• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.300-306
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was performed to compare the standardized mortality ratios among different small areas and to explore the usefulness of standardized mortality ratios in South Korea. Methods : To calculate the standardized mortality ratio (SMR), we obtained the national deaths certificate data (2004-2006) and national registration population data (2003-2006), and these were provided by the National Statistical Office. The small areas (Eup.Myoun.Dong) were based on the subdivisions of counties. Among the 3,580 small areas classified by the National Statistical Office, 3,571 areas were included in this study. The basic statistics and decile distributions of the SMRs for all the regional levels were calculated, and the small area maps were also produced for some selected regions. To evaluate the precision of SMR, we calculated the 95% confidence intervals of the SMR in selected small areas. Results : The mean and the standard deviation of the SMRs among all small areas were 100.8 and 17.0, respectively. The range was 30.6-211.7 and the inter-quartile range was 20.7. Seoul metropolitan city displayed the lowest mean SMR among 16 regions in South Korea, and 34.6 percent of the small area SMRs belonged to the first decile(the lowest group). On the contrary, the mean SMR of Gyeongsangnam province was highest, and 26.1 percent of the small area SMRs belonged to the tenth decile(the highest group). In some areas, the precision of the SMR, which was calculated by the 95% confidence intervals, remained questionable, yet it was quite stable for almost areas. Conclusions : The standardized mortality ratios can be useful for allocating health resources at the small area level in Korea.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.111-119
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to compare the differences of hip and thigh muscle activities between subjects with increased and decreased femoral anteversion during stair ascent. Twelve healthy female volunteers participated in this study. The subjects were divided into two groups (group 1 with increased anteversion of the hip, group 2 with decreased anteversion of the hip). This study analyzed differences in each mean peak gluteus maximus (GM), gluteus medius (GD) and tensor fascia lata (TLF) EMG amplitude: composite mean peak hip muscles (GM, GD, TFL) EMG amplitude ratios and in each mean peak vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (HM) and semitendinosus (HL) EMG amplitude: composite thigh muscles (VMO, VL, HM, HL) EMG amplitude ratios among subjects with decreased or increased relative femoral anteversion. EMG ratios were compared in the stance and swing phase of stair ascent. Group 1 showed an increased standardized mean GM and GD EMG amplitude and decreased standardized mean TFL to composite mean hip muscles EMG amplitude ratios in stair ascent during both stance and swing phase. Also, group 1 showed an increased standardized mean HL EMG amplitude and decreased standardized mean VL and HM to composite mean thigh muscles EMG amplitude ratios in stair ascent during both stance and swing phases. There was no statistically significant difference in vastus medialis oblique between subjects with increased or decreased relative femoral anteversion. In order to provide rehabilitation professionals with a clearer picture of the specific requirements of the stair climbing task, further research must be expanded to include a wider range of age groups that represent the general public, such as including middle-aged healthy persons.

• The Journal of Fisheries Business Administration
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.117-132
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• 2004

This study attempts to suggest a new approach of the estimation of range and degree of fisheries damages caused by a large scale of reclamation undertaken in coastal area using the central limit theorem(CLT) in statistics. The key result of the study is the introduction of the new concept of critical variation of environmental factor($d_{c}$). The study defines $d_{c}$ as a standard deviation of the sample mean($\bar{X}$) of environmental factor(X), in other words, $\frac{\sigma}{ \sqrt{n}}$. The inner bound of $d_{c}$ could be the area of fisheries damages caused by public coastal undertaking. The study also defines the decreasing rate of fisheries production$\delta_{\varepsilon}$, in other words, degree of fisheries damages, as the rate of change in the distribution of sample mean(($\bar{X}$), caused by the continuous and constant variation of environmental factor. Therefore $\delta_{\varepsilon}$ can be easily calculated by the use of table of the standardized normal distribution.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.371-381
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• 2007

