• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.50-58
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• 2023

Objectives: Socioeconomic inequality in metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains poorly understood in Iran. The present study examined the extent of the socioeconomic inequalities in MetS and quantified the contribution of its determinants to explain the observed inequality, with a focus on middle-aged adults in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease cohort study. A sample of 9975 middleaged adults aged 35-65 years was analyzed. MetS was assessed based on the International Diabetes Federation definition. Principal component analysis was used to construct socioeconomic status (SES). The Wagstaff normalized concentration index (CI_n) was employed to measure the magnitude of socioeconomic inequalities in MetS. Decomposition analysis was performed to identify and calculate the contribution of the MetS inequality determinants. Results: The proportion of MetS in the sample was 41.1%. The CI_n of having MetS was 0.043 (95% confidence interval, 0.020 to 0.066), indicating that MetS was more concentrated among individuals with high SES. The main contributors to the observed inequality in MetS were SES (72.0%), residence (rural or urban, 46.9%), and physical activity (31.5%). Conclusions: Our findings indicated a pro-poor inequality in MetS among Iranian middle-aged adults. These results highlight the importance of persuading middle-aged adults to be physically active, particularly those in an urban setting. In addition to targeting physically inactive individuals and those with low levels of education, policy interventions aimed at mitigating socioeconomic inequality in MetS should increase the focus on high-SES individuals and the urban population.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.40 no.5 s.110
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• pp.584-593
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• 2005

The spatial and temporal variations of heating degree-days (HDDs) and cooling degree-days (CDDs) are closely related with the temperature field. The spatial distribution of 30-year mean HDDs shows that the higher values locates in the northern part of South Korea while the lower values locates in the southern part. The 30-year mean CDDs shows a more randomized distribution than the HDDs. The changing trends of HDDs and CDDs show a different feature: HDDs have a distinct decreasing trend while CDDs have an insignificant change. The decreasing trends of HDDs are consistent over South Korea and most of stations have experienced the statistically significant change. As significant changing areas of HDDs are much broader than those of annual mean temperature, HDDs can be more useful than annual mean temperature to detect the climate change impact on a regional level. In other words, an insignificant change on the mean temperature field can induce the significant change of thermal climatology in a region. The temporal pattern of climatic departure index (CDI) for South Korea HDDs series shows a general decreasing, but a sharp increase during recent years. The drastic decrease of HDDs induces higher CDI indicating larger variability among stations. However, the decrease of South Korea HDDs series cannot totally attribute to the global warming due to urban effects. By the early 1980s, there were no big differences of HDDs between urban and rural series, but later the differences are getting larger. This was expected to be with the intensification of urbanization in South Korea. However, still there is a decreasing trend of HDDs for rural stations.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.1-10
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• 1979

This study was conducted to abbess dietary intake and eating habits of low-income persons aged 60 years or elder. 212 persons were surveyed between July 10 and August 17, 1978 ; 105 from the farming village of Yang-ju, Kyunggi province; and 107 from Karakdong, an area of redevlopment in the suburbs of Seoul. Results were as follows : 1 ) Family environment 84% of elderly persons surveyed, lived with their children; 13.2%, together as a couple; and 1.9%, widowed, lived alone. More than half on the households had an average monthly income of \50,000 to \30,000. The average Engel index was 61.2%. As for pocket money, 56.4% of male subjects had \l,000 to \7,000 per month, whereas 74% of female had less than \1,000. 2) Anthropometric measurements 59.9% of subjects were $70{\sim}90%$ of standard weight, 93% had an arm circumference only $60{\sim}80%$ of the standard. 3) Food and nutrient intake Carbohydrate provided 73.4 to 79.4% of total energy intake, whereas protein and fat accounted for 10.4 to 10.5% and 8.3 to 7.8%, respectively. Those over 65 years of age showed a somewhat greater dependence on carbohydrates for energy, than those under 65. Protein intake was only $42{\sim}52%$ of the recommended allowance. and the proportion of animal protein to total protein was only $2.1{\sim}9.3%$ far below the recommended allowance. Thus the protein nutrition of the subjects was proven to be inadequate qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Intake of energy and of all nutrients except vitamin A and ascorbic acid, were lower than recommended. 4) Correlational assessment The correlation coefficient between poor dental health, clinical sign score, appetite index, dietary balance and nutrient intake, was significant (0<0.01). Poor teeth, illness, and poor appetite were always associated with inadequate intake of energy and nutrients. The results of this survey reveal that many of elderly of the rural and urban poor show evidence of general malnutrition, The authours hope that this study will provide a back. ground and indicate the direction that community health and welfare programs may take to assure proper nutrition for the elderly.

