• Title/Summary/Keyword: Sex analysis

Search Result 3,759, Processing Time 0.03 seconds

Treatment Outcome of Postoperative Radiotherapy in Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer (간외담관암의 수술 후 방사선치료 성적)

  • Choi, Young-Min;Cho, Heung-Lae
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
    • /
    • v.21 no.1
    • /
    • pp.27-34
    • /
    • 2003
  • Purpose : To evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy, and the factors affecting survival in patients of extrahepatic bile duct cancer, by analyzing the results of postoperative radiotherapy Materials and Methods : Between October 1991 and July 2001, 21 patients with extrahepatic bile duct cancer, who received radiotherapy after a radical resection, were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' ages ranged from 39 to 75 years, with a median of 61 years, and a male to female ratio of 16 to 5. The numbers of patients with proximal and distal bile duct cancer were 14 and 7, respectively. From the postoperative pathological examination, 19 of the patients were found to have microscopic residues, and 7 to be lymph node positive. Patients with AJCC stages I, II and III were 10, 10 and 1, respectively. The total radiation dose administered was 4,500$\~$6,300 cGy, with a median dose of 5,040 cGy. The follow up period was 20$\~$81 months, with a median of 57.5 months. Results : The overall and disease free survival rates at 3 and 5 years were 41.0 and 29.3$\%$, and 41.6 and 29.7$\%$, respectively. The influences of age, sex, tumor location, differentiation, microscopic residue, neural invasion, 7 and N stage, the stage itself, the dose of radiation and chemotherapy, on survival were evaluated. The T stage and the stage itself were found to be significant from a univariate analysis (p<0.05), but the degree of significance was limited by the small number of patients. A recurrence occurred in 12 patients (57.1$\%$), 5 in locoregional sites, 4 in distant sites and 3 in a combination of locoregional and distant sites, and the sites of distant metastasis were the liver, 6, and the bone, 1 Grade 2 or 3 acute leucopenias occurred in 2 patients and grade 2 chronic peptic ulcers occurred in 4, who were all recovered by conservative management. Conclusion : Postoperative radiotherapy is feasigbls in extrah데atic bile duct cancer, with tolerable toxicity, but prospective studies, with a large patient enrollment, are needed for the evaluation of the effects of postoperative radiotherapy and the related prognostic factors.

Ecological Characteristics of Rhynchocypris kumgangensis (Cyprinidae) at the Spring Water in Eocheon Stream, Korea (어천 용천수에 서식하는 금강모치 Rhynchocypris kumgangensis (Cyprinidae)의 생태 특성)

  • Byeon, Hwa-Keun
    • Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
    • /
    • v.33 no.6
    • /
    • pp.677-685
    • /
    • 2019
  • We investigated the ecological characteristics of kumgang fat minnow (Rhynchocypris kumgangensis) in the Eocheon stream from October 2017 to September 2018. The water temperature was 10.2- 14.3℃ and remained below 15℃ during the year. The fishes in cohabitation with kumgang fat minnow were Cottus koreanus (16.62%), Phoxinus phoxinus (10.74%), Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (1.55%), Oncorhynchus mykiss (0.56%), Zacco koreanus (0.28%), and Iksookimia koreensis (0.14%%). The ratio of females to males was 1:0.91 and did not vary widely. The frequency analysis of total length indicated that the fishes with less than 40 mm in total length were one year old, those with 40 - 69 mm were two years old, those with 70 - 84 mm were three years old, and those with 85 mm or more were four years old for individuals collected in May through June. The sexually mature fishes were over two years old. The spawning season was from late May to late August, and the water temperature was 12.5~14.5℃ during the period. The prosperous spawning season was from June to July, and the water temperature was 13.6 - 14.5℃ during the spawning period. The average number of eggs in the ovaries was 1,006 (664 - 1,666) per matured female, and the matured eggs were yellowish and spherical with a mean diameter of 1.34±0.17 mm. The length-weight correlation of R. kumgangensis was BW = 0.00003TL2.77 with the constant a as 0.00003, b as 2.77, the average condition factor (K) as 1.04(0.65~1.48), and the slope as -0.0012. The kumgang fat minnows inhabiting in the spring water had a longer spawning period, a fewer number of eggs in ovaries, and the lower condition factor (K) than those inhabiting other areas.

