• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.310-319
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• 2018

Objectives: This study examined trends in inequality in cigarette smoking prevalence by income according to recent anti-smoking policies in Korea. Methods: The data used in this study were drawn from three nationally representative surveys, the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the Korea Community Health Survey, and the Social Survey of Statistics Korea. We calculated the age-standardized smoking prevalence, the slope index of inequality, and the relative index of inequality by income level as a socioeconomic position indicator. Results: Smoking prevalence among men decreased during the study period, but the downward trend became especially pronounced in 2015, when the tobacco price was substantially increased. Inequalities in cigarette smoking by income were evident in both genders over the study period in all three national surveys examined. Absolute inequality tended to decrease between 2014 and 2015 among men. Absolute and relative inequality by income decreased between 2008 and 2016 in women aged 30-59, except between 2014 and 2015. Conclusions: The recent anti-smoking policies in Korea resulted in a downward trend in smoking prevalence among men, but not in relative inequality, throughout the study period. Absolute inequality decreased over the study period among men aged 30-59. A more aggressive tax policy is warranted to further reduce socioeconomic inequalities in smoking in young adults in Korea.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.505-511
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• 2007

Objectives : While cervical cancer is one of the leading cancers among women worldwide, there are a number of effective early detection tests available. However, the participation rates in cervical cancer screening among Korean women remain low. After the nationwide efforts in 1988 and thereafter to encourage participation in cervical cancer screening, few studies have investigated the effects of socioeconomic inequality on participation in cervical cancer screening. The purpose of this study was to investigate 1) the level of socioeconomic disparities in receiving cervical cancer screening by age group and 2) if there was an improvement in reducing these disparities between 1995 and 2001. Methods : Using data from the Korean National Health Status, Health Behavior and Belief Survey in 1995, the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1998 and 2001 (sample sizes of 2,297, 3,738, and 3,283), age-standardized participation rates were calculated according to education level, equivalized household income, and job status. Odds ratios and the relative inequality index (RII) were also calculated after controlling for age. Results : Women with lower education levels were less likely to attend the screening test, and the disparities by education level were most pronounced among women aged 60 years and older. The RIIs among women 60 years and older were 3.64, 4.46, and 8.64 in 1995, 1998, and 2001, respectively. Higher rates of participation were reported among those in the highest income category, which was more notable among the middle aged women (40s and 50s). An inconsistent trend in the rate of participation in cervical cancer screening by occupational level was found. Conclusions : Indicators of socioeconomic position seem to have varying impacts on the inequalities in the rates of participation in cervical cancer screening according to age group. These results demonstrate the need for more aggressive and age-based interventions and policy programs to eliminate the remaining inequalities.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.46-64
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• 1995

The 12-hour work shift can be influenced on the nurse's job satisfaction, effective personnel administration, and quality of patient care. The purpose of this study was to explore the perception on the 12-hour work shift by nurses. A total of 516 nurses were selected by convenience sampling from six general hospitals in Seoul. Based on the literature review, the questionnaire on the need of the 12-hour work shift was designed by the investigator. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Duncan's method as post-hoc test. The results of this study are as follows ; 1. The need of 12-hour work shift The mean needs of 12-hour work shift in the nursing practice, psychological, physical, socioeconomic, and environmental perspectives were 3.05, 2.72, 2.66, 3.08, and 4.22. 2. The need of 12-hour work shift by demographic data For the nursing practice, there was a statistically significant relationship between marital status(p=.021), satisfaction on the 8-hour work shift(p=.038), the perception on the 12-hour work shift(p=.001) and the need of 12-hour work shift. For the psychological perspectives, there was a statistically significant relationship between marital status(p=.016), the perception on the 12-hour work shift(p=.0001), and the need of 12-hour work shift. For the physical perspectives, there was a statistically significant relationship between age(p=.002), marital status(p=.005), the number of children(p=.005), the duration of job career(p=.014), the job position(p=.002), the work shift(p=.030), the perception on the 12-hour work shift(p=.0001) and the need of 12-hour work shift. For the socioeconomic perspectives, there was a statistically significant relationship between the job position(0=.002), the work shift(p=.006), the perception of the 12-hour work shift(p=.002) and the need of 12-hour work shift. For the environmental perspectives, there was a statisitically significant relationship between the traffic method(p=.05), the duration of the job career(p=.026), the perception on the 12-hour work shift(p=.309) and the need of 12-hour work shift. 3. The need of 12-hour work shift by the demographic data There was a statistically significant difference between marital status(p=.014), the number of children(p=.038), the job position(p=.007), the work shift(p=.037), and the perception on the 12-hour work shift(p=.0001) for the need of 12-hour work shift.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.83-99
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• 1998