• Korean Journal of Legislative Studies
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.241-276
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• 2018

This article measures equal weighted voting to evaluate the fairness of a redistricting system operated in the $4^{th}$ to the $6^{th}$ metropolitan council elections using a new index. The cosine square index using in the article would be useful on what we see the ratio of the equality of population among metropolitan regions and the fairness of the whole electoral system, along with its simple calculation. The results of the fairness of the $4^{th}$ to the $6^{th}$ metropolitan council elections calculated by the cosine square index are as follow: Because the $4^{th}$ metropolitan council election uniformly elects two members for each electoral district regardless of the size of the population, it has a low equality of population between districts. But as a result of the decision of the Constitutional Court in 2007, standard of population variation in electoral district has been strengthened to 4 : 1 from the $5^{th}$ metropolitan council election. It increases significantly equality of population between districts from the $5^{th}$ metropolitan council election. But in the elections from the $4^{th}$ to the $6^{th}$ metropolitan council elections, Rural electoral districts continuously show the lowest equality of population between districts. It also shows the growing disparity between urban and rural areas as well as between capital and non-capital. This paper emphasizes that electoral apportionment in local council elections should reflect regional diversity and community identity.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.128-162
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• 1996

Using Random Sampling, the authors measured the body heights and weights of 31,151 persons - 17,102 in males and 14,049 in females from metropolitan, urban and rural areas between 6 to over 80 year old - for the purpose of investigating the type and the actual condition of the Korean's growth and development. At first, on the basis of the results, the authors measured the growth and development, various kinds of physiques, nutritional index of the 6 to 20s age group. Second, the authors presented the standard body weight of males and females by their body height, who were in the end of their growth (20-29 age group). Third, the authors calculated and presented the normal adapted body weight of the age group who were over 30 age after the growth had been completed. Forth, the author presented the obesity rate of the adults over 20 years old by body mass index. Finally, the authors compared chronological change of the Koreans' body heights and body weights with the results of other researchers. 1. Body Measurement Rapid growth, in terms of body height, which is described by a straight line on a growth curve has been observed among males in the ages 6-13 and among females 6-14. That growth curve turned out to be slower among the people of higher ages by both sexes. The cross-over occurred in both sexes at 11-14. The highest growth rate for a year is at 13-16 for males and 11-13 for females. This indicates that females enter a rapidly growing stage 2 years earlier than males. 2. Various Physiques and Nutritional Index Rapid growth, in terms of Relative Body Weight Index, which is described by a straight line, has been observed among males in the ages 6-16 and females in the ages 6-14. The cross-over occurred in both sexes 12.5-14.5 age in the adolescencent period. Whereupon females outgrow males. The Roher Index displayed more good value in case of females than male and in the adolescent period, the level of fullness is lower than after the completion of development. The Kaup Indices of both sexes increase with age. The index is less than 2.0 for males in 6-14 age group and for females in 6-13 age group and with this, it appeared that development of horizontal axis to long axis is poor. The index is more than 2.0 after 15 age group in males and 14 age group in females and developmental state4 age group and for females in 6-13 age group and with this, it appeared that development of horizontal axis to long axis is poor. The index is more than 2.0 after 15 age group in males and 14 age group in females and developmental state Body Mass Index is less than 20 for males 6-14 age group and for females in 6-13 age group. In the case of the higher age group, that index maintains a normal state.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.83-90
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to model the avoidable burden of the risk factors of road traffic crashes in Iran and to prioritize interventions to reduce that burden. Methods: The prevalence and the effect size of the risk factors were obtained from data documented by the traffic police of Iran in 2013. The effect size was estimated using an ordinal regression model. The potential impact fraction index was applied to calculate the avoidable burden in order to prioritize interventions. This index was calculated for theoretical, plausible, and feasible minimum risk level scenarios. The joint effects of the risk factors were then estimated for all the scenarios. Results: The highest avoidable burdens in the theoretical, plausible, and feasible minimum risk level scenarios for the non-use of child restraints on urban roads were 52.25, 28.63, and 46.67, respectively. In contrast, the value of this index for speeding was 76.24, 37.00, and 62.23, respectively, for rural roads. Conclusions: On the basis of the different scenarios considered in this research, we suggest focusing on future interventions to decrease the prevalence of speeding, the non-use of child restraints, the use of cell phones while driving, and helmet disuse, and the laws related to these items should be considered seriously.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.100-126
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure income differences in smoking prevalence at the district level and to investigate correlations among area deprivation, smoking prevalence, and income differences in smoking prevalence, stratified by urbanity. Methods: Data were pooled from the Community Health Survey data of South Korea between 2008 and 2014. The age-standardized prevalence of smoking and its interquintile income differences were calculated. We conducted correlation analyses to investigate the association of the deprivation index with smoking prevalence and interquintile differences in smoking prevalence. Results: Across 245 districts, the median prevalence of smoking in men was 45.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 43.4 to 48.5%), with an interquartile range (IQR) of 4.6% points. In women, the median prevalence was 3.0% (95% CI, 2.4 to 3.6%) and IQR was 1.6% points. The median interquintile difference in smoking prevalence was 7.4% points (95% CI, 1.6 to 13.2% points) in men and 2.7% points (95% CI, 0.5 to 4.9% points) in women. The correlation coefficients for the association between the deprivation index and smoking prevalence was 0.58, 0.15, -0.22 in metropolitan, urban, and rural areas, respectively, among men, and 0.54, -0.33, -0.43 among women. No meaningful correlation was found between area deprivation and interquintile difference in smoking prevalence. The correlation between smoking prevalence and interquintile difference in smoking prevalence was more evident in women than in men. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of geographical variations in smoking prevalence and interquintile difference in smoking prevalence. Neither smoking prevalence nor the deprivation index was closely correlated with interquintile income difference in smoking prevalence. Measuring inequalities in smoking prevalence is crucial to developing policies aimed at reducing inequalities in smoking.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.471-479
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• 2018