The Effect of Body Mass Index, Fat Percentage, and Fat-free Mass Index on Pulmonary Function Test -With Particular Reference to Parameters Derived from Forced Expiratory Volume Curve- (신체질량지수 및 체지방률, 그리고 제지방지수가 폐기능 검사에 미치는 영향 -노력성 호기곡선을 중심으로-)

  • Park, Ji Young;Pack, Jong Hae;Park, Hye Jung;Bae, Seong Wook;Shin, Kyeong Cheol;Chung, Jin Hong;Lee, Kwan Ho
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
    • /
    • v.54 no.2
    • /
    • pp.210-218
    • /
    • 2003
  • Background : Sex specific cross sectional reference values for the lung function indices usually employ a linear model with a term for age and height. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the body mass index (BMI), the fat percentage of the body mass and the fat-free mass index (FFMI) on the forced expiratory volume curve. Methods : Between January 2000 and December 2001, a total of 300 subjects, 150 men and 150 women (mean age : $45{\pm}13$ years), with a normal lung function were enrolled in the study sample. This study measured the $FEV_1$, FVC and $FEF_{25-75%}$ from the forced expiratory volume curve by a spirometer and the body composition by a bioelectrical impedance method in all subjects. Multiple regression analysis was used in order to examine the effects of the body composition on the parameters derived from the forced expiratory volume curve. Results : After adjusting for age, the BMI and Fat percentage improved the descriptions of the FVC (p<0.05, $r^2=0.491$) and $FEV_1$ (p<0.05, $r^2=0.654$) in women. In contrast, the FFMI contributed significantly to the FVC (p<0.05, $r^2=0.432$) and $FEV_1$ (p<0.05, $r^2=0.567$) in men. The $FEF_{25-75%}$ correlated with the fat percentage in women (p<0.05, $r^2=0.337$). Conclusion : These results suggest that the BMI, the fat percentage and the FFMI are significant determinants of the forced expiratory volume curve. The plmonary function test, when considering the BMI, the fat percentage and the FFMI, might be useful in clinical applications.

A Study and Investigation for the Attitude about Smoking of Boys' and Girls' High School in Seoul (서울시내 남녀고교생의 흡연에 관한 태도 조사연구)

  • Sim Young Ae
    • Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
    • /
    • v.3 no.1
    • /
    • pp.74-100
    • /
    • 1989
  • Inspite of the lots of studies on the harmfulness of cigarette smoking to the body published by many researchers since 1950, cigarette smoking people are increasing in number especially, cigarette smoking by young and women causes a serious problem. Examining the physiological motives of youth shows that, impulse which the youth want to immitate the adults, alluring curiousity, and defiant physiology of escaping from the norm of traditional groups which has been banned are cooperated well compoundly. As the period of the youth is the one which they accumulate knowledge and charactor by learning as well as the period of growth mentally, and physically they should be rightly educated about smoking before they addicted to smoking and it is desirable for us to make the youth to understand how harmfully the smoking is to effect to their growth and mental soundness simply not as a social norm which they should not smoke. The main motive of this study on the attitude of smoking by the youth is to give basic materials related on this field. For this study, 647 questionnaires were used as studying material which were able to analyze among 720 questionnaires of 2 classes of each grade of 3 high schools among the high schools of boys, girls and co-educated in Seoul from Oct. 21, 1988 through Oct. 26, 1988. Study Instrument are graded in Likert's 5 point from 40 questions which are 20 questions m affirmations and 20 questions in negations after analyzing the factors on 60 simple sentence questions which the students showed in preliminary studies. And these are systemized to be measured from 1 point which means they think smoking IS very bad to 5points which means they think smoking is really good. In these collected materials, technical statistics of frequency. percentage, average, standard deviation are used for general character and smoking attitude, $X^2-test$ for examinning Independant variables of physical. emotional, ethical and other areas pearson's coefficient of correlation for related direction and degree" and step­regression analysis for the degree of relative contribution of all variables which effect smoking attitude. The results of this study are as follows; 1. The smoking attitude of high school boys and girls showed average of 1.78 in physical area, 2.63 in emotional area, 2.61 in ethical area, 2.29 in other area respectively in a negative attitude generally also the negative attitude are expressed most strongly in physical area. I've can also say by this results that smoking is harmful to their health and further more it can be judged that this proves the youth in the period of preparation be adults have a strong curiousity in the emotional, ethical and other areas. 2. The most influential variables in each field as related factors effecting smoking attitude of the student can be explained from 13.2 in physical area the lowest experienced variables to 25.2 in emotional area the highest of degree of smoking experience. The fact that the more the smoking experienced students are increasing in number the higher tendency which accept the' smoking tells as the importance of health education about the population of latest student's smoking as important variables shown equally in each area. Those of grade, age, numbers of smoking people in house are showed meaningful in pure interrelation. Those related to the acceptance of teacher's smoking, sex, mothors education are shown meaningful in opposite interrelations. This means that the' increasing number' of smoking people in grade age, the number of smoker in family have a affirmative attitude. And people who are not interested in teacher's smoking wants to quit it, and whose mother's education is higher have a negative attitude. 3. The most negatively answered questions of the smoking attitude In physical, emotional, ethical and other areas are as belows; Firstly too much smoking is harmful to our health is 1.12 point. Secondly smoking have a ill-effect on pregnancy and embryo is 1.13 point. Thirdly smoking is harmful· to our health is 1.27 point. Fourthly smoking in crowed area with the people such as In a bus or subway should be prohibited is 1.27point. Fifthly smoking can ruin lungs is 1.31 point. And the most affirmatively answered questions are also as below; Firstly we showed smoke depending on time and place is 3.96 points. Secondly smoking is just habit is 3.83 points. Thirdly smoking people seem to be unable and deplorable is 3.69 point. Fourthly smoking should be prohibited by law is 3.56 points. Fifthly high school student's smoking is immitation of adults is 3.52 points.

