• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.93-105
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• 2015

Purpose: We conducted a descriptive study to: 1) understand how husbands are aware of the importance of Sanhujoiri(i.e, Korean traditional postpartum care) and 2) identify their needs to learn how to take care of postpartum women and newborns and to strengthen family bonding. Methods: The subjects consisted of 123 husbands who had children under the age of 5 years. Data were analyzed with t-test, one-way ANOVA, $Scheff{\acute{e}}^{\prime}s$ test, and Pearson's correlation. Results: The mean age of subjects was $37.1{\pm}4.63$ years. The mean scores of awareness, needs for education on postpartum mother and newborn care, and family strength were $4.57{\pm}1.18$, $4.61{\pm}1.18$, $4.92{\pm}1.07$, and $4.01{\pm}0.95$, respectively, indicating higher scores. There were statistically significant differences in awareness (F=5.08, p<.05), newborn care (F=3.70, p<.05), and family strength (F=4.64, p<.05) by husband's role in Sanhujori There was a positive correlation among study variables. Conclusion: This study shows that even though husbands want to participate in Sanhujori, they do not have enough information on Sanhujori and mother/newborn care and adequate paternity leave. Realistic paternity leave system and effective Couple Centered Childbearing (from pregnancy to postpartum) Education Program CCCEP development are required to help husbands' participation in mother/newborn care with confidence and competence in home based Sanhujori.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.367-373
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• 2008

Breastfeeding is an ideal approach for physical and emotional development of babies, as well as recovery of mothers. A breastfeeding education for female students seems to be an effective intervention to increase the Korean women breastfeeding rate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and other related breastfeeding variables for developing a design for a pre-parental breastfeeding educational information for Korean female students of childbearing age. The sample consisted of 205 Korean female college students, ranging in age from 20 to 25 years old. In this study, a self-administered questionnaire included 6 pages with close-ended multiple-choice questions, and included a cover page with 15 questions on demographic characteristics and personal experiences related to breastfeeding. Data analysis was done utilizing inferential statistics using SPSS 12.0 computer program. The findings indicated that breastfeeding education programs should focus on the practical aspect of attitudes toward. breastfeeding, and that educational information design should focus on the practical aspects of breastfeeding for all. levels of students' education by nurses. Therefore, education for female college students seems to be an effective intervention to increase breastfeeding rate. This study is useful for descriptions of educational activities to help female students develop positive attitudes to breastfeed, to help these students have confidence toward breast-feeding in future by providing correct information and practical techniques on breastfeeding.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.825-836
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• 1995

This ethnogrphic exploratory study sought to de-fine the meaning of Sanhubyung, as consequence from the perspective of the women who experienced it. A convenience sample of 9 elderly women in San Francisco. and 20 postpartal women and their 20 non-professional helpers during postpartum in Seoul, Korea were observed and interviewed for 23 months from January 1991 to December 1992 at the Human Development Center in San Francisco and at the hospital and their homes in Seoul, Korea. Sanhubyung was regarded as the consequence of "Doing a Sanhujori Wrongly," as a group of symptoms or sequelae which have two types of characteristics of symptoms . chronic and acute. It can be called a culture bound syndrome in the cultural context re-lated to childbearing phenomenon in Korea. If women violate the principles of Sanhujori, such symptoms can appear at various times : during the period of postpartum itself, at any time, periodically, especially at the anniversary of the child's birth, late forties, and in old age. Acute symptoms that can be classified into immediate and late types include painful and edematous gingiva, sensitive teeth, strange sensation and pain in the knees or backache. Besides, there is a localized sense of soreness and pain ; sense of being in a draft and cold, stomach upset, GI irritation, chilling, shivering, and tiredness, pain and dazzling in the eyes. Chronic symptoms occur in the head, neck, teeth, back, hands, knees, hands and feet, arms and legs, eyes, sinews and joints, bones, and in the body or as a whole. Generally these symptoms are pain, often accompanying a feeling of being cold and in a draft, regardless of actual weather conditions. In conclusion, this findings reflect the Oriental way of thought of causal relationship of women's health and illness based on the wholistic paradigm of harmony and balance of two forces, Yin(cold) -Yang(hot). It provides a challenge to the professional sector to rethink the effect of culture on health and illness. Finally, it suggests care providers use cultural assessment for the appropriateness of the intervention and quality of care for desirable health outcomes.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.308-315
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• 2011

