• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.81-93
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• 2006

This study was carried out to examine the actual condition of health promotion program through oriental medicine in the health center and to provide basic data to develop proper policy of oriental medical health promotion program for the community people. The data were collected from 26 health centers which have been implementing the oriental medical health promotion program, using selfadministered questionnaire for two weeks from 1 October to 15 October 2006. The results are as follows : Generally, the respondents have the positive views on the level of budget and facilities/equipments of the oriental medical health promotion program in health center. However, they have the negative views on the level of manpower and education/training of the program. And also more than 70% of the respondents have the negative opinion on capabilities of formulating and evaluating the oriental medical health promotion program. The respondents indicated that there was the lack of coordination between the oriental medical health promotion program and existing health promotion in health center, and that low rate of utilizing community resources. With regard to the method of selecting the target group for the program, there are differences according to the each program. Many programs tended to select the target group not through the criteria of life-course and illness group but through the efficiency of selecting group. And many programs such as stroke prevention program, constitutional medicine program, oriental medical prenatal program, oriental medical prenatal and postnatal program, oriental medical child care program are mainly composed of the development of educational program and lecture. Regarding the number of the present oriental medical health promotion programs, around 65% of respondents answered that the number of the programs was many and thus they needed to decrease to the proper level. And with regard to the priority of the need, effectiveness and the satisfaction for each programs, on the whole, Qui gong program, stroke prevention program, area-specialty program and oriental medical home visiting program have high score. In particular, oriental medical quit-smoking program has lowest score. From these results, it requires to develop and improve the oriental medical health promotion program in health center considering the need and characteristics of community.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.149-166
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• 1999

Self-care and the performance of their own role might be important for the prevention of complications and improvement of quality of life in hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure(CRF). To improve well-being and quality of life for the patients, the author estimated the level of self-care and associating factors through a questionnaire. The information was composed of the knowledge for hemodialysis and renal disease, the level of self-care, health belief, supports from the family, disease-related stresses, personal characteristics, medical history, relationships with medical personnel, etc. The data was gathered from 126 hemodialysis patients who were undergoing hemodialysis in one university hospital and five hospitals in Kyungsangnam-Do area from December 1997 to January 1998, and was analyzed by PC SAS program(version 6.12) with the level of significance($\alpha$=0.05). The mean age of subjects was 47.0$\pm$13.5years with no significant difference in gender distribution. The mean duration of hemodialysis was 39.0 months, and their frequencies of hemodialysis were more than three times per week(77.0%). Only 21.4% had the specific education on hemodialysis and CRF. In the level which was expressed as the score out of 100, the mean of knowledge was 90.7$\pm$9.1 and the mean of self-care was 73.9$\pm$12.7, that means, they only partially carried their knowledge into practice. They showed a significant correlation between knowledge and health belief($\gamma$=0.282); self-care and health belief($\gamma$=0.357), family supports and knowledge($\gamma$=0.221), self-care($\gamma$=0.402), health belief($\gamma$=0.431); and health belief and stress($\gamma$=-0.361). Age, religion, marrital status, education, and relationships with medical personnel showed positive correlations, and smoking showed negative correlation with self-care. In the multiple regression with the level of self-care as dependent variable, and each of the characeristics as independent variables, supports from the family($\beta$=6.615=0.158), the experience of disease specific education($\beta$=4.959), relationships with medical personnel($\beta$=6.615), current smoking($\beta$=-6.986), and current drinking ($\beta$=-7.095) were detected as significant factors. The value of R-square was 34%. In summary, to promote the level self-care and to improve the well beings and Quality of life for the hemodialysis patients, it would be emphasized that they terminate smoking and drinking, and it would be recommended that the education programs and supports from the family be strengthened. And, because there was a considerable difference between the level of knowledge and self-care, it would also be emphasized to propose the education programs which focused on execution. In addition to that, there is a need to improve relationships between the patients and medical personnel through positive changes in the attitudes of the medical personnel.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.157-171
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• 1999

