• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.28 no.3 s.51
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• pp.663-677
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• 1995

Special health examination institute has done periodic health examination for workers who have worked in the hazardous workplace. However, assessment on outcome in special health examination institute about detection ability of occupational disease has not been. In this circumstances, we studied on the differences of health examination outcome among special health examination institutes and identified related factors which affected outcome of special health examination in the special health examination institutes. The summary of the results were as follows. 1. 50 special health examination institutes were examined in this study. Among them, university institutes were 13 cases(26.0%), hospitals were 20 cases(40.0%), a corporation aggregates were 9 cases(18.0%) and an auxiliary organs of company were 8 cases(16.0%). There were 29(58.0%) institutes with a preventive medicine specialist, but 21 institutes(42.0%) were not. 2. Total workers examined in 50 institutes were 606,948 and workers diagnosed as occupational disease$(D_1)$ were 3,156. The rate of occupational disease was 6 workers per 1,000 examined workers. Workers needed for close observation(C) were 95,809 and the rate of workers needed for close observation was 141 per 1,000 examined workers. 3. The rate of occupational disease of university institutes was highest(11.3 per 1,000 examined workers), and followed by hospitals(6.0 per 1,000 examined workers), a corporation aggregates(4.2 per 1,000 examined workers), and an auxiliary organs of company(1.2 per 1,000 examined workers). The difference of the rate of occupational disease between university institutes and an auxiliary organs of company was statistically moderate significant(p<.1). The rate of occupational disease in special health examination institutes with establishment duration was more than 10 years was statistically higher than institutes with establishment duration was less than 10 years(p<.1). 4. The results of multiple regression, $R^2$ was 0.3394(adjusted $R^2$ was 0.2109), F-value was 2.6416(p<.05), and statistically significant variables were establishment duration(p<.01), number of examined workers per one doctor(p<.1), and auxiliary organs of company(p<.1), which dependent variable was the rate of occupational disease and independent variables were number of examined workers per one doctor, classification of institute, the rate of working environment exceeding TLV, duration of institute establishment, presence of a preventive medicine specialist.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.34
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• pp.14.1-14.14
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• 2022

Background: Although spirometry results can be interpreted differently depending on the reference equation used, there are no established criteria for selecting reference equations as part of the special health examinations for Korean workers. Thus, it is essential to examine the current use of reference equations in Korea, quantify their impact on result interpretation, and propose reference equations suitable for Korean workers, while also considering the environmental conditions of special health examination facilities. Methods: The 213,640 results from the special health examination database were analyzed to identify changes in the ratio of measured values to reference values of lung capacity in Korean workers with changes in age or height, and changes in the agreement of interpretations with the reference equation used. Data from 238 organizations that participated in the 2018-2019 quality control assessment by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency were used to identify the spirometer model and reference equations used in each special health examination facility. Results: Korean special health examination facilities used six reference equations, and the rate of normal or abnormal ventilatory diagnoses varied with the reference equation used. The prediction curve of the Global Lung Function Initiative 2012-Northeast Asian (GLI2012) equation most resembled that of the normal group, but the spirometry model most commonly used by examination facilities was not compliant with the GLI2012 equation. With a scaling factor of 0.95 applied to the Dr. Choi equation, the agreement with the GLI2012 equation was > 0.81 for men and women. Conclusions: We propose the GLI2012 equation as reference equation for spirometry in Korean workers. The GLI2012 equation exhibited the most suitable prediction curve against the normal lung function group. For devices that cannot use the GLI2012 equation, we recommend applying a scaling factor of 0.95 to the Dr. Choi equation.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.16-21
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• 2010

It has been well known that organic industrial solvents such as toluene, xylene and styrene are environmental health hazards causing occupational diseases to workers. The detection of biological metabolites of toluene, xylene and styrene in blood, urine, breast milk, saliva, and hair of workers exposed to these organic industrial solvents is a useful tool for assessing the amount of organic industrial solvents. Therefor, the external analytical quality assurance program is extremely important work for increasing reliability of the data analyzed in the special health examination laboratory. We evaluated the results of analysis by Korean analytical quality assurance program from the second half 2007 to the first half 2009. The number of participants for analytical quality assurance program for both mandatory item and one of optional items, hippuric acid and methylhippuric acid were 116-122, 116-122 and 105-115 laboratories, respectively. The proficient rate of the special health examination laboratories analyzed both mandatory item and optional item, hippuric acid and methylhippuric acid were 92-98%, 92-98% and 96-98%, respectively. We can conclude from our data that the analytical quality assurance program is a essential tool for improvement of reliability on the data analyzed in the special health examination laboratories.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.112-116
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• 2022

