• Journal of the military operations research society of Korea
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.188-211
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• 2006

This study aims to empirically investigate the effects of the individual-level characteristics on their timing decisions for their enlistments even though military services are their duties under a draft system. The individual characteristics considered include five psychological factors, such as attitude, uncertainty, information search level, future expectation, and perceived risk towards army, and other several demographic variables. Measurement scales for these psychological variables are developed and a duration model for individuals' enrollment timing decisions is also proposed. The proposed model is fitted to a survey data set collected from both those who have completed military service and those who have not. The estimation results show that two of five psychological variables, negative attitude and perceived risk, and several demographic variables, including education level, income level, residence area, and the number of family members serving the army, have meaningful impacts on the timing decisions for military service. Specifically, the enlistment timings are found to be more delayed as negative attitude towards army is stronger, perceived risk on army is higher, education level is higher, academic performance is better, income level is either low or high, residence area is either Seoul or big cities, and the proportion of family members enlisted is smaller. Several important managerial implications for alleviating problems resulting from enrollment postponements are also discussed.

• 한국노년학
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.213-229
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine various factors influencing the needs of Seoul's newly implemented outreach community services for older adults, and to suggest the direction of the outreach community health services in Seoul. A multi-level regression was conducted using data collected by face-to-face interviews from 1,000 individuals aged 65 and 70 in 17 districts, where participated in the Seoul's outreach community services. The results demonstrated that socioeconomic status (higher income and living alone), health status (having multiple chronic conditions and depression, lower health literacy), limited experience of the outreach community services, and low government trust at the individual level were associated with higher unmet need for the community outreach services. In addition, shorter participation period of the outreach services and financial independency at the district level were associated with higher unmet need for the services. The findings from this study implies the need for improving the quality of services by focusing on vulnerable groups such as individuals with lower income and worse health status. In addition, the outreach community health services may need to target individuals aged 66 to increasing efficiency of the services through utilizing results of life-cycle health checkup by the National Health Insurance Corporation.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.30-38
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• 2006

Objectives: We examined whether the neighborhood socioeconomic position predicts the smoking rates after adjusting for individual socioeconomic position indicators. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2001 Seoul Health Indicators Survey. The neighborhood socioeconomic position was the residential distribution of the high class (power elites), as measured by the location quotients (LQ) for each administrative dong (district). A high LQ denotes a high neighborhood socioeconomic status. The individual socioeconomic position included education, occupation and income. Age-adjusted smoking rates according to the LQ level were computed with the direct method. The total number of subjects in this study (26,022 men and 28,007 women) was the reference. A multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted with the individuals at the first level and the neighborhoods at the second level to estimate the odds ratios of smoking with 95% confidence intervals. Results: For men, the age-adjusted smoking rates increased with a decrease in the LQ. For women, the relationship between the age-adjusted smoking rate and the LQ was not clear. The odds of smoking for both genders were greater among those subjects with lower incomes and lower education. The manual occupational class had greater odds of smoking than the non-manual class for the males, while the odds ratio of smoking among females with a manual occupation tended to be lower than those females with a non-manual occupation. For the males, the LQ levels independently predicted smoking after adjustment for individual income. However, this relation between the LQ and smoking in males was explained by full adjustment for the individual socioeconomic position indicators (education, occupation and income). Conclusions: A low level of neighborhood socioeconomic position was associated with higher smoking rates among the men residing in Seoul. This association between the neighborhood socioeconomic position and smoking in men was explained by the individual socioeconomic position. Anti-smoking efforts to reduce geographical inequality in smoking should be directed at reducing the smoking rates between the individuals with different socioeconomic backgrounds in the metropolitan city of Seoul, South Korea.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.121-133
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of socioeconomic factors and health behaviors on the prevalence of oral diseases(dental caries and periodontal disease) among Korean adults. Data from the 2005 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was analyzed for adults aged over 19 years (n=25,215). Oral disease was defined as disease diagnosed by a dentist for the previous 12 months. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to conduct statistical analysis. The population without dental caries and periodontal diseases were used as the reference category for all analysis. The overall prevalence of annual dentist-diagnosed dental caries and periodontal diseases were 23.5% and 10.6% respectively. The relative risk of developing dental caries for graduates of middle school and lower were 1.53 times (95% CI: 1.24-1.89) more likely to develop dental caries comparing to college graduates. Low income earners were 1.23 times(95% CI: 1.01-1.49) more likely to develop dental caries than high income earners. Persons covered by national medical insurance were 1.45 times(95% CI: 1.08-1.95) more likely to develop dental caries comparing to persons covered by employee medical insurance. Compared with persons not eating snacks, the risk of developing caries in persons eating snacks once a day was 1.16(95% CI: 1.01-1.32), while those who snacked twice or more a day were 1.19(95% CI: 1.01-1.41). The relative risk of developing periodontal disease was 3.71(95% CI: 2.38-5.80) higher in older individuals than younger. In terms of education level, middle school graduates and lower were 1.54 times more likely to develop periodontal disease than college graduates. Low income earners were 1.47 times more likely to develop periodontal diseases than high income earners. Using data from a large, nationally representative sample of Korean populations, we support the hypothesis that the prevalence of oral diseases is related with socioeconomic factors and health behaviors. More intensive intervention efforts to reduce the prevalence of dental diseases are warranted in Korea.