  • PDF

Learning Curve of a Laparoscopy Assisted Distal Gastrectomy for a Surgeon Expert in Performing a Conventional Open Gastrectomy (개복 위절제술에 경험이 풍부한 술자에 의한 복강경 보조하 원위부 위절제술의 Learning Curve)

  • Kim, Ji-Hoon;Jung, Young-Soo;Jung, Oh;Lim, Jeong-Taek;Yook, Jeong-Hwan;Oh, Sung-Tae;Park, Kun-Choon;Kim, Byung-Sik
    • Journal of Gastric Cancer
    • /
    • v.6 no.3
    • /
    • pp.167-172
    • /
    • 2006
  • Purpose: The laparoscopy assisted gastrectomy has been increasingly reported as the treatment of choice for early gastric cancer. However, expert surgeons, who have performed a conventional open gastrectomy for a long time, tend to have a negative attitude toward laparoscopic procedures. The aim of this study was to determine the learning curve of a laparoscopy assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) for a surgeon expert in performing an open gastrectomy and to analyze the factors that have an effect on a LADG. Materials and Methods: Between April 2005 and March 2006, 62 patients underwent a LADG with D1+beta lymph-node dissection. The 62 patients were divided into 10 sequential groups with 6 cases in each group (the last group was 8 cases), and the time required to reach the plateau of the learning curve was determined by examining the average operative times of these 10 groups. Other factors, such as sex, BMI, complications, transfusion requirements, the number of retrieved lymph nodes, and change of postoperative hemoglobin level, were also analyzed. Results: With the $5^{th}$ group (after 30 cases), the operative time reached a plateau (average: 170 min/operation). The differences between before the $30^{th}$ case and after the $31^{st}$ case with respect to changes in the postoperative hemoglobin level, the number of retrieved lymph nodes, the transfusion requirements, and the complications rate were not significant. Conclusion: According to an analysis of the operative time, experience with 30 LADGs in patients with early gastric cancer is the point at which the plateau of the learning curve (7 months) is reached. Abundant experience with a conventional open gastrectomy and a well-organized laparoscopic surgery team are important factors in overcoming the learning curie earlier.

  • PDF

The comparison of landmark identification errors and reproducibility between conventional lateral cephalometric radiography and digital lateral cephalometric radiography (일반두부방사선계측사진과 디지털방사선계측사진의 계측점 식별의 오차 및 재현성에 관한 비교 연구)

  • Lee, Yang-Ku;Yang, Won-Sik;Chang, Young-Il
    • The korean journal of orthodontics
    • /
    • v.32 no.2 s.91
    • /
    • pp.79-89
    • /
    • 2002
  • The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reproducibility and errors in landmark identification of conventional lateral cephalometric radiography and digital lateral cephalometric radiography. Fifteen conventional lateral cephalometric radiographs and fifteen digital lateral cephalometric radiographs were selected in adults with no considerations on sex and craniofacial forms. Each landmark was identified and expressed as the coordinate (x, y). The landmarks were classified into 3 groups. The landmarks of the first identification was T1, identification after one week was T2, and identification after one month was T3. The mean and standard deviation of identification errors between replicates were calculated according to the x and y coordinates. The errors between first identification and second identification were expressed as T2-T1(x), T2-T1(y) and those between first identification and third identification were expressed as T3-T1(x), T2-T1(y). Each was divided into conventional lateral cephalometric radiography and digital lateral cephalometric radiography. The independent t- test was used for statistical analysis of identification errors for the evaluation of reproducibility. The results of this study were as follows ; 1. Generally, the mean and standard deviation of landmark identification errors in digital lateral cephalometric radiography was smaller than those of conventional lateral cephalometric radiography. 2. Only a few landmarks showed statistically significant difference in identification error between conventional lateral cephalometric radiography and digital lateral cephalometric radiography. 3. The enhancement of image quality didn't guarantee decrease in landmark identification error and didn't affect tendency of landmark identification error.