Purpose: This study was done to investigate the relationship of family function, self-esteem, life satisfaction, and general characteristics to loneliness in community dwelling Korean elders and identify factors affecting loneliness. Method: With a cross-sectional causal-relationship design and a convenience sample, 205 elders residing in three districts of the city of Seoul, S. Korea were recruited. Participants were assessed using the Family APGAR Score, Self-Esteem Scale, Life-Satisfaction Scale, and Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale. Results: The mean score for degree of loneliness (Mean=39.61, SD=10.09) was just below the mean for the scale (Possible range 20-80). Loneliness had significant negative correlations with family function (r= -.400, p<.001), self-esteem (r= -.399, p<.001), and life satisfaction (r= -.644, p<.001). Other general characteristics that had significant or nearly significant relationships with loneliness were perceived current financial and health status, whether doing any exercise or physical activities, degree of close relationship with family members, and length of living in current residence. Among variables, life satisfaction (Standardized ${\beta}\;=\;-.589$, p<.001) and length of living in current residence (Standardized ${\beta}\;=\;-.136$, p<.05) significantly predicted degree of loneliness. Conclusion: Findings of this study allow a comprehensive understanding of loneliness and related factors among community dwelling elders in Korea. However, further studies with a larger random sample from various living environments are necessary.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.337-349
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to provide basic materials to standardized cancer prevention programs for promotion of health of workers by identifying knowledge, attitude, and preventive health behaviors on the cancer and investigating factors influencing cancer preventive health behaviors in workers. This study included survey data of 723 workers from 9 work places in 5 areas and analyzed using SPSS/WIN 20.0. In the results, the mean score for knowledge about cancer was $10.52{\pm}4.02$(range: 0~30), the mean score of attitude toward cancer was $31.61{\pm}3.51$(range: 10~50) and the mean score of preventive health behavior for cancer was $62.37{\pm}9.05$(range: 19~95). 40.3% of preventive health behaviors for cancer was explained by perceived health condition, attitude toward cancer, age, smoking, drinking alcohol, exercise, and working hours per day. The results of this study can be used for developing cancer preventive health promotion programs suitable for workers' condition in workplaces.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.25-30
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• 2012

Background : The soft palate functions as a valve and helps generate the oral pressure required for normal speech resonance. Speech problems and nasal regurgitation can result from a soft palatal defect. Reduction of the size of the velopharyngeal orifice is required to compensate for the lack of mobility in a reconstructed soft palate. We suggest a large volume folded free flap for reduction of the caliber and a palmaris longus tendon sling for suspension of the reconstructed palate. Methods : Six patients had total soft palate resection for tonsillar cancer and reconstruction with a large volume folded radial forearm free flap combined with a palmaris longus sling. A single surgeon and speech therapist examined the patients with three standardized speech assessment tools: nasometer test, consonant articulation test, and speech acuity test performed for speech evaluation. Results : Mean nasalance score was 76.20% for sentences with nasal sounds and 43.60% for sentences with oral sounds. Hypernasality was seen for oral sound sentences. The mean score of the picture consonant articulation test was 84% (range, 63% to 100%). The mean score of the speech acuity test was 5.84 (range, 5 to 6). These mean ratings represent a satisfactory level of speech function. Conclusions : The large volume folded free flap with a palmaris longus tendon sling for total soft palate reconstruction resulted in satisfactory prognosis for speech despite moderate hypernasality.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.274-281
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• 2022

Background: In the present study, the age- and sex-adjusted Constant score (CS) in a normal Indian population was calculated and any differences with other population cohorts assessed. Methods: The study participants were patients who visited the outpatient department for problems other than shoulder and healthy volunteers from the local population. Patients without shoulder pain/discomfort during activity were included in the study. Subjects with any problem that might affect shoulder function (e.g., cervical, thoracic spine, rib cage deformity, inflammatory arthritis) were excluded. Constant scoring of all participants was performed by trained senior residents under the supervision of the senior faculty. Shoulder range of movement and strength were measured following recommendations given by the research and Development Committee of the European Society for Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (2008). A fixed spring balance was used for strength measurement; one end was fixed on the floor and the other end tied with a strap to the wrist of the participant, arm in 90° abduction in scapular plane with palm facing down. Results: Among the 248 subjects (496 shoulders), the average age was 37 years (range, 18-78 years), 65.7% were males (326 shoulders) and 34.3% females (170 shoulders). The mean CS was 84.6±2.9 (males, 86.1±3.0; females, 81.8±2.9). CS decreased significantly after 50 years of age in males and 40 years of age in females (p<0.05). The mean CS was lower than in previous studies for both males and females. Heavy occupation workers had higher mean CS (p<0.05). A linear standardized equation was estimated for calculating the adjusted CS for any age. Conclusions: Mean CS and its change with age differed from previous studies among various population cohorts.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.31-45
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-concept and self-care activities of the cerebral palsied adolescents and to gain the baseline data for development of effective rehabilitation nursing intervention program of the cerebral palsied adolescents. The design of this study was a descriptive correlational study. The subjects of the study were 160 cerebral palsied adolescents attending at special schools located in Seoul and Kyonggi and rehabilitation centers located in Seoul, Kyonggi and Kyongnam province. The data was collected from May 20 to July 20, 2000. The instrument used for this study were the self-concept scale(50items 4point scale) and self-care activities scale(29items 4point scale). Self-Concept Scale had developed by Fitt(1965), which was standardized by Chung(1968) and modified by Kim(1984). Self-Care Activities Scale developed by the researcher through out the consulting of expert and pilot study on the basis of ADL check list developed by Kang(1984) and LDSQ-3(Lambeth Disability Screening Questionnair-3) developed by Na et al. (1995). The data was analyzed by the SPSS/PC+program using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA & Scheffe test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The results of this study were as follows; 1. The mean score of self-concept was $138.55{\pm}17.20$(range: 50-100), which the item mean score was $2.77{\pm}0.34$(range: 1-4). The score of subarea of the self-concept was the highest score in family self ($3.01{\pm}0.54$) and the lowest score in physical self ($2.52{\pm}0.42$). 2. The mean score of self-care activities was $95.25{\pm}21.69$ (range: 29-116), which the item mean score was $3.28{\pm}0.75$ (range: 1-4). The score of subarea of the self-care activities was the highest score in feeding($3.75{\pm}0.59$) and the lowest score in walking($2.64{\pm}1.21$). 3. There were statistically significant difference in the score of self-concept according to the age (F=3.24, P=.04), the grads (F=4.36, P=.01), and types of cerebral palsy (F=2.42, P=.03). 4. There were statistically significant difference in the score of self-care activities according to the age (F=8.29, P=.00), the grads (F=16.05, P=.00), types of living place (F=6.46, P=.00), types of cerebral palsy (F=48.92, P=.00), whether or not receiving a rehabilitation therapy (t=-3.64, P=.00), whether or not receiving a vocational training (t=2.14, P=.03), and whether or not using a device (t=-7.42, P=.00). 5. There was not significant correlation between self-concept and self-care activities (r=.081, P=.311).