This paper analyzed health practices of students in an university in Chollabukdo Province. It attempted to study how many university students had what kinds of health practices. Furthermore, it tried to find out what are the major problems in health practice among university students. To study health practices of university students, this study sampled 1,469 students randomly. Many of the students had poor practices of teeth care. In tooth-brushing, many students (35.8%) brushed their teeth before breakfast in the morning. Most of the students (95% or more) visit dental clinic only when they had problem(s) in their teeth. For weights, there exists a great gap between perception and BMI (Body Mass Index), especially among female students. Among the female students who perceived their weights were above average, 96.4% of them were normal according to BMI. Many of the students were drinking greater amount of alcohol than safe amount suggested by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. The proportion of the students drinking harmful or hazardous amount of alcohol were 79.5% of the male students and 74.9% of the female students. It suggests that health promotion fund or tax need to be levied on alcohol to frustrate unhealthful drinking. More than half (59.0%) of the male students and about 6.0% of the female students were smoking cigarettes. The smoking initiation ages were 17.8 for male and 18.2 for female students. It means that many of the students started smoking in their junior high or high schools. It implies that smoking prevention and smoking cessation programs need to be emphasized in these schools. For perception on sex, 27.8% of the male students and 60.9% of the female students thought to keep their virginity before their marriage. The female students were more conservative in perception on sex. The average number of sexual intercourses per year of male students was 17.0 times with their lovers, 7.9 times with prostitutes, and 7.0 times with maids. The female students had sexual intercourses 5.0 times with their lovers and 4.0 times with waiters per year. The proportion of students who had experience of sexual intercourse with homosexual partners was 1.0%. The finding this study was that the university students were vulnerable to poor health practices. It is suggested that public health intervention program be provided for university students to keep them in good healthy lifestyle.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.12 no.10
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• pp.445-453
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the necessity of oral health education to analyze the knowledge and status of oral health according to smoking in some college students. The subjects in this study were 217 selected college students, on whom a survey was conducted from September 3 to September 7, 2013. The data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0(SPSS 19.0 K for window, SPSS Inc USA). The findings of the study were as follows: First, concerning toothbrushing frequency, the smokers brushed their teeth twice, and the nonsmokers did that three times(p<0.05). The male students did toothbrushing twice, and the female students did that three times(p<0.05). As to scaling experience, the female students got their teeth cleaned more often(p<0.05). Second, the nonsmokers who had received oral health education outnumbered the smokers who had(p<0.01). In regard to the necessity of smoking-related oral health education, both of the smokers and the nonsmokers replied it was necessary(p<0.05). Third, as for the level of oral health knowledge, the nonsmokers were more aware than the smokers that the use of oral hygiene supplies had an effect on the prevention of dental caries(p<0.05). Given the findings of the study, the smoking-related oral health education and the development of programs that are intended for college students seems necessary.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10129-10135
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• 2015

Background: Tobacco is a leading preventable cause of deaths worldwide; the situation is particularly serious in the developing countries. Tobacco use amongst the children and adolescents is already a pandemic and they are vulnerable targets of tobacco industry. This is also the case in India. Objectives: 1) Document and monitor the prevalence of tobacco use including smoked, smokeless and other forms of tobacco; 2) Understand student knowledge and attitudes related to tobacco use and its health impact; 3) Assess the impact of tobacco on the oral health status of school-going children in India. Materials and Methods: The sample was 1,500 school children of the age group 12-15 years age. A pretested, close ended questionnaire was administered in the form of extensive face to face interview to understand student knowledge, attitudes and behavior related to tobacco use and its health impact and to assess the prevalence of tobacco use including smoked, smokeless and other forms of tobacco. Oral health status was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Frequency distribution, Chi-square tests and Odd's ratio was calculated. Results: Prevalence of tobacco usage amongst the prevalence was 20.4%: 9.2% reported smoking, 15.8% used tobacco in the chewable form and 25.3% children were involved in consuming betel nut/areca nuts. The OR (Odd's ratio) for calculus formation was highest for guthka chewers (OR=14.322), paan masala chewers had the highest odds of developing bleeding on probing when compared to the others. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to launch school-based tobacco prevention programs for community awareness of children and the public, as preventing the initiation of a habit is far easier than stopping it.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3113-3118
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• 2012

Introduction: Cancer is the second cause of death in Kuwaiti people after cardiovascular diseases. This study is the first in the country to describe epidemiological measures related to cancer in this population. Methods: Data obtained from the Kuwait cancer registry included all Kuwaiti patients between years 2000-2009. Analyses were conducted using age-specific rates, the age-standardization-direct method, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), cumulative risk by the age of 74 years, limited-duration prevalence, mortality and forecasting to year 2029. Results: It was noted that the commonest cancer sites were colorectal with an age standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 16.1/100,000 in males and breast (49.4/100,000) in the female population. The trend of cancer incidence (1974-2009) showed no statistically significant change. First causes of death due to cancer were female breast 8(6.4-9.6)/100,000 and lung (males) 8.1/100,000 (6.6-10.0). The risk of developing cancer by the age of 74 was 13.4% (1/8) and 14.3% (1/7) in males and females respectively, and the risk of dying from cancer in the same age group was 1/17 and 1/23. By the end of 2009, prevalent cases represented 0.52% of the Kuwaiti population. In the year 2029, the total number of cancer cases is expected to reach 1200 cases compared to 889 cases in 2009. Conclusions and recommendations: The most common cancers in Kuwait (breast, colorectal and lung) are largely preventable. Prompt and effective interventional prevention programs that vigorously involve diet, anti-smoking and physical activity for both sexes are urgently required.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.5567-5577
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• 2013