The Association between Vinyl House Work and Low Back Pain among Some Rural Residents (일부 농촌지역주민의 비닐하우스 작업여부와 요통과의 관련성)

  • Kim, Kwi-Nam;Ryu, So-Yeon;Park, Jong;Lee, Jun-Haeng;Kim, Ki-Soon
    • Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
    • /
    • v.24 no.1
    • /
    • pp.145-159
    • /
    • 1999
  • To find the association, between vinyl house work and the prevalence of low back pain, a questionnaire survey was made toward 215 vinyl house farmers and 228 general farmers without vinyl house who are cared by Jungjung Community health Practioners at Soobuk Myun, Damyang-gun, Chollanamdo. 1. Vinyl house farmers were significantly younger in age, higher in educational status higher survival rate of spouse, higher economic state and less cared by medical aid than general farmers. 2. Vinyl house farmers showed shorter career for agricultural work, used modern farming instrument more frequently and worked with sitting position. 3. During unbusy season in general agriculture, vinyl house farmers consumed significantly more time in agricultural work and general activity, but no significant difference of time of the above activity among busy season. 4. During the last spring season when most vinyl house work was performed, vinyl house farmers showed significantly higher prevalence of low back pain than general farmers, but no significant difference of prevalence among the two groups for the last one week. 5. By the simple analysis statistical significant related variables with low back pain was found to be sex(p<0.001), educational status(p<0.05), work posture(p<0.001) and use of modern agricultural machine(p<0.05). 6. By the multiple logistic regression the odds ratio for low back pain among vinyl house farmers were 2.08(95% confidence interval 1.31-3.00) compared to general farmers, the odds ratio among female was 2.35(95% confidence interval 1.24-4.47) to male, the odds ratio among illiterate persons were 2.60(95% confidence interval 1.24-4.47) to high school graduate, and the odds ration among primary school graduate was 2.19(95% confidence interval 1.04-4.47) to high school graduate. In conclusion because vinyl house farmers showed significantly higher rates of low back pain compared to farmers without vinyl house, continuous study to find the true cause of low back pain among vinyl-house farmers and active effort to prevent low back pain are necessary.

  • PDF

A basic research for evaluation of a Home Care Nursing Delivery System (가정간호 서비스 질 평가를 위한 도구개발연구)

