• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.91-103
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to construct a structural equation model to explain and predict factors affecting the health-related quality of life (QoL) in female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients based on the health-related QoL model by Ferrans et al. (2005) and a literature review. Methods: Patients (N=243) who were either registered members of an internet cafe composed of patients with RA or rheumatology outpatients at two tertiary general hospitals in Busan, Korea, were recruited via convenience sampling. Data were collected from July 2 to September 9, 2021, and the survey was conducted using a web-based questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS and AMOS 26.0. Results: The goodness-of-fit statistics of the final model exhibited good results (χ²/degree of freedom=2.68, Turker-Lewis index=.94, comparative fit index=.96, standardized root mean-squared residual=.04, root mean- square error of approximation=.08), and 11 out of 14 paths of the model were supported. The squared multiple correlation, which reflected the explanatory power of the environmental characteristics, symptoms, functional status, and perceived health status on health-related QoL, was 80%. In the hypothesis model, 10 paths had significant direct effects, 6 paths had significant indirect effects, and 12 paths had significant total (direct and indirect) effects. Conclusion: Considering that factors directly affecting the health-related QoL of female patients with RA were social support, symptoms (fatigue and depression), resilience, and perceived health status, and that resilience was the most influential factor, clinicians can encourage resilience. Hence, to improve the health-related QoL of female patients with RA, continuing management is necessary, using various intervention methods that focus on enhancing resilience from the early stage to the end of treatment for RA.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.107-117
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• 2015

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the effects of a self-monitoring rehabilitation program based on the Bandura's self-efficacy theory on the activities of daily living (ADL), 6-minute walking distances, self-efficacy and quality of life (QoL) among stroke patients after three to six months. Methods: The participants consisted of 29 patients in the experiment group and 28 patients in the control group who admitted at rehabilitation specific hospital. Self-monitoring program developed by the researcher lasted twice a week for 8 weeks from August to September, 2013. Results: ANCOVA showed that all of dependent variables of this study, ADL and 6-minute walking distances as a physical function, self-efficacy and QoL for intervention group were higher than those for control group(p<.001). Conclusion: The self-monitoring rehabilitation program based on the self-efficacy theory was found to be effective in improving physical function, self-efficacy and QoL for early post-stroke patients. Early rehabilitation program for stroke patients was recommended to consider the self-monitoring of current physical and psychosocial status as a strategy of self-management.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.234-242
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• 2022

Objectives: This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Health-related Quality of Life Instrument with 8 Items (HINT-8) in patients with diabetes. HINT-8 is a newly-developed, generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument. Methods: Three HRQoL instruments-HINT-8, EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L), and Short Form Health Survey version 2.0 (SF-36v2)-were provided to 300 patients with diabetes visiting a tertiary hospital for follow-up visits in Korea. The HRQoL scores obtained using the HINT-8 were evaluated for subgroups with known differences based on demographics and diabetes-related characteristics (known-group validity). The mean scores of the instruments were compared between groups segmented by their responses to the HINT-8 (discriminatory ability). Correlation coefficients of the HINT-8 with other instruments were calculated (convergent and divergent validity). The Cohen kappa and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were also evaluated (test-retest reliability). Results: The average HINT-8 indexes were lower among women, older, and less-educated subjects. Subjects who did not list any problems on the HINT-8 had significantly higher HRQoL scores than those who did. The correlation coefficients of the HINT-8 with the EQ-5D-5L index and EuroQoL visual analogue scale were 0.715 (p<0.001) and 0.517 (p<0.001), respectively. The correlation coefficients between the HINT-8 index and the scores of 8 domains of the SF-36v2 ranged from 0.478 (p<0.001) to 0.669 (p<0.001). The Cohen kappa values for the HINT-8 ranged from 0.268 to 0.601, and the ICC of the HINT-8 index was 0.800 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.720 to 0.860). Conclusions: This study showed that the HINT-8 is a valid and reliable HRQoL instrument for patients with diabetes.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.416-426
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• 2019