The prevalence of oral cancers (OC) is high in Asian countries, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Asian distinct cultural practices such as betel-quid chewing, and varying patterns of tobacco and alcohol use are important risk factors that predispose to cancer of the oral cavity. The aim of this review is to provide an update on epidemiology of OC between 2000 and 2012. A literature search for this review was conducted on Medline for articles on OC from Asian countries. Some of the articles were also hand searched using Google. High incidence rates were reported from developing nations like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Taiwan and Sri Lanka. While an increasing trend has been observed in Pakistan, Taiwan and Thailand, a decreasing trend is seen in Philippines and Sri Lanka. The mean age of occurrence of cancer in different parts of oral cavity is usually between 51-55 years in most countries. The tongue is the leading site among oral cancers in India. The next most common sites in Asian countries include the buccal mucosa and gingiva. The 5 year survival rate has been low for OC, despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment. Tobacco chewing, smoking and alcohol are the main reasons for the increasing incidence rates. Low socioeconomic status and diet low in nutritional value lacking vegetables and fruits contribute towards the risk. In addition, viral infections, such as HPV and poor oral hygiene, are other important risk factors. Hence, it is important to control OC by screening for early diagnosis and controlling tobacco and alcohol use. It is also necessary to have cancer surveillance at the national-level to collect and utilise data for cancer prevention and control programs.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.24
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• pp.10861-10865
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• 2015

Background: Oral cancer is in increasing in incidence in Yemen and indeed worldwide. Knowledge regarding risk factors and early signs in the general population can help in prevention and early detection of the disease. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of oral cancer in the general population in Yemen. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted on Yemeni adults aged ${\geq}15$ years old. A total of 543 persons participated, the collected data being analyzed using SPSS software. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: Two thirds (71.5%) of the participants had heard about oral cancer. Smoking and smokeless tobacco usage were identified as the major risk factors by 71.5% and 73.7% of the participants, respectively. Only 24.1% and 21.4%, respectively, were able to correctly identify red and white lesions as early signs of oral cancer. Knowledge of oral cancer was significantly associated with age (p<0.01), gender (p<0.05) and education level (p<0.001). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the knowledge regarding oral cancer in this population is low. Therefore, educational programs are highly needed to improve such knowledge.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.211-219
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of health education based on life skill training (LST) on middle school students' health knowledge, attitude, and behavior. Methods: For this study, 961 middle school students, residing in Seoul, Korea, were selected. The students received health education one day a week for 7 weeks from September 1, 2014 to October 25, 2014. Before and after the whole education program, the students filled out questionnaires surveying on their health knowledge, attitude, and behavior. Excluding inappropriate data, the data of 843 students was analyzed through Paired t-test. Results: After the education program based on LST, there were statistically significant increases in the scores for knowledge about drinking, body image distortion, good eating habits, right usage of smartphone, and prevention of smartphone addiction (p<.05). There were also statistically significant increases in the scores for attitude toward smoking, drug, good eating habits and prevention of smartphone addiction (p<.05). There were statistically significant increases in the scores for behavior regarding drug, good eating habits, right usage of smartphone and prevention of smartphone addiction (p<.05). Conclusion: Health education based on life skill training was especially effective in improving the subjects' scores for health knowledge, attitude, and health behavior. Therefore, various and systemic LST educational programs should be developed and implemented and their effects should be evaluated in further studies.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.7
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• pp.684-691
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• 2006

Abdominal obesity (AO) is a strong risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which has shown a remarkable increase in Korea. This study aimed to identify prevalence of AO and related risk factors in Korean adults. A total of 5,132 men and women aged 20-85 years old from the 2001 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in the analyses. AO was defined as waist circumference >=90 cm in men and >=85 cm in women as proposed by Korean Society of Obesity. Multiple logistic regression was carried out to identify risk factors for AO. Three models were specified: (i) demographic and socioeconomic factors (model 1: age, education, poverty income ratio, employment), (ii) lifestyle factors and covariates (model 2: physical activity, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary quality, type 2 diabetes, co-morbidity) and (iii) demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors (model 3). The prevalence of AO was 24.1 % in men, 23.5% in women. High poverty income ratio in men and low education attainment in women were risk factors for AO in model. 1. There was a significant association of AO with alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and dietary quality in men, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking in women. These factors except alcohol consumption in men became insignificant in model 3. This findings underscore the importance of developing AO prevention programs in Korea that target the at risk groups identified in this study. A program focusing on low income men or less educated women would be more efficient.