  • Kim, Mo-Im;Cho, Won-Jung;Kim, Eui-Sook;Kim, Sung-Kyu;Chang, Soon-Bok;Ryu, Ho-Sihn
    • Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
    • /
    • v.6
    • /
    • pp.33-45
    • /
    • 1999
  • The purpose of this study was to develop a basic framework and criteria for evaluation of quality care provided to patients with the attributes of disease in the home care nursing field, and to provide measurement tools for home health care in the future. The study design was a developmental study for evaluation of hospital-based HCN(home care nursing) in Korea. The study process was as follows: a home care nursing study team of College of Nursing. Yonsei University reviewed the nursing records of 47 patients who were enrolled at Yonsei University Medical Center Home Care Center in March, 1995. Twenty-five patients were insured at that time, were selected from 47 patients receiving home care service for study feasibility with six disease groups; Caesarean Section (C/S), simple nephrectomy, Liver cirrhosis(LC), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), Lung cancer or cerebrovascular accident(CVA). In this study, the following items were selected : First step : Preliminary study 1. Criteria and items were selected on the basis of related literature on each disease area. 2. Items were identified by home care nurses. 3. A physician in charge reviewed the criteria and content of selected items. 4. Items were revised through preliminary study offered to both HCN patients and discharged patients from the home care center. Second step : Pretest 1. To verify the content of the items, a pretest was conducted with 18 patients of which there were three patients in each of the six selected disease groups. Third step : Test of reliability and validity of tools 1. Using the collected data from 25 patients with either cis, Simple nephrectomy, LC, COPD, Lung cancer, or CVA. the final items were revised through a panel discussion among experts in medical care who were researchers, doctors, or nurses. 2. Reliability and validity of the completed tool were verified with both inpatients and HCN patients in each of field for researches. The study results are as follows: 1. Standard for discharge with HCN referral The referral standard for home care, which included criteria for discharge with HCN referral and criteria leaving the hospital were established. These were developed through content analysis from the results of an open-ended questionnaire to related doctors concerning characteristic for discharge with HCN referral for each of the disease groups. The final criteria was decided by discussion among the researchers. 2. Instrument for measurement of health statusPatient health status was measured pre and post home care by direct observation and interview with an open-ended questionnaire which consisted of 61 items based on Gorden's nursing diagnosis classification. These included seven items on health knowledge and health management, eight items on nutrition and metabolism, three items on elimination, five items on activity and exercise, seven items on perception and cognition, three items on sleep and rest, three items on self-perception, three items on role and interpersonal relations, five items on sexuality and reproduction, five items on coping and stress, four items on value and religion, three items on family. and three items on facilities and environment. 3. Instrument for measurement of self-care The instrument for self-care measurement was classified with scales according to the attributes of the disease. Each scale measured understanding level and practice level by a Yes or No scale. Understanding level was measured by interview but practice level was measured by both observation and interview. Items for self-care measurement included 14 for patients with a CVA, five for women who had a cis, ten for patients with lung cancer, 12 for patients with COPD, five for patients with a simple nephrectomy, and 11 for patients with LC. 4. Record for follow-up management This included (1) OPD visit sheet, (2) ER visit form, (3) complications problem form, (4) readmission sheet. and (5) visit note for others medical centers which included visit date, reason for visit, patient name, caregivers, sex, age, time and cost required for visit, and traffic expenses, that is, there were open-end items that investigated OPD visits, emergency room visits, the problem and solution of complications, readmissions and visits to other medical institution to measure health problems and expenditures during the follow up period. 5. Instrument to measure patients satisfaction The satisfaction measurement instrument by Reisseer(1975) was referred to for the development of a tool to measure patient home care satisfaction. The instrument was an open-ended questionnaire which consisted of 11 domains; treatment, nursing care, information, time consumption, accessibility, rapidity, treatment skill, service relevance, attitude, satisfaction factors, dissatisfaction factors, overall satisfaction about nursing care, and others. In conclusion, Five evaluation instruments were developed for home care nursing. These were (1)standard for discharge with HCN referral. (2)instrument for measurement of health status, (3)instrument for measurement of self-care. (4)record for follow-up management, and (5)instrument to measure patient satisfaction. Also, the five instruments can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the service to assure quality. Further research is needed to increase the reliability and validity of instrument through a community-based HCN evaluation.

  • PDF

An Analysis on Health Promotion Behavior of Middle and High School Students (중등학교 학생의 건강증진 행태와 관련요인분석)

  • 김귀희;남철현
    • Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
    • /
    • v.14 no.1
    • /
    • pp.23-45
    • /
    • 1997
  • This study was conducted from March 1, 1996 through June 30, in order to provide basic data for devising a policy for school health especially students health promotion and for developing of an education program. Middle school students were 1000, high school students were 2000 and a total of 3000 students were selected randomly among the boys/girls/middle/high schools which are in Seoul, Pusan, Taegu, Pohang, Suwon, Kyungsan, Milyang and a town or subcountry. The summary and conclusion are as follows. 1. In general characteristics of respondents, 51.8% were girl students, 33.7% were middle school students, 66.3% were high school students. 37.2% were living in a medium and small city, 89.1% were middle classes, 43.6% were having no religion, 27.3% were buddhists. 2. As a result of analyzing, exercise, nutrition, personal behavior, knowledge of health education and behavior level which are the factors promotion, exercise level were 3.61 of the perfect 9(40.1/100), nutrition level were 3.71(41.1/100), personal hygiene were 6.89(76.6/100), health education level were 5.1(58.9/100), all of the them are low level. 3. Judging from characteristics, in case of exercise behavior level, It was far higher in boy students than in girl students, in middle school students than in high school students. It was respectively higher than other groups in the second graders of middle school, in the first graders of high school, in the residents who live in a big city, in the high classes in the buddhists. 4. The students level against disease was average 9.11 of the perfect score 14(65.1/100). The level of disease consciousness was high in girl students by characteristics, in the second graders of high school by grades, in high school students than middle school students. 5. In health status, 55.4% were healthy, 7.9% were unhealthy. It was respectively higher than the other groups in boy students, in middle school students, in the residents who live in a big city, in high classes of life level, in buddihists, in higher education level of parents. 6. Judging from the factors of health status and health promotion and the degree of significance, there's a significant differences between exercise and dietary life as P〈0.001, in personal hygiene as P〈0.05, in health education an P〈0.01. 7. Knowledge on disease, health promotion behavior level were average 19.42 ± 4.01 of the perfect score 50(38.8/100) this score was too low. As for characteristics, the level between variables was statistically significant in the higher life level, in the higher parents education level, in the happier family. 8. Judging from health status, knowledge on disease, health behavior level, knowledge and health promotion behavior level significantly in the better health status, in the better school record. 9. As a result of the multiplex regression analyzing the factors which were under influence on health status, the variables like exercise, school record level, the degree of family happiness, nutrition, grades, the members of family influenced much and its persuasive power was 10.2%. The factors which are under the influence on the health promotion were exercise, satisfied degree of education, health status, the degree of family happiness, knowledge on disease, the usage of physical training, sex, the number of the family members, mother's education level. It’s explained power was 21.3%. promotion were high We should develop a text book and an education program to study exercise, nutrition(dietary life), personal hygiene, knowledge on disease and health systematically. As far as health education irrespective city and locality without considering the entrance exam for high school and university we should execute it continuously. To do this, it’s important to cultivate and secure qualified men of ability who can teach things related health promotion and the related subject, that is, health or health promotion subject should be established in middle and high school curriculum necessarily.