Background/Aims: The Gachon Regional Occupational Cohort Study (GROCS) is a large-scale longitudinal study of occupational safety and health data (covering Work Environment Monitoring, Workers' Health Surveillance, and Occupational Health Service) conducted by the Gachon University Gil Medical Center (GUGMC) in Incheon, Republic of Korea. We conducted GROCS to identify the health effects of workers' occupational risks, behavior, socioeconomic status, and life style. Methods: The GROCS includes data from Work Environment Monitoring, Workers' Health Surveillance, and Occupational Health Service. The baseline year for all data collection was 2018. Work Environment Monitoring was conducted in 240 companies located in Incheon. General Health Examination and Special Health Examination were performed on 32,725 and 9,504 workers, respectively. Occupational Health Services were provided to 16,883 workers in 171 companies. These data have been collected and operated at an external data management institution and were provided as a retrospective cohort after removing personal identification information. Results: In 2018, the total number of companies was 2,854, among which which 488 special Health Examination, 171 Work Environment Monitoring, and 240 Occupational Health Service. The proportion of companies undergoing Special Health Examination was 17.1%, the proportion of companies undergoing Work Environment Monitoring was 8.4%, and the proportion of Companies undergoing Occupational Health Service was 6.0%. Conclusion: GROCS expects researchers to utilize its useful and reliable resource for occupational health and surveillance with for academic or political purposes to lead to improved workers' health and working environment.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.67-76
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• 1993

The purpose of this study was to find the status of health examination and health management of industrial companies located in Taegu and Kyung book areas. It will provide basic information for the provision of effective health management of industrial workers. 49 companies were selected as a study sample group, and data was collected by using a structured Questionnaire which was developed by the members of the Community Health Nursing Academy of Korean Nursing. The health managers of the companies filled out the Questionnaire. The data was gathered from Dec 20, 1992 to Jan 20. The results of the study was as follows : 1. The Study sample showed 85.7% manufacturing companies having 300 or more workers. 2. All the companies had health managers, and companies which had 1,000 or more workers had industrial physicians and nurses. Only 12.2% of the industrial physicians were full time employees, and almost all industrial nurses were full time employees. Except for industrial physicians and nurses, the proportion of hygienists (6.1%), nurses aids (4.1%), and environmental engineers (22.4%) with full time employment statuss was very low. The mean age of industrial physicians was 49.2 while that of industrial nurses was 27.2. The length of work experiences currently ranges for 1 to 3 years for all health workers: physicians, nurses, hygienists, and environmental engineers. 3. Health examination and follow up care 94.31% took general health examinations. Of those, the proportion of the workers, who were determined as C grade(in need of close examination) was 43.86%. The proportion of the workers who were determined as D grade was 22.19%. 13.28% of the workers evaluated at the D grade were taken as a gauge for temporary leave from work. While 8.7% and .09% of them were taken as gauge for a change in job, and or shortening work hours respectively. The proportion of workers who must have taken special examination was 65.04% and of those the proportion of the workers who actually took, the examination was 98.55%. 75% of the workers who were recommended for follow up care were given follow up care. The special examinations were done the most frequently to detect the effects of physical agents (59.2%). Direct notice to individual workers was used the most frequently as a method of notification after a special examination (61.2%). The length of time taken to receive the result of a special examination was less than 1 month (38.9%) and 36.7% had taken up to two months (36.7%.). Most results of special examination were obtained within 2 months. The referral rate of consulting special examination by health managers was estimated at 95.9%. 4. 89.8% of the companies had. their own company dispensaries and 75.5% of those. had separate dispensaries. 32.7% of the companies designated local clinics for health management of workers. Industrial nurses performed health examination the most frequently(1.4 points). Health appraisal for work places were. done the least(0.83 points).

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.361-366
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• 2020

Background: This study aimed to identify the validity of breast cancer symptom questionnaire of worker's special health examination and its relationship with breast ultrasonography findings in young female night workers. Methods: The breast cancer symptom questionnaire data of worker's special health examination and breast ultrasonography results in young female shift workers who worked in one electronic manufacture company were collected from 2014 to 2018. Results: Of the 857 workers, 18 had a Breast Imaging Reporting and Database System category 4 or higher. Among other variables, shift work tenure alone was associated with the risk of having a Breast Imaging Reporting and Database System category higher than 4. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the symptom questionnaire were 16.7%, 87.7%, 2.8%, and 98.0%, respectively. Conclusion: The current breast cancer symptom questionnaire of the worker's special health examination is inappropriate due to its low sensitivity and positive predictive value. In the future, female night workers will need alternative measures for more accurate screening for breast cancer.

• Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.5-15
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• 2024

Purpose: The study aim was to examine the home healthcare system and relevant education, as well as the special certification examination, and propose a plan to increase the supply of home health nurses. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using data from research articles, Korean and U.S. educational institutes and organizations, Korean national statistical data, government press releases, and related medical legislation. Results: Between 2005 and 2006, 763 home health nurses were certified through the special qualification examination; however, in the 16 years from 2007 to 2023 (after the graduate-level program was established), a total of 555 home health nurses were certified, with an average of approximately 35 per year. Currently, 790 home health nurses are working at 194 medical institutions nationwide. Relatively few institutions exist in rural areas, and the supply of home health nurses is low. Only seven educational institutions offer home health nurse certification programs, with a total of 77 designated students. In contrast to Korea, post-master's certification courses are offered in the U.S.. Conclusion: To expand the supply of home health nurses, we recommend revising the rules for the special qualification examination and introducing a post-master's certification program for home health nurses. Future studies should provide additional education for applicants from other specialties in post-master's certification programs.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.182-194
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• 2009