This study analyzed the peak time of drought severity and drought period using meteorological and hydrological drought indices. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) using rainfall data was used for meteorological drought and Streamflow Drought Index (SDI) and Standardized Streamflow Index (SSI) using streamflow data were used for the hydrological drought. This study was applied to the Cheongmicheon watershed which is a mixture area for rural and urban regions. The rainfall data period used in this study is 32.5 years (January of 1985~June of 2017) and the corresponding streamflow was simulated using SWAT. After the drought indices were calculated using the collected data, the characteristics of drought were analyzed by time series distribution of the calculated drought indices. Based on the results of the this study, it can be seen that hydrological drought occurs after meteorological drought. The difference between SDI and SPI peak occurrence time, difference in drought start date and average drought duration is greater than SSI and SPI. In general, SSI shows more severe than SDI. Therefore, various drought indices should be used at the identification of drought characteristics.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.66-84
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• 2008

Objectives: This study aimed to. offer some fundamental evidences for the stroke management policy by investigating the trends of medical care utilization and regionalization in stroke inpatients. Methods: We used the National Health Insurance claims and registry data for stroke inpatients from 1998 to 2005. Among all stroke inpatient claims data, self-employed insured and their dependents were only included in this study. The classification of stroke was based on ICD-10(I60-I69) and its subtype was divided by hemorrhage(I60-I62) and infarction(I63-I64) type. To evaluate regionalization of medical care utilization, relevance index was calculated by regions. The regions were classified 8 large catchment areas and 163 self authorized areas. Results: The overall medical care utilization rate of stroke inpatient has been increased, especially infarction subtype. Among medical care institutions, the utilization of hospital has been the most rapidly increased. Although considered annual rate of interest, total medical cost of stroke inpatients has been increased, Totally, more than 84% of stroke inpatient were admitted to medical care institutions in their own large catchment area during 1998-2005. The relevance indices in their own large catchment area (self sufficiency rates) were more than 70% in most areas regardless of stroke subtype except Chungbuk catchment area. Self sufficiency rates of stroke inpatients among 163 self authorized areas in 1998 and 2005 were 84.2% and 83.1% in metropolitan, 46.7% and 45.5% in urban, and 19.5% and 22.6% in rural areas, respectively. Conclusion: Stroke management policy for improvement of distribution at the district level, especially in rural areas, may be helpful for reducing regional inequality in stroke.

• Journal of the Korean Regional Science Association
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.17-27
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• 2016

In order to solve the problem of how to estimate the residential segregation, the Spatial Concentration Index(SCI) and Location quotient(LQ) are able to be one of alternative methods, and a comprehensive analysis of the residential segregation phenomenon in the seoul metropolitan area is the aim of the study. The results of SCI show that residential concentration areas in low-rent are some Gyeonggi-do's downtown(Bucheon-si, Suwon-si) as well as rural and urban-rural complex outskirts of the metropolitan area. The results of changing of SCI from 2011 to 2014, downward changes appeared thirteen districts and upward changes appeared fourteen districts. Especially downward change district was Sosa-gu, Bucheon-si and upward change district was Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si. In conclusion, that high rent level groups are more concentration on specific area than low rent level groups. By decreasing residential concentration districts in low-rent level group, 'diversity' districts have been increasing in seoul metropolitan but the phenomenon of residential concentration in high and low level group have been being intensified. These results could be confirmed by quantitative through LQ. Methodologically LQ would strengthen the explanatory power of SCI, and ongoing research of SCI in conjunction with other quantitative methods will need.