The purpose of this work was to examine the antimicrobial activity derived from the lactic acid bacterium, UK-3 isolated from the vaginas of women of childbearing age. Various physiological and biochemical properties of this strain were characterized. Both the BIOLOG system and phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing were utilized for identification, and the strain was designated as Lactobacillus plantarum UK-3, and registered in GenBank as [JK266589]. Growth rate, production of organic acids (e.g., lactic acid and acetic acid), and pH during growth were monitored. The maximum concentrations of lactic acid and acetic acid were approximately 684.11 mM and 174.26 mM, respectively, and pH changed from 7.0 to 3.7 after 72 h of incubation. High performance liquid chromatography was used to confirm lactic acid and acetic acid production. Significant antimicrobial activity of the concentrated supernatant was demonstrated against various Gram-positive (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Neisseria species., Listeria monocytogenes), Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis), and yeast (e.g., Candida albicans) by the plate diffusion method. As a result, the concentrated L. plantarum UK-3 cultures had lower acidity and inhibited the growth of all microorganisms tested, whereas the growth of L. acidophilus was not affected.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.33
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• pp.145-153
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ovarian dose during radiation therapy for breast cancer in women of childbearing age through an experiment. The ovarian dose is evaluated by comparing and analyzing between the calculated dose in the treatment planning system according to the treatment technique and the measured dose using a thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD). The clinical usefulness of lead (Pb) apron is investigated through dose analysis according to whether or not it is used. Materials and Methods: Rando humanoid phantom was used for measurement, and wedge filter radiation therapy, 3D conformal radiation therapy, and intensity modulated radiation therapy were used as treatment techniques. A treatment plan was established so that 95% of the prescribed dose could be delivered to the right breast of the Rando humanoid phantom 3D image obtained using the CT simulator. TLD was inserted into the surface and depth of the virtual ovary of the Rando hunmanoid phantom and irradiated with radiation. The measurement location was the center of treatment and the point moved 2 cm to the opposite breast from the center of the Rando hunmanoid phantom, 5cm, 10cm, 12.5cm, 15cm, 17.5cm, 20cm from the boundary of the right breast to the center of treatment and downward, and the surface and depth of the right ovary. Measurements were made at a total of 9 central points. In the dose comparison of treatment planning systems, two wedge filter treatment techniques, three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy were established and compared. Treatments were compared, and dose measurements according to the use of lead apron were compared and analyzed in intensity-modulated radiation therapy. The measured value was calculated by averaging three TLD values for each point and converting using the TLD calibration value, which was calculated as the point dose mean value. In order to compare the treatment plan value with the actual measured value, the absolute dose value was measured and compared at each point (%Diff). Results: At Point A, the center of treatment, a maximum of 201.7cGy was obtained in the treatment planning system, and a maximum of 200.6cGy was obtained in the TLD. In all treatment planning systems, 0cGy was calculated from Point G, which is a point 17.5cm downward from the breast interface. As a result of TLD, a maximum of 2.6cGy was obtained at Point G, and a maximum of 0.9cGy was obtained at Point J, which is the ovarian dose, and the absolute dose was 0.3%~1.3%. The difference in dose according to the use of lead aprons was from a maximum of 2.1cGy to a minimum of 0.1cGy, and the %Diff value was 0.1%~1.1%. Conclusion: In the treatment planning system, the difference in dose according to the three treatment plans did not show a significant difference from 0.85% to 2.45%. In the ovary, the difference between the Rando humanoid phantom's treatment planning system and the actual measured dose was within 0.9%, and the actual measured dose was slightly higher. This did not accurately reflect the effect of scattered radiation in the treatment planning system, and it is thought that the dose of scattered radiation and the dose taken by CBCT with TLD inserted were reflected in the actual measurement. In dosimetry according to the with or without a lead apron, when a lead apron was used, the closer the distance from the treatment range, the more effective the shielding was. Although it is not clinically appropriate for pregnancy or artificial insemination during radiotherapy, the dose irradiated to the ovaries during treatment is not expected to significantly affect the reproductive function of women of childbearing age after radiotherapy. However, since women of childbearing age have constant anxiety, it is thought that psychological stability can be promoted by presenting the data from this study.

• Journal of Korean Medical Science
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• v.33 no.47
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• pp.296.1-296.7
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• 2018

Background: Antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum preventive measures with antiretroviral drugs, appropriate delivery methods, and discouraging breastfeeding significantly decrease the risk of mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Herein, we investigated the pregnancy outcomes in HIV-infected Korean women. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of childbearing-age HIV-infected women between January 2005 and June 2017 at four tertiary care hospitals in Korea. Results: Among a total of 95 HIV infected women of child-bearing age with 587.61 years of follow-up duration, 15 HIV-infected women experienced 21 pregnancies and delivered 16 infants. The pregnancy rate was 3.57 per 100 patient-years. Among the 21 pregnancies, five ended with an induced abortion, and 16 with childbirth including two preterm deliveries at 24 and 35 weeks of gestation, respectively. The two preterm infants had low birth weight and one of them died 10 days after delivery due to respiratory failure. Among the 14 full-term infants, one infant was small for gestational age. There were no HIV-infected infants. Conclusion: The pregnancy rate of HIV-infected women in Korea is lower than that of the general population. Although several adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed, mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection was successfully prevented with effective preventive measures.

• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.169-197
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• 2012

It is often argued that the parental leave should be extended in order to help employees achieve the balance of work and family life. However, one should be careful in designing the parental leave since there is a tradeoff between the continuity of employment after childbearing and the depreciation of human capital due to the time off the work. The paper investigates whether the parental leave payment introduced in Korea in 2001 helped women's take-up of the leave and employment after giving birth. The results are as follows. First, the increase in the payment indeed raised the female take-up of the leave. Second, women returned to labor market less often after giving birth in the short run, but the size of the effect tends to decrease in the long run. However, the negative effect on returning to the same workplace after the birth remains significant in the long run. Lastly, there is no evidence that the share of women of childbearing age at workplace changed due to the increase in the parental leave payment. Although there is a limitation in that the analysis is based only on the employment covered by the Employment Insurance, these findings imply that the increase in the parental leave payment may not be an effective policy tool for promoting female labor market participation. On the other hand, it should be noted that it is necessary to pay attention to child development as well as female employment as an objective in order to make an overall judgement on the parental leave policy.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.129-136
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• 2007

Purpose: We intended to observe the usefulness of far-infrared radiation functional under inner-wear for dysmenorrhea. Methods: We introduced far-infrared radiation functional under inner-wear to women in childbearing-age by internet portal site. Then, we preliminarily examined dysmenorrhea severity by VAS(visual analogue scale) questionnaire to women interested in far-infrared radiation functional under inner-wear. We selected women scored 5 and above of 10 measurement VAS score. Finally, 121 women were the subject of study and used far-infrared radiation functional under inner-wear for one menstrual cycle. Before and after use of far-infrared radiation functional under inner-wear, we conducted a questionnaire survey of dysmenorrhea severity by VAS. After that, we compared VAS score before and after use. Also, we studied correlation between frequency of far-infrared radiation functional under inner-wear use and ${\Delta}VAS$(VAS score before use minus VAS score after use). For statistics, we used Paired samples test and Spearman's rho correlations, SPSS 13.0 for windows. Results: Before and after use of far-infrared radiation functional under inner-wear, VAS score means were different. Frequency of far-infrared radiation functional under inner-wear use was correlated to ${\Delta}VAS$. Statistically they showed significant result (p<0.05>. Conclusion: The results showed that dysmenorrhea severity by VAS decreased after far-infrared radiation functional under inner-wear use. As frequency of use increased, ${\Delta}VAS$ increased. So we can consider far-infrared radiation functional under inner-wear effects dysmenorrhea severity.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.337-343
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• 2014

Purpose : The aim of this study is to evaluate unwanted scattered dose to ovary by scattering and leakage generated from treatment fields of Tomotherapy for childbearing woman with breast cancer. Materials and Methods : The radiation treatments plans for left breast cancer were established using Tomotherapy planning system (Tomotherapy, Inc, USA). They were generated by using helical and direct Tomotherapy methods for comparison. The CT images for the planning were scanned with 2.5 mm slice thickness using anthropomorphic phantom (Alderson-Rando phantom, The Phantom Laboratory, USA). The measurement points for the ovary dose were determined at the points laterally 30 cm apart from mid-point of treatment field of the pelvis. The measurements were repeated five times and averaged using glass dosimeters (1.5 mm diameter and 12 mm of length) equipped with low-energy correction filter. The measures dose values were also converted to Organ Equivalent Dose (OED) by the linear exponential dose-response model. Results : Scattered doses of ovary which were measured based on two methods of Tomo helical and Tomo direct showed average of $64.94{\pm}0.84mGy$ and $37.64{\pm}1.20mGy$ in left ovary part and average of $64.38{\pm}1.85mGy$ and $32.96{\pm}1.11mGy$ in right ovary part. This showed when executing Tomotherapy, measured scattered dose of Tomo Helical method which has relatively greater monitor units (MUs) and longer irradiation time are approximately 1.8 times higher than Tomo direct method. Conclusion : Scattered dose of left and right ovary of childbearing women is lower than ICRP recommended does which is not seriously worried level against the infertility and secondary cancer occurrence. However, as breast cancer occurrence ages become younger in the future and radiation therapy using high-precision image guidance equipment like Tomotherapy is developed, clinical follow-up studies about the ovary dose of childbearing women patients would be more required.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.127-129
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• 2018

Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS) is characterized by inflammation of the perihepatic capsules associated with the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). FHCS is not a serious disease, but if not treated properly, it can result in increased medical costs, prolonged treatment, and dissatisfaction with treatment. However, early recognition of FHCS in the emergency department can be difficult because its symptoms or physical findings may mimic many other diseases. Although contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is the useful imaging modality for recognition of FHCS, it is available only when a high suspicion is established. We performed point-of-care ultrasonography in an 18-year-old woman who had a sharp right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain without PID symptoms and found a thickened or three-layer hepatic capsule. These findings coincided with areas showing increased hepatic capsular enhancement in the arterial phase of CECT. These results show that if the thickened or three-layer hepatic capsule without evidence of a common cause of RUQ pain is observed on ultrasonography in women of childbearing age with RUQ abdominal pain, the physician can consider the possibility of FHCS.