• Journal of Gifted/Talented Education
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.631-658
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• 2011

The impact of the academic achievements of science high school graduates during the science high school period on their creative productivity, higher education, occupation, and income were investigated with 244 science high school graduates who belonged either to top 30% or bottom 30% in terms of their high school GPA. The factors contributed to the choice of current occupations and life were also investigated through retrospective approach. Survey questionnaire was administered to 244 adults who graduated from 18 science high schools before 2001. Thirteen graduates who completed questionnaire were interviewed face-to-face. Their ages ranged from 28.00 to 42.84. The high achievers were belonged to top 30% and the low achievers were belonged to the bottom 30% and the two groups demonstrated significant differences in their higher education and creative productivity. More doctoral degree holders and more number of creative products were found in the high achievers than the low achievers. 58.1% of the high achievers and 42.7% of the low achievers were working as professional scientists. Significantly more high achievers were working on tasks which require creative problem solving abilities and their income was significantly higher than the low achievers. For both groups, parents were the most significant individuals and then teachers were the second most important persons who impacted to their life and the choice of their occupation. Interviews with 13 graduates confirmed the survey results especially in their choice of life style and occupation. They were also influenced the most by parents, then teachers, and their friends who were more interacting with the socioeconomic environment when they selected university, major, and occupation. The results implies that high school achievement has significant influence on their future achievement to some extent and schools need to provide guide on the career choice not only to the students but also to their parents, since students' career choices are much influenced by their parents.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.385-393
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• 2004

This study examined the relations of educational level and life-style behaviors to the obesity. A total of 507 male adults aged 30 - 50 years completed the self-reported questionnaires. Educational level was used for measuring socioeconomic status. Activity at work, leisure-time activity and TV watching were measured for life-style behaviors related to physical activity, and some demographic and family history of disease as well. Subjects were categorized as obese when BMI was equal to or over 25kg/$m^2$, in which 19.7％ resulted obesity. Using multivariate logistic regression, the association between the measured factors and obesity was assessed. The odds ratios (OR) for risk of obesity did not differ with either age or monthly income. Subjects who completed high school (OR = 0.36; 95％ CI = 0.20 - 0.66) or university (OR = 0.34; 95％ CI = 0.16 - 0.71) had lower risk of obesity than those with education below middle school. Those with moderate activity level at work (OR = 0.41; 95％ CI = 0.24 - 0.72) showed lower risk of obesity than in inactive ones. The subjects watching TV more than 3.5 hr/day presented higher risk of obesity (OR = 2.46; 95％ CI = 1.28 - 4.74), compared with those watching TV less than 1.5 hr/day. The higher risk of obesity observed in high level of leisure time activity than in low one was considered due to that physical activity at work and leisure-time might counteract each other. Educational level and activity at work or leisure-time activity or TV watching were jointed and categorized, and then OR for obesity was estimated. The extent of obesity risk at a given level of each work activity or leisure-time activity or TV watching was different depending the educational level, which was significantly high when educational level was below middle school. Educational difference had no effect on activity level at work. However, higher educational attainment increased the leisure activity and reduced TV watching (p＜0.05), indicating that low education tended to contribute to more sedentary life-style. The findings of this study is concluded that low education was related to obesity in adult males, and its relation can partly be explained through acquiring inactive life-style behaviors. Individuals with low education might be more susceptible to the risk factors of obesity.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.41
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• pp.59.1-59.10
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• 2019

Background: Primary rhinoplasty outcomes may not meet individual expectations. Consequently, reoperation may be advocated to improve results. This study examines the prevalence of individuals considering revision rhinoplasty, while identifying the main cosmetic and functional complaints and factors associated. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia using a self-reported online questionnaire distributed through social media channels. The sample included 1370 participants who were all Saudi nationals over the age of 16 who had undergone primary rhinoplasty at least 1 year prior. Results: The prevalence of individuals considering revision rhinoplasty was 44.7%. The primary reason for considering it was the desire for further esthetic improvement in an already acceptable result (50.16%). The most common cosmetic complaints subjectively reported were poorly defined nasal tip (32.35%). The most prevalent nasal function symptom was nasal obstruction (56.9%). Significant factors associated with considering revision rhinoplasty included the physician not understanding the patient's complaints, short consultation time, low monthly income, inadequate information about the expected results, not using computer imaging to predict outcomes, lack of rapport with the surgeon, and inadequate information about the risks and complications. Conclusions: A thorough understanding of patient concerns and expectations, as well as thoughtful consideration of risk factors, may help surgeons achieve more successful outcomes and potentially reduce the incidence of revision rhinoplasties. Level of evidence: III.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.99-115
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• 2023

