• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.3635-3639
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• 2013

Background: Conclusive evidence exists about associations between several life-threatening diseases and passive smoking. The objective of our study was to investigate the prevalence of passive smoking among Iranian dental students, to assess their attitudes towards tobacco control programs, and to explore the association between these two and tobacco use. Methods: In eight randomly selected dental schools, all fourth-year students were surveyed by means of a self-administered anonymous questionnaire in December 2010. The Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire served as the data collection instrument. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was assessed during the previous week. Chi-square test, logistic regression, and linear regression served for statistical analyses. Results: The response rate was 84% (325 students, 66% female). Exposure to ETS was reported by 74% of the participants. Men were significantly more exposed to ETS at home, and in other places than were women. Most of the students agreed on queried tobacco control policies. The lowest agreement (72%) was for banning smoking in coffee shops and teahouses. A logistic regression model showed that adjusted for gender, passive smoking at home is significantly associated with current tobacco use. A linear regression model suggested that the total score of attitudes is significantly associated with passive smoking at home, passive smoking in other places, tobacco use experience, and current tobacco use. Conclusions: The study reports high exposure to ETS among dental students, and its association with current tobacco use and attitudes towards tobacco control.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.1313-1323
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• 2016

To study the full health effects of parental radiation exposure on the children of the atomic bomb survivors, the Radiation Effects Research Foundation developed a cohort of 76,814 children born to atomic bomb survivors (F1 generation) to assess cancer incidence and mortality from common adult diseases. In analyzing radiation-associated health information, it is important to be able to adjust for sociodemographic and lifestyle variations that may affect health. In order to gain this and other background information on the F1 cohort and to determine willingness to participate in a related clinical study, the F1 Mail Survey Questionnaire was designed with questions corresponding to relevant health, sociodemographic, and lifestyle indicators. Between the years 2000 and 2006, the survey was sent to a subset of the F1 Mortality Cohort. A total of 16,183 surveys were completed and returned: 10,980 surveys from Hiroshima residents and 5,203 from Nagasaki residents. The response rate was 65.6%, varying somewhat across parental exposure category, city, gender, and year of birth. Differences in health and lifestyle were noted in several variables on comparison across city and gender. No major differences in health, lifestyle, sociodemographics, or disease were seen across parental exposure categories, though statistically significant tests for heterogeneity and linear trend revealed some possible changes with dose. The data described herein provide a foundation for studies in the future.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.94-101
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• 1977

Noise pollution, both in the environment and in the workplace, has been recognized as a major health hazard -one that can impair not only a person's hearing but also his physical and mental well-being. As industrialization progresses, the prevalence rate of occupational diseases is increasing, especially hearing loss, which has the highest prevalence rate among the occupational diseases. The major cause of noise is the construction of various large industries without any regulation of noise sources. Therefor, we must establish an enactment to control mechanical noise sources. as soon as possible. For the purpose of controlling the noise source, we must have exact data about such things as the sound level, the frequency of the peak sound and the revolutions per minute (r.p.m.) of the machine (a measure of the power of its motor). This study was undertaken in order to define the noise characteristics, the power of the machine's motor, the change of the sound level and the peak sound as the r.p.m. increases, and the permissible exposure time. The sample size of this study was 74 machines at 11 plants in 6 industries. The results are as follows; 1. The breakdown of the types of mechanical noise noted was : 63.6% continuous normal sound, 26.9% intermittent sound, 4.7% continuous repeating sound and 4.6% impulsive sound. 2. With respect to the type of industry, the overall sound level was the highest in the mechanical industry, with $103.8{\pm}2.8dB(A)$, and lowest in the textile industry, with $89.2{\pm}1.43dB(A)$. 3. With respect to the type of machine, the highest sound level was 124 dB(A) caused by Gauzing(II), in the mechanical industry, and the lowest was 76 dB(A) caused by Attachment (Jup Chack) (I) in the timber industry. 4. The shortest permissible exposure time to Gauzing(II) in the mechanical industry was less than 15 minutes. 5. Among 74 machines, 68.2% of the peak sound was situated in the high frequency range (52.7% at 2 KHz, 4.1% at 4 KHz and 1.4% at 8 KHz). 41.8% of the peak sound was in the middle frequency range (4.1% at 250Hz, 14.8% at 500Hz and 22.9% at 1KHz). 6. If one machine had two motors or more, the peak sound was shifted to the low frequency range. 7. As the r.p.m. increased, the overall and peak sound levels were increased without any change of the frequency of the peak sound. 8. Whenever the machines had the same kind and the same r.p.m., the overall and peak sounds were changed by the physicochemical characteristics of the raw materials and the management.