The purpose of this study is to investigate factors influencing the attitude and satisfaction with inventory management of hospitals. Data were collected from 344 employees in two hospitals located in Seoul and one hospital located in Choong-Chung Do, Korea, using a self-administered questionnaire. Items included in the self-administered questionnaire were hospital and socioeconomic characteristics of personnels such as the level of knowledge, practice, attitude, and satisfaction with inventory management of hospitals. Major findings were as follows; Job position was significantly associated with satisfaction with inventory management. According to age, sex, type of position and aptitude of personnel the level of positive attitude to and satisfaction with inventory management showed significant association. Generally, those who had higher level of knowledge and practice showed a higher tendency toward positive attitude of inventory management, except for those in medical support post. A higher tendency of satisfaction with inventory management was also observed, with the exception of personnel in nurse post. This study showed that major factors affecting attitude toward inventory management are level of knowledge and practice, and factors affecting satisfaction are job position and aptitude. The level of attitude and satisfaction explained by these factors were 46.8% and 12.2%, respectively. According to the results of this study, higher level of knowledge and practice, job position and aptitude appear to be essential for the implementation of effective inventory management. Factors affecting attitude and satisfaction of inventory management should be studied more in depth systematically so that other objective test and measurements can be developed.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.130-156
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• 2008

This review paper is to provide theoretical background and empirical evidence for gender sensitive health policy in Korea. We explore how sex and gender are implicated in health disparities. After reviewing major concepts regarding sex, gender, and health, the study moves on to describe the ways in which gender interacts with other social determinants (socioeconomic position, workplace, stress, social support, and violation) to show disparate health outcomes. Next, suggested health models considering gender and social process are introduced. The article concludes by suggesting the necessity of gender sensitive policy consorted with social programs in tackling health equity.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.10-20
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• 2022

The prevalence of developmental disabilities is increasing worldwide over time. Developmental issues in infancy or early childhood may cause learning difficulties or behavioral problem in school age, further adversely affecting adolescent quality of life, which finally lead to low socioeconomic status in family, increase in medical expenses, and other relevant issues in various ways. Early childhood has brain plasticity, which means there is a high chance of recovering from developmental issues by early detection and timely intervention. Pediatricians are placed an ideal position to meet with young children till 6 years of age, of which age range is the time applicable to early intervention. Determining child's developmental status can be made by 2 pathways such as developmental surveillance and developmental screening tests. For better results, pediatricians should update their knowledge about developmental issues, risk factors, and screening techniques through varying educational program or other relevant educating materials. This paper will update reports on the prevalence of developmental disabilities and review the recent results of the Korean developmental screening test and discuss relevant issues. Finally, it will be addressed the pediatrician's role in early detecting developmental issues and timely intervention.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.228-239
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• 2017