Objectives: In recent years, transboundary air pollution from mainland East Asia has led to growing concerns about air pollution in Japan. Air pollution is reportedly associated with the exacerbation of respiratory diseases. In this study, we assessed the effects of air pollution on respiratory symptoms and the health status of participants with and without chronic respiratory diseases. Methods: Participants (n=2753) with and without chronic respiratory diseases who visited healthcare facilities in Japan during February from 2010 to 2015 filled out a self-report questionnaire regarding their symptoms and perceived health status. Participants were followed up during April-May and June-July. Results: Oxidant concentrations were associated with respiratory symptoms, overall health, and quality of life (QoL). Suspended particulate matter (SPM) and particulate matter <$2.5{\mu}m$ levels were associated with physical fitness; SPM was also associated with QoL. Recent experience of an Asian sand dust event had a significant effect on allergic symptoms, change in health, and QoL. Conclusions: Respiratory symptoms were more strongly affected by oxidants than by other pollutants. Significant associations of air pollutants were found with a comprehensive range of items related to perceived health status, including overall health and QoL. Although the effects of air pollutants on respiratory symptoms and health status were more apparent among patients with respiratory diseases, the adverse effects of air pollutants were significant even among participants without such conditions.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.607-614
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• 2020

This secondary analysis study used the 2015 Korea Health Panel data to identify the difference of factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) of Korean adults with diabetes mellitus (DM). The data from 1,343 subjects who met the criteria for screening was analyzed by multiple linear regression and quantile regression analyses. As a result, the average QoL of the subjects was .86 (±.14). The factors affecting the QoL of the subjects were age, gender, education level, spouse, economic activity, type of health insurance, and regular physical activity (all p<.05). However, there were differences of the results when dividing the subjects into three groups according to their QoL level. The factors for the lower 25% group were age, gender, education level, spouse, economic activity, type of health insurance, and regular physical activity, and those factors for the middle 50% group were age, gender, education level, spouse, type of health insurance, and regular physical activity, and those factors for the top 75% group were spouse, economic activity, household income, type of health insurance, and duration of DM. Based on these results, it is important to develop and provide a differentiated intervention strategy that considers the influential factors in order to improve the QoL of Korean adults with DM.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.275-286
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• 2016

Purpose: This study explored influencing factors on quality of life (QoL) above middle-aged women in relation to demographic factors, health-related factors, menopausal status, metabolic syndrome (MS) and its risk factors. Methods: This study was secondary data analysis from the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013~2015 that utilized a complex, multi-stage probability sample design. Study sample of 2,310 was inclusive of (28.8%) of women who were over 40. To evaluate the factors that would influence an impaired quality of life, $x^2$ test, GLM, and logistic regression analysis were done. Results: Level of quality of life was lower in women with late post-menopause(over 10 years since menopause) than women with pre-menopause. Factors influencing impaired QoL were as follows: graduated middle school and elementary school or less (OR=2.43, 4.42, respectively, p<.05), no job (OR=1.92, p<.001), stress (OR=1.92, p=.001), depression (OR=1.93, p=.001), insufficient sleep (OR=1.64, p=.003), late post-menopause (OR=2.61, p=.044) and over 85cm of waist circumference (OR=1.76, p=.01). Conclusion: These results suggest that late post-menopause may be an independent factor influencing an impaired QoL. To promote post-menopausal womens' health, a nursing strategy is required to teach women how to manage levels of stress, depression, insufficient sleep, and abdominal obesity through health education, nutritional counselling, and physical activity program.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.34-42
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• 2020

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between between one's quality of life (QoL) level and the arterial stiffness estimated by the second derivative of photoplethysmogram (SDPTG) for women patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on charts of 407 women patients (38.38±11.82 years) who visited Gangdong Kyung Hee Hospital between April 1st and September 30th, 2011. Vascular aging index (VAI, (b-c-d)/a), b/a, c/a, and d/a were considered as the arterial stiffness indexes, and the Korean version of the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) were completed to estimate one's physical and mental QoL. Results: Physical and mental components of the SF-36 in older group (50, 60, and 70 years-group) were lower than those in younger group (20 and 30 years-group). Large arterial stiffness-related b/a in older group was higher that in younger group, while small arterial stiffness-related d/a in older group was lower that in younger group. Physical and mental component scores of the SF-36 had the negative correlations with VAI and b/a (r; -0.153~-0.195), while had the positive correlations with c/a and d/a (r; 0.147~0.228). Conclusions: In conclusion, this study suggests that convenient and cost-effective SDPTG test may serve as an auxiliary tool to estimate one's physical and mental QoL.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.2949-2954
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• 2013