Purpose: Exclusive breastfeeding promotes gut microbial compositions associated with lower rates of metabolic and autoimmune diseases. Its cessation is implicated in increased microbiome-metabolome discordance, suggesting a vulnerability to dietary changes. Formula supplementation is common within our low-income, ethnic-minority community. We studied exclusively breastfed (EBF) neonates' early microbiome-metabolome coupling in efforts to build foundational knowledge needed to target this inequality. Methods: Maternal surveys and stool samples from seven EBF neonates at first transitional stool (0-24 hours), discharge (30-48 hours), and at first appointment (days 3-5) were collected. Survey included demographics, feeding method, medications, medical history and tobacco and alcohol use. Stool samples were processed for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and lipid analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Alpha and beta diversity analyses and Procrustes randomization for associations were carried out. Results: Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria were the most abundant taxa. Variation in microbiome composition was greater between individuals than within (p=0.001). Palmitic, oleic, stearic, and linoleic acids were the most abundant lipids. Variation in lipid composition was greater between individuals than within (p=0.040). Multivariate composition of the metabolome, but not microbiome, correlated with time (p=0.030). Total lipids, saturated lipids, and unsaturated lipids concentrations increased over time (p=0.012, p=0.008, p=0.023). Alpha diversity did not correlate with time (p=0.403). Microbiome composition was not associated with each samples' metabolome (p=0.450). Conclusion: Neonate gut microbiomes were unique to each neonate; respective metabolome profiles demonstrated generalizable temporal developments. The overall variability suggests potential interplay between influences including maternal breastmilk composition, amount consumed and living environment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6289-6294
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• 2012

Background: Research evidence suggests a debilitating impact of the diagnosis of cancer on the quality of life of the afflicted individuals, their spouses and their families. However, relatively few studies have been carried out on the impact on the QOL of adolescents living with parents diagnosed with cancer. This paper presents a sub-analysis on the impact of parental cancer (colorectal, breast and lung) on adolescents. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on adolescents aged 13-18 years old. Upon ethical clearance obtained from UMMC Medical Ethics Committee, patients with colorectal, breast or lung cancer and their adolescent children were recruited from the Clinical Oncology Unit of University of Malaya Medical Centre. Respondents who gave consent completed a demographic questionnaire and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, via the post, email, home visit or meetings at the clinics. Results: 95 adolescents from 50 families responded, giving a response rate of 88 percent. The adolescent's mean age was 16 years (ranging between 13-18 years). Adolescents with parental cancer had the lowest mean score in emotional functioning (p<0.05). Male adolescents had significantly higher quality of life overall and in physical functioning compared to female adolescents. Adolescents with a father with cancer had better school functioning compared to adolescents whose mothers had cancer. Families with household income of RM 5000 and above have significantly better quality of life compared to families with lower household income. Conclusions: Adolescent sons and daughters of parents with a cancer diagnosis show lowered QOL, particularly with reference to emotional functioning and school performance. Addressing the needs of this young group has been slow and warrants special attention. Revisiting the risk and resilience factors of adolescents might also inform tailored programs to address the needs of this neglected adolescent population.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.23-43
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• 2006

Objectives: To investigate the drinking behavior and related factors of community residents in G city. Methods: Examination was executed with questionnaire to 1973 adults. Data were collected from October 1, 2005 to November 16, 2005. Drinking behavior involves rate of drinking, frequency of drinking, age of starting drinking, drinking amount, rate of attempts to drink moderately and reasons for reducing drinking. Related factors involves the general characteristics, the habits of health behaviors. This was analyzed with frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, x2-test, t-test, ANOVA and logistic regression. Results: The drinking rate of the respondents was 67.4%, that rate of male was 83.1%, while that rate of female was 52.5%. The drinking rate was higher in groups of younger aged and highly educated people than that rate of the other groups. The highest level of drinking frequency was ones or twice a week. The drinking frequency of those who drank more than three times weekly was higher in the groups of male, old aged, married people, low educated people, rural residents, farmers or fisherman or laborers and those who unemployed or who did not exercise frequently and control their body weight. These individuals also preferred salty food and meat and fish, dined out frequently, did not visit dental clinic regularly, and tend to be smokers. The mean of the age of starting drinking was 21.17 year-old, that of males was 19.94 year-old, that of females was 22.82 year-old. The mean of the age of starting drinking was lower in groups of male, young aged, unmarried, college educated, rural residents, clerks, high monthly income, healthy and no illness, and smokers than that of the other group. The average of the drinking amount was 5.77 pack, that of males was 7.41 pack, and that of females was 3.31 pack. The drinking amount is much more in groups of males, fifties, unmarried, college educated, rural residents, self-employed, healthy people, and smoker than the other. 33.4% of the respondents attempted to drink moderately. According to the reasons of trying to drink moderately, the rate of prevention illness was highest. Conclusions: The variables of influencing drinking were sex, marital status, education, smoking, monthly income, health status, and stress.