• 월간산업보건
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• s.5
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• pp.4-15
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• 1988

In order to proffer the fundamental data for the better working environment and the effective establishment of hearing conservation program on workers exposed to industrial noise, author assessed noise levels on the 42 noisy processes among 84 manufactures of 9 industries and measured noise gearing loss by the type of industries on 3,104 workers at these noisy processes from March, 1986 to Februry, 1987. The results were summarized as follows: 1. The averge of A-weight sound level of 23 processes(54.8%) and the avergae of sound level at each octave band of 14 processes(33.3%) exceeded the permissible exposure limits in 8 hours per day. 2. The noise level was the highest in process of cocking of ship building(109.1dBA), and followed by plating of steel rolling(104.3dBA), rivet of manufacture of motor vehicles(102.5dBA), shot of ship building(98.5dBA), aciding(95.7BA) and steel tubing(95.0dBA) of steel rolling, weaving of textiles(95.0dBA). 3. The permissible exposure time for the average of sound level at each octave band was only 30 minutes in the process of cocking of ship building, plating of steel rolling and rivet of manufacture of motor vehicles. 4. As a result of audiometric examination in 3,104 workers, the rate of hearing loss over 50dB at 4,000Hz was 7.3%(227 workers) and the rate of hearing loss over 41dB at 60average method was 2.9%(89 workers). 5. The prevalence of occupational hearing loss in ship building and manufacture of motor vehicle was 5.2% and it was the highest among prevalence of these 9 industries. 6. As a result of this suvery, the noise control and gearing conservation program were required especially in the industry of ship building and manufacture of motor vehicle.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.55-65
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• 2024

Background : Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health issue worldwide, particularly among healthcare workers (HCWs) at high risk of exposure. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a state where individuals are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis but do not show clinical symptoms. Early detection and treatment of LTBI are crucial to prevent progression to active TB. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of LTBI among Korean Medicine (KM) workers in Seoul, South Korea. Methods : This study analyzed 368 adults aged 19 and over working in Korean medicine institutions in Seoul by September 2023. Participants underwent a tuberculin skin test (TST) and completed a survey collecting demographic information, occupation, work duration, smoking status, BCG vaccination, TB history, and comorbidities. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results : The average age of participants was 43.1 years, with an LTBI prevalence rate of 3.5%. Significant risk factors included age and history of TB, Older age and a history of TB were associated with higher LTBI positivity. Conclusion : The study identified the prevalence and risk factors of LTBI among Korean medicine workers in Seoul. The findings highlight the need for targeted LTBI screening and preventive measures, especially for older workers and those with a history of TB. While the prevalence was lower than in other healthcare settings, the results emphasize the importance of regular LTBI testing and prevention education for KM workers. Future large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings and further understand the relationship between various risk factors and LTBI in KM settings.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.473-481
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• 1999

Objectives: In recent days, the problem of odor pollution in community near Sihwa Industrial complex, Kynuggi Province is becoming of significant public concern. We have investigated the health effects of the Sihwa residents from odor pollution comparing with other less polluted areas. Methods: The Ansan and Kuri Cities were selected as control areas. The parents of the elementary and middle school students in these three areas were surveyed with structured questionnaire twice, Nov 1997 and Jure 1998 each. As a exposure index, the ambient air concentrations of five major air pollutants(particulates, $O_3,\;SO_2,\;NO_2$, CO) and subjective odor perception were used. We have focused health outcomes such as the prevalence of nonspecific irritant symptoms, respiratory disease among family members and the score of qualify of life(QOL). Results: Although the mean concentrations of major air pollutants except particulates were similar or lower in Sihwa than other areas, the odor perception rate and the monthly odor perception days were significantly higher. It suggested that odor producing chemical compounds are the major source of environmental pollution problem. There were higher prevalence rates of nonspecific irritant symptoms and respiratory disease among family members in Sihwa than other control areas. The QOL score was also lower in Sihwa. The odor perception proved to be a most important factor in reporting adverse health effects and lowering the QOL score. Conclusion: The residents living near Sihwa industrial complex were suffering from more adverse health symptoms and poorer QOL status than control areas. And it may be due to environmental odor pollution from industrial complex. Therefore, further research will be needed for monitoring of the responsible chemicals emitted from industries.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.271-279
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• 2000