This study was conducted to evaluate health status and to propose health protection measures of irregular plant construction workers in Yoesu National Industrial Complex (YNIC). The status of safety and health management was examined in five areas including safety and health education, work environment monitoring, health examination, health management record, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for plant construction workers. The safety training rate for plant construction workers was reached high at 91%, The training was mostly consisted of safety accident related things, but training on hazardous materials was found to be insufficient. Workplace monitoring results showed that the compliance rate for work environment for irregular construction workers was 54% and workplace monitoring during turnaround (TA) period with high risk of exposure to hazardous agents has not been implemented. While 61.4% of irregular workers received the general health examination but only 36.8% received the special health examination. The special health examination was found to be conducted only upon welders from 2-3 years ago. The issue of health management record upon irregular construction workers was not being implemented. In case of PPE, basic safety protective equipments such as safety shoes, safety belt, safety helmet were being supplied well while the supply rate of respirator for organic vapor was relatively low at 40%. Based on this study, two suggestions to maximize the utilization of the current safety and health program were made while boosting its effectiveness in protecting workers' health. First, the role of owners (petrochemical plant) related to safety and health should be strengthened. Second, in consideration of the characteristics of construction workers who usually engage in short term employment and frequent movement, community based health management organization is suggested that can overcome such structural problem and carry out the implementation of health examination and sustained health management.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.843-855
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• 1995

Occupational Dentistry was introduced in Korea about 70 years ago. During the colonial period occupied by Japan till 1945, there were few documents about industrial dentistry, furthermore most cases of occupational diseases and accidents might have been concealed intentionally by the colonial government. After being an independent country, several dentists made efforts to set up 'Preventive Dentistry for Workers' performing specific oral health surveys, even though which were stopped by Korean War. In 1960s' and 1970s', some investigations of oral status were carried out intermittently for specific small groups;white-collar workers, mentally retarded person, buddhist monks and crews of ocean liners. At the same time there was important study in Korean history of occupational dentistry, which was 'a comparison of the oral hygiene conditions in the female workers of a spinning factory at intervals of 30 years.' In 1980s', young researchers began to give attention to erosion of the teeth due to sulphuric acid in the acid-related industry and dental caries due to sugar and flour in the sweets industry. After being democratic labor union movement activated in 1987, hidden and suppressed occupational diseases under the military dictatorship were exposed and flushed in the newspapers. It was shocking for all people that 15-year old boy had been dead due to mercury intoxication after 3-month employment in 1988. In 1990s', the activity for studying oral status of workers in their workplaces was launched and 'Occupational Accidents and Diseases in Oral and Maxillofacial Field' was published. And also The Korean Association of Occupationl Dentistry was established. Oral health examination of workers at the time of employment and of workers exposed to 5 special chemicals at the time of routine special health examination was adopted in 1992, and epocally oral health examination was also included in periodic routine examination of workers' health in 1995. So, occupational dentistry in Korea should cope with the changing needs of working environment and the altering scheme of health examination.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.117-130
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• 1993

There has been a rapid growth in Korea since 1962 because of the success of the 5-year Economic Plan. The number of industrial work and workers has also made had a rapid increase. Consequently, the management of occupational health for the purpose of promoting health in industrial workers is needed especially in the health examination program. The purpose of this study was to analyze the Knowledge, and Attitude among industrial workers of health examination programs. The target population was 402 industrial workers from 4 factories in Kangwon province. A survey was conducted to collect data by a self administered questionnaire from October 29 to November 5. A sixty four item questionnaire was designed to collect data concerning Knowledge, and Attitude of health examination of industrial workers. The data was analyzed by means of percentage, mean, T-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient. The major findings were as follows : 1. The respondents presented the following picture : The male population was 88%. 57% of respondents were age 25-34 years old. 69.4% of respondents were married. 73.4% of respondents were high school graduates. 80.8% of the respondents were working over 48 hours per week. The respondents with over 10 years on the job were 31.9% of the respondents. Health examination were given to the respondents as: pre-employment health examination 90.5%, general health examination 91.5%, and special health examination 31.5%. 2. The Knowledge level was different in health examination items. 80.5% of respondents had knowledge about hearing test, body weight, visually, chest X-ray like simple things. Below 50% of respondents had knowledge of urine test, liver function test, and career history. 3. Attitude status about health examination showed an average score 36.5(median 33) of satisfaction, 26.93(median 21) of importance, 13.84 (median 21) of content, 10.46(median 12 of reliability on health examination results. 4. The level of Attitude on health examination was significantly different than the Knowledge level. 5. The relationship among stated variables such as satisfaction, the perceptions of importance on health, health examination, the result and follow up after health examination were shown to reflect neither positively nor negatively on each other.