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between preschool education experiences and adulthood self-rated health using representative data from a national population-based survey. Methods: Data from the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study in 2006 and 2012 were used. A total of 2391 men and women 21-41 years of age were analyzed. Log-binomial regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between preschool education experience and self-rated health in adulthood. Parental socioeconomic position (SEP) indicators were considered as confounders of the association between preschool education experience and adulthood subjective health, while current SEP indicators were analyzed as mediators. Age-adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and the associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results: Compared with men without any experience of preschool education, those with both kindergarten and other preschool education experiences showed a lower prevalence of self-rated poor health (PR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.89). In women, however, such an association was not evident. The relationship of preschool education experiences with self-rated poor health in adulthood among men was confounded by parental SEP indicators and was also mediated by current SEP indicators. After adjustment for parental and current SEP indicators, the magnitude of the associations between preschool education experiences and adulthood subjective health was attenuated in men. Conclusions: Preschool education experience was associated with adulthood self-rated health in men. However, this association was explained by parental and current SEP indicators. Further investigations employing a larger sample size and objective health outcomes are warranted in the future.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.28
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• pp.18.1-18.8
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• 2013

Objectives As public concern on possible harmful effects of mobile phone in children has been raised, information of epidemiological characteristics of mobile phone use in children and adolescents will be essential for public health policy. Methods Using three databases (n=21,693) collected from 2008 to 2011, we examined characteristics of mobile phone ownership and use, and socioeconomic positions (SEP) in Korean children and adolescents. Results The ownership rate and the amount of mobile phone use were higher in females than males, in higher school grades than lower grades, and at 2011 than 2008. The average age of first mobile phone ownership was shown to decrease from 12.5 years in currently high school students to 8.4 years in currently elementary school students at 2011. More than 90% of children in the 5th grade owned a mobile phone. More children owned a mobile phone in lower SEP communities than in higher SEP. Children with parents educated less than those with parents educated more were more likely to own and use mobile phone. Conclusions Considering the epidemiological characteristics of mobile phone use, precautionary measures to prevent unnecessary exposure to mobile phones are needed in children and adolescents.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.117-128
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• 2009

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of mothers education attainment on prevalence of dental caries among their preschool children. Methods: Data were obtained from the third 2006 Korea National Oral Health Survey. A total of 515 preschool children aged 2 to 7 years and their mothers were selected in this study. We used mother's education level as her socioeconomic position and controlled children's tooth brushing frequency, tooth brushing before bed, the frequency of eating snack, and the preventive dental visit. Whether children experienced dental caries or not and the number of decayed or filled or missing tooth surface they had were used as outcome variables. Results: The proportion of children affected with dental caries was 46.21%. The mother's education level affected children's caries significantly (p<0.05) and children whose mother attended less than high school had more possibility of having caries than children whose mother graduated from college or more (p<0.05). This effect was still significant and got larger(p<0.05), even after controlling children's dental health behavior. Conclusion: This study showed that mother's education level affected the prevalence of caries among their preschool children. In addition, this result indicated a need for more definite policy for children's dental health in lower socioeconomic class with general dental education.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.81-89
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• 2010

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between experience of hunger in childhood or adolescence and diabetes mellitus in old age. Methods: Stratified national samples of 421 men and 554 women aged 60-89 in South Korea were analyzed. Diabetes diagnosed by a doctor was used as the dependent variable. Experience of hunger in childhood was assessed with the question, "In your childhood, have you ever gone hungry with skipping a meal?" and "In your childhood, have you ever eaten porridge or some bran cake as main dish instead of rice because of lack of food?" Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by multiple logistic regressions. Results: ORs of diabetes by experience of hunger in childhood were 1.64(95% CI 0.95-2.83) for men and 1.58(95% CI 1.01-2.47) for women. Significant association of experience of hunger in childhood with prevalence of diabetes persisted in men after adjustment for adulthood and old age socioeconomic position indicators and other risk factors(OR 1.88(95% CI 1.04-3.41)). The effect of experience of hunger in 10-19 years was more prominent than that in less than 10 years in both gender. Conclusion: Experience of hunger in childhood or adolescence may increase the risk of diabetes in Korean elders.