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.78 no.2
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• pp.78-84
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• 2015

Background: Reports of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for second-line medications to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remain limited. Methods: A retrospective cohort from the Virginia state tuberculosis (TB) registry, 2009-2014, was analyzed for TDM usage in MDR-TB. Drug concentrations, measured at time of estimated peak ($C_{max}$), were compared to expected ranges. Results: Of 10 patients with MDR-TB, 8 (80%) had TDM for at least one drug (maximum 6 drugs). Second-line drugs tested were cycloserine in seven patients (mean $C_{2hr}$, $16.6{\pm}10.2{\mu}g/mL$; 4 [57%] below expected range); moxifloxacin in five (mean $C_{2hr}$, $3.2{\pm}1.5{\mu}g/mL$; 1 [20%] below); capreomycin in five (mean $C_{2hr}$, $21.5{\pm}14.0{\mu}g/mL$; 3 [60%] below); para-aminosalicylic acid in five (mean $C_{6hr}$, $65.0{\pm}29.1{\mu}g/mL$; all within or above); linezolid in three (mean $C_{2hr}$, $11.4{\pm}4.1{\mu}g/mL$, 1 [33%] below); amikacin in two (mean $C_{2hr}$, $35.3{\pm}3.7{\mu}g/mL$; 1 [50%] below); ethionamide in one ($C_{2hr}$, $1.49{\mu}g/mL$, within expected). Two patients died: a 38-year-old woman with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome and TB meningitis without TDM, and a 76-year-old man with fluoroquinolone-resistant (pre-extensively drug-resistant) pulmonary TB and low linezolid and capreomycin concentrations. Conclusion: Individual pharmacokinetic variability was common. A more standardized approach to TDM for MDR-TB may limit over-testing and maximize therapeutic gain.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.857-870
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• 1997

The purposes of this study were to describe 12 years of patient-related oncology nursing research in Korea, identifying various nursing interventions, and assesing the effectiveness of the interventions, through analysis and synthesis of the accumulated research papers. One hundred and seventy-nine studies were selected for this study and these were mostly descriptive in design (69.2%). Of the 179 studies, 25 met the criteria for meta-analytic treatment. Twenty-five experimental studies were found in theses and dissertations (68%), 92% used convenience sample, and the median sample size was 40. Subjects were predominantly in treatment and rehabilitation (76%). Most studies(68%) were not derived from a theory base, with only 8% reporting use of a nursing theory. Results of the meta-analysis are as follows. The effect size of the nursing intervention type was found to be significantly effective. The standardized mean difference ranged from a high positive of 2.55 to a low negative of -0.22. Direct personal nursing intervention method was more effective than indirect group method. Two nursing intervention methods were more effective than one. The greatest effect size was thyxical intervention. The greatest mean effect size was scalp hypothermia technique. Teaching was a frequent intervention after 1990, although a wide range of treatments were studied. Effect size of intervention for symptom management was largest in relieving pain. Effective intervention method for relieving anxiety was exercise.