  • PDF

Analysis of Telephone Counseling Service on Child Health (전화 아기건강상담을 통해 나타난 우리나라 어머니들의 육아문제 분석)

  • Song Ji-Ho;Han Kyung-Ja;Oh Ka-Sil;Cho Kyoul-Ja;Lee Ja-Hyung;Park Eun-Sook;Cho Kap-Chul;Tak Young-Nan;Ahn Young-Mee
    • Child Health Nursing Research
    • /
    • v.7 no.2
    • /
    • pp.245-257
    • /
    • 2001
  • This study analyzed the services as operated by the Child Health Telephone Service Center. The Center is a toll free service operated as part of the community services of the Korean Academic Society of Child Health Nursing. The aim of the study was to describe the concerns of child caregivers regarding child health care as discussed during telephone counseling. Specific objectives were as follows: 1. To analyze the activities of the Center. 2. To describe the characteristics of caregivers who made phone calls for counseling services and also the characteristics of their children. 3. To analyze the content of the counseling sessions. 4. To analyze counseling content according to the characteristics of the caregivers and their children. Data used for the study were obtained from the counseling records for the period from Sept. to Dec. 1999, as kept by the three counselors at the Center. The total number of calls was 8,261 and that consisted of 15,150 questions. The total questions were merged into 13,236 by eliminating those questions which overlapped or were of similar content. The final 13,236 questions were used for the final analyses. Almost of the callers (98.4%) were mothers. Among them 89.6% were between 25 and 35 years of age. Geographical distribution of the callers covered the whole nation. The largest numbers who made the calls were from the Seoul metropolitan area (36%), followed by 28% from Kyung Gi Province, and 20% were from the Kyung Sang area. Among 8,261 callers, 72.8% were first users. Sex of the babies and children in question for counseling was about even for males and females and ages ranged from one month to six years. The largest group (62.5%) was the less than six month age group. The finalized 13,236 questions/problems were categorized into 11 problem areas. They were in order of frequency, physical problems, feedings and nutrient concerns, information on child rearing, growth and development, guidance on utilization of child care facilities, elimination problems, sleeping concerns, immunization related concerns, behavior problems, injury and accidents, and safety measures. The most frequent problems for counseling were physical signs and symptoms (27.3%), followed by feeding and nutrients, information on child rearing, and growth and development. Of physical problems, abnormal gastrointestinal signs and symptoms were the most frequent concern and skin problems were next at 25% and 23.3% respectively. Loose bowels, vomiting and constipation were the most frequent gastrointestinal problems. Atopic dermatitis had the highest frequency at 53.3% with diaper rash being the second highest among the skin problems. About 80% of the growth and developmental category were physical development concerns related to physiological, body growth, and motor and sensory development. This study constitutes the activity report for the first year of the Center. The findings correspond with literature reports on child health problems and parents educational needs. One recommendation from this study is that since the services of the Center are carried out only by telephone, the psychology of the counselees and the counselor relationship must be considered for better services.

  • PDF