Background: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between lifestyle behavior and quality of life (QoL) among cancer survivors in Korea. Materials and Methods: Data for a total of 471 (173 men, 298 women) cancer survivors (CS) over 40 years old were obtained from the database of the $4^{th}$ Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV). An identical number of subjects of the same age, sex, and education who had no restrictions in physical activity were randomly selected from the database and represented the control group (CG). Drinking, smoking, and exercise behavior were assessed. Results: The number of heavy drinkers was lower in CS (9.4%) than in CG (15.8%) (p<0.01); similarly, there were fewer smokers in CS (9.1%) than in CG (14.0%) (p<0.05). The percentage of individuals engaging in vigorous, moderate, and low-intensity exercise did not differ between CS (13.6%, 14.7%, and 50.0%) and CG (14.3%, 13.4%, and 49.7%, respectively). No differences in Euro QoL Questionnaire 5-Dimensional Classification (EQ-5D) scores on both drinking and smoking behaviors were noted. Compared to the non-exercisers, the low-intensity exercisers in CG ($0.91{\pm}0.10$ vs. $0.94{\pm}0.09$), vigorous-intensity exercisers in CS ($0.84{\pm}0.62$ vs. $0.91{\pm}0.11$), and low-intensity exercisers in CS ($0.82{\pm}0.22$ vs. $0.88{\pm}0.13$) scored higher on the EQ-5D. Conclusions: Although cancer survivors practiced more conscious health behavior in drinking and smoking, their engagement in exercise did not differ from that of non-cancer survivors. Since exercise engagement increases QoL in general, implementation of an educational program that promotes exercise engagement in cancer survivors may be required.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.26-32
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between quality of life (QoL) of the caregiver and disease severity with motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Research data were collected in the Rehabilitation Clinic of Daegu University. The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and the functional independence measure (FIM) were used for assessment by three occupational therapists, and the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) were applied to the caregivers. One hundred six caregivers of under 18 years who were diagnosed with CP completed a survey and interview. The caregivers' QoL was evaluated using Medical Outcomes Study SF-36. The children's motor function was scored using GMFM-88 in five dimensions: lying and rolling; sitting; crawling and kneeling; standing and walking, running and jumping and CP's FIM scores. Results: Out of the 8 domains of the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36, the "physical functioning", "physical role functioning", "mental health", and "bodily pain" domains were significantly correlated to "total" percentage scores of the GMFM-88 (p<0.05). In addition, the "mental health" domain was correlated to each subdomain of the GMFM-88, which includes, "lying and rolling", and "crawling and kneeling". Similarly, of Medical Outcomes Study SF-36, "physical functioning", "bodily pain", and "mental health" domains were significantly correlated with "transfer" and "locomotion" of FIM scores (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that the QoL of the caregivers were well correlated with the motor function of children with CP. It is also important to support not only physical health but also psychological health of caregivers of children with CP, especially those with severe motor function.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.89-107
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• 2024

Objective: This systematic review aimed to provide a comparative analysis of the treatment outcomes, including hard and soft tissues, postoperative stability, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and quality of life (QoL), in patients with facial asymmetry who underwent orthognathic surgery. Methods: The primary objective was to address the question, "How do different factors related to surgery affect the outcomes and stability of orthognathic surgery in the correction of facial asymmetry?" A meta-analysis was conducted on the outcome parameters, such as skeletal, dental, and soft tissue symmetry, TMD, QoL, and relapse, using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method for random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were conducted considering surgery-related factors such as surgical techniques (one-jaw vs. two-jaw), use of the surgery-first approach, utilization of computer simulation, and analytical methods employed to evaluate asymmetry (2D vs. 3D). Results: Forty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria. The metaanalysis demonstrated a significant improvement in the symmetry of hard and soft tissues. The subgroup analysis indicated that the treatment outcomes showed significant improvement, regardless of the factors related to surgery. Changes in TMD signs and symptoms varied according to the surgical technique used. Quality of life improved in the facial, oral, and social domains. Skeletal relapse was observed during the follow-up. Conclusions: Our findings support the positive outcomes of orthognathic surgery in the treatment of facial asymmetry in terms of skeletal and soft tissue improvements, stability, relief of TMD symptoms, and enhancement of QoL. However, most of the included studies showed a low certainty of evidence and high heterogeneity.