• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.34 no.8
• /
• pp.1395-1401
• /
• 2004

Purpose. To compare perimenstrual (premenstrual, menstrual, postmenstrual) symptoms by concurrent reporting using the Women's Daily Health Diary (WDHD) and by retrospective reporting using the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MMDQ). Methods. A prospective and retrospective study was conducted among 31 Korean women, aged 27 to 48 yrs, living in the USA. Results. On the prospective report using the WDHD, the most severe complaints were fatigue or tiredness ($1.48{\pm}.98$), sensation of weight gain ($.88{\pm}98$), increased appetite ($.79{\pm}.96$) in premenstrual phase, fatigue or tiredness ($1.34{\pm}.85$), backaches ($1.06{\pm}.79$), and bloating or swelling of the abdomen ($.93{\pm}.86$) during the menstrual phase. On the retrospective report using the MMDQ, the most severe complaints during the premenstrual phase were fatigue ($2.26{\pm}1.65$), irritability ($2.06{\pm}1.48$), and backaches ($1.97{\pm}1.68$) and during the menstrual phase backaches ($2.35{\pm}1.62$), fatigue ($2.29{\pm}1.75$), and cramps ($2.23{\pm}1.80$). According to both measurements of PMS symptomology during the premenstrual and menstrual phases, the most frequently reported symptom was fatigue or tiredness. Highly rated symptoms on the MMDQ and on the WDHD were found to be similar. Conclusion. The WDHD was found to be suitable for daily prospective PMS assessment, which will be necessary for the screening and management of women with severe PMS.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.483-495
• /
• 2004

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the perimenstrual discomforts and dietary intake levels among normal women. Method: A prospective and descriptive study examined 38 women aged 23 46years of age. The data collection period lasted from April 1 to June 30, 2003. The participants were asked to keep a diary recording perimenstrual symptoms and food intake for 50 days. Results: There was a significant difference in physical symptoms of perimenstrual discomforts (F=6.95. p=.001). but there was no significant difference in dietary intake level according to three different phases of a menstrual cycle. The significant dietary intake variables correlated to PMS included energy, protein, Vitamin E, Vitamin $B_2$, niacin, Vitamin $B_6$, folic acid, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. They were negatively related to perimenstrual discomforts. Conclusion: Balanced diet intake will be necessary for not only the perimenstrual discomforts but also the general health promotion of the entire population. The dietary and nutritional assessment should be done prior to nursing interventions, and nutritional counseling and education should be given based on individual differences. In a further study, the effects of dietary composition on specific symptoms will be replicated with a large sample, and development of a diet intervention program for perimenstrual discomforts is recommended.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.18
• /
• pp.8345-8349
• /
• 2016

Background: Although the incidence of colorectal cancer in Malaysia is increasing, awareness of this cancer, including its symptoms, risk factors and screening methods, remains low among Malaysian populations. This survey was conducted with the aim of (i) ascertaining the awareness level regarding colorectal cancer symptoms, risk factors and its screening among the general populations and (ii) assessing the public preference and willingness to pay for colorectal cancer screening. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire was distributed in eight major cities in West Malaysia during the World Health Digestive Day (WDHD) campaign. Two thousand four hundred and eight respondents participated in this survey. Results: Generally, awareness of colorectal cancer was found to be relatively good. Symptoms such as change in bowel habit, blood in the stool, weight loss and abdominal pain were well recognized by 86.6%, 86.9%, 83.4% and 85.6% of the respondents, respectively. However, common risk factors such as positive family history, obesity and old age were acknowledged only by less than 70% of the respondents. Almost 80% of the respondents are willing to take the screening test even without any apparent symptoms. Colonoscopy is the preferred screening method, but only 37.5% were willing to pay from their own pocket to get early colonoscopy. Conclusions: Continous cancer education should be promoted with more involvement from healthcare providers in order to make future colorectal cancer screening programs successful.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.15
• /
• pp.6065-6070
• /
• 2014

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, including Thailand, and is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. Novel gene expression in breast cancer is a focus in searches for prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets. Materials and Methods: The mRNA expression of novel B4GALT4, SLC35B2, and WDHD1 genes in breast cancer were examined in invasive ductal breast carcinoma (IDC) patients using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). Results: Among these genes, increased expression of SLC35B2 mRNA was significantly associated with TNM stage III + IV of IDC (p<0.001). Hence, up-regulation of SLC35B2 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for poor prognosis, and is also a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.