000, middle in middle school as 4.4 per 1,000 and lowest in primary school as 3.1 per 1,000. 3. The most predominant group was $15{\sim}19$ age as 52.9 percent. 4. The most common job of their parent was agriculture as 52.9 percent and next job sales and service. Economic state of Cripple's parent have revealed no particular difference. 5. In a family, the most common incidence rate was first children in both sex and decreased by ordered sibling. 6. Poliomyelitis was the most common cause as 71.5 percent and next cerebral palsy 11.9 percent. 7. The most common affected site was lower extremity (Right: 42.3%, Left: 35.5%) and next upper extremity. Right was more dominant as 55 : 45. 8. Intelligence was decresed in cerebral palsy predominantly than other cause of defect, including poliomyelitis. 9. For the treatment of their condition at onset of illness, crippled children was utilized private clinic and herb medicine, but was changed tendency of treatment as acupucture and moxibustion after diagnosis of cause of defect.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.268-276
• /
• 2015

Objectives: According to the 2007 Korea National Environmental Health Survey (KNEHS), some areas in the Gyeongsang Provinces showed very high blood mercury levels in adults. We conducted this project to investigate any related health effects in children due to mercury levels in these areas. Methods: In total, 1,097 students between grades 3 and 6 at 19 elementary schools were recruited from four areas with high mercury exposure as identified by the KNEHS. Total mercury levels in biological samples were compared with health check-ups performed on the schoolchildren. Biological monitoring, supported by questionnaires, a computerized neurobehavioral test, a posturography test and a personality test, were applied. Results: Triglycerides showed a significant relation with mercury in blood, urine and hair. Total mercury concentrations were divided into two groups: upper and lower concentration groups based on the median value. In the computerized neurobehavioral test, the upper blood mercury group showed a greater reaction time for color-word vigilance (p<0.05). In the posturography test, the intensity value of the tremor test showd high significant relations with mercury levels (p<0.01). In the personality test, self-consciousness, misdeeds and family relationships showed significant differences between the upper and lower urine mercury groups (p<0.01), and specific reactions, ego resilience and hyperactivity also showed some differences (p<0.1). Conclusion: Some items in the neurobehavioral test, posturography test and personality test showed significant relations with biological mercury levels. Therefore, monitoring and appropriate management of students showing high mercury levels are recommended in order to reduce their mercury exposure.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.89-94
• /
• 2008

Purpose: To investigate the genetic association of visual acuity(VA) between young children, schoolchildren, juveniles, and their parents. Methods: 208(4 to 18 yrs) subjects who are belongs to young children, schoolchildren and juveniles and 340 their parents were assessed. Corrected and uncorrected visual acuity in each eye were measured using Han's test chart(5m). Results: There was no correlation with father's VA on under 6years but mother's VA tend to effect on male children. In case of elementary school students, their VA shows strong correlations with their parents VA; VA uner 0.7 group shows both parents VA was under 0.7 and VA over 0.7 group tend to shows their parents VA was over 0.7. Moreover, in juvenile, there was strong correlation between mother's VA and male children's VA. Conclusion: Our study showed that the family history, especially mother's visual acuity, had more effect on the problem of their children's visual acuity.

• Psychiatry investigation
• /
• v.15 no.12
• /
• pp.1135-1143
• /
• 2018

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in psychopathology between offspring of parents with bipolar I disorder (BP-I) and those with bipolar II disorder (BP-II). Methods The sample included 201 offspring between 6 and 17 years of age who had at least one parent with BP-I or BP-II. The offspring were diagnostically evaluated using the Korean Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version. Psychopathology and Clinical characteristics were evaluated, including lifetime DSM-5 diagnoses, depression, and childhood trauma. Lifetime DSM-5 diagnoses were also compared between schoolchildren aged 6 to 11 years and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. Results In lifetime DSM-5 diagnoses, offspring of parents with BP-I had significantly increased risk of developing MDD and BP-I than those with BP-II. Regarding clinical characteristics, ADHD rating scale and childhood trauma scale were significantly higher in offspring of parents with BP-I than that in those with BP-II. Conclusion The present study supports that BP-I may be etiologically distinct from BP-II by a possible genetic liability. Our findings indicate that additional research related to bipolar offspring is needed to enhance understanding of differences between BP-I and BP-II.