Objectives : To assess the seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis in high school students in Cheju Province, Korea. Methods : A total of 4,570 high school students from 18 schools in Cheju Province were investigated for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies(IgG) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Risk factors for toxoplasmosis, such as place of residence, type of house, contact with cats and other pets, and rare meat consumption, were examined by questionnaire. Results . The overall antibody positive rate was 5.5% and ranged from 2.6 to 11.5% by school. There was no significant difference between males and females. Statistical analyses of the questionnaire data indicated that the risk factors for seropositivity were: (1) birth place (Cheju/others), (2) place of residence (rural/urban), (3) dietary habits (vegetarian/non vegetarian), (4) eating rare meat, (5) exposure to pets and (6) hepatitis B. Conclusion : We confirmed that the prevalence of the anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody in a population of high school students in Cheju Province was to the previously reported prevalence.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.665-671
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• 1993

The rate of 67 neonatal calves's infection of Theileria sergenti was investigated in random samples on the farms located in Kyeongki, Chonbuk and Jeju districts of Korea. The criteria used in verifying infection with T sergenti included the detection of parasites by giemsa's stain and acridine orange stain in the blood smear slides. Further evidence of current or previous exposure to T sergenti was based on the demonstration of T sergenti-specific antibody and antigen by the western immunoblot and the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test in the peripheral blood of the calves. The prevalence rates were 35%, 50% and 100% in Kyeongki, Chonbuk and Jeju provinces respectively and the overall prevalence in all the farms was 43.2% by means of acridine orange stain. The parasites that were observed in the peripheral blood of calves was shown surely by the western immunoblot to the characteristic 34KD antigen among the proteins of T sergenti (Korean Isolate). And the antibody of the neonatal calves reacted at the very highest titer(1 : >2,520). These data highlight the significance of T sergenti in the neonatal calf disease in Korea.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7567-7573
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• 2015

Background: Catastrophic effects of mustard gas as a chemical warfare agent have always been a major problem for those exposed to this agent. In this meta-analysis it was tried to evaluate carcinogenesis, ocular, cutaneous and respiratory complications of mustard gas exposure among Iranians who had been exposed to this agent during the Iran-Iraq war. Materials and Methods: In this meta-analysis, the required data were collected using keywords "mustard gas", "sulfur mustard", "cancer", "neoplasm", "respiratory complications", "ocular complications", "lung disease", "chronic complication", "eye", "skin", "cutaneous complication", "carcinogenesis" and their combination with keywords "Iran", "Iranian", "prevalence", "mortality" and their Farsi equivalent terms from the databases of SID, Iranmedex, Magiran, Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Search engine, Gray Literature and Reference of References. To determine the prevalence of each complication and perform meta-analysis, CMA: 2 (Comprehensive Meta-Analysis) software with a randomized model was used. Results: Of the 542 articles found, 7 national articles, consistent with the aims of this study were selected. Meta-analysis of seven papers revealed that cancer risk, especially cancer of the respiratory system was elevated, so that the relative risk (RR) of cancer role of mustard gas was inconsistent from 2/1 to 4 in this survey. Also prevalence of delayed skin disorders due to sulfur mustard was 94.6%, pulmonary complications 94.5% and ocular complications 89.9%. The incidence of various cancers in victims exposed to mustard gas was 1.7% worldwide where the rate was 2.2% in Iranian victims of the Iraq-Iran war. Conclusions: Based on present study the prevalence of delayed mustard gas related cutaneous, pulmonary and ocular complications is above 90% and risk of carcinogenesis is higher in comparison to worldwide statistics. This may suggest need for long-term and persistent follow-up and rehabilitation procedures for populations exposed to this agent.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.223-233
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• 2009

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relations between exposure to anti-smoking promotion media and smoking, targeting middle school students who were exposed to various media of promotion. Methods: The subjects of the study were 38,820 middle school students who answered to the 2007 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Answers of 37,714 subjects were used for the final analysis except those of 1,106 that could not be used to judge anti-smoking promotion media and prevalence of smoking as they were considered insincere to the questions. We used SPSS of version 17.0. This study conducted a chi-square test to identify smoking rate according to characteristics of subjects and a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify whether they are independently significant. Results: Smoking rate increased as the subjects were in higher grades. From the results of multivariate logistic regression, odds ratio(OR) at points 5~6 of the first graders that had never been exposed to anti-smoking promotion media was 0.49(95% CI=0.33-0.74), which was significantly low. And OR at points 5~6 of the third graders was 0.57(95% CI=0.43-0.76), significantly low. Conclusions: This study identified the relations between exposure to anti-smoking promotion media and smoking of middle school students in Korea.