• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.59 no.1
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• pp.301-327
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• 2007

The purpose of this study is to examine the timing and the risk factors associated with the adoption of legally-free foster children. The sample of the study was drawn from foster care files of Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System(AFCARS) in 32 states between October 1998 (FY 1999) and September 2002(FY 2002). The timing post-TPR to adoption was examined by plotting the Kaplan-Meier cumulative hazard function for adoption and by plotting the KM hazard functions stratified by child's race and child's age at TPR. Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for adoption of legally-free foster children after TPR. The hazard of adoption was very low immediately after TPR but increased steadily starting at 3 months and then declined after 20 months. The cumulative hazard functions for White non-Hispanic children and Black non-Hispanic children crossed over at 13 months after TPR. Racial minority status, older age, and disability were negatively associated with the hazard of adoption. Physical abuse, sexual abuse had the lower hazard for adoption compared by neglect. Caretaker's inability to cope had the slightly lower hazard for adoption whereas inadequate housing showed the slightly greater hazard for adoption. Characteristics of foster care services turned into be powerful predictors of adoption. Specifically, legally-free children placed in pre-adoptive homes, those who shared the same racial/ethnic background with their foster caretakers, and those who were placed in two-parent families have a greater likelihood of adoption. The findings highlight the importance of foster care service provisions after TPR to facilitate adoption of legally-free foster children. Furthermore, a more substantial resources and targeted support for foster children who experience physical abuse and sexual abuse in need of adoption should be provided for moving the foster children into permanency.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.71-94
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• 1987

Aiming to investigate nutrient intake and food habits influenced by smoking for female college students in Seoul, the questionnaire survey for 763 students was carried out. The results of the survey was summarized as follows: 1. 9.7% of students were found as the current smokers and 18.9% of students had experienced of smoking, however stopped smoking at present(experienced smokers) respectively. 2. In the current smokers, they started smoking with friends at the first (58.9%), alone (27.4%), and with seniors (11.0%) respectively. The psychological frustration (52.2%), curiosity (28.4%) respectively motivated smoking behavior at the beginning. The most had smoking usually at the entertaining place such as restaurant. Only 6.4% of current smokers consumed more than 10 cigarettes daily, and 55% of current smokers inhaled deeply into the lung while they smoked. Even 26% of current smokers explained their intention of not smoking after marriage, and also about 95% of current smokers explained to stop smoking in the case of pregnancy. 3. It was found as the fact that the school age, economic status, and parental smoking affected their prevalence of cigarette smoking. The higher their schoolage, the higher smoking showed; the more their money spent and the lower father smoking showed ; the more their money spent and the lower father's educational level, the higher smoking showed; the more drink, the higher smoking showed. 4. The value evaluation of cigarette smoking also affected the prevalence of cigarette smoking. Of the students recognized advantageous parts of smoking, the prevalence of cigarette smoking was higher. 5. Logistic regression analysis was to determine the most effective factor which determined prevalence of cigarette smoking. The most effective factor was value evaluation of cigarette smoking. The order of effective factors was health value of cigarette smoking, their drinking capacity and the value evaluation of change in body weight due to smoking and smoking's advantages. 6. Cigarette smoking showed signs of affecting to food habits. In the case of smoking, the missing rate of taking regular meals was higher, and the frequency rate of taking regular meals was lower. Also, smokers took meals less regularly. Even the smokers took less candy than non-smokers, however, smokers liked to take more coffee, alcohol, and hot tasting food than non-smokers. 7. Smoking seemed to affect the nutritional status. It was found that smokers took many kinds of nutrients insufficiently, therefore their calory intake by age was not reached to RDA.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.227-234
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• 2007

Recent epidemiologic studies show that gestational exposure to air pollution adversely affects pregnancy outcomes including low birth weight in preform birth. In this study, we evaluated the effect of air pollutants on LBW (low birth weight) on firstborn fetus throughout the gestational period using the birth cohort between 1999 and 2003 in Seoul. Using birth cohort data from the National Statistics Office of Korea we identified 288,346 firstborn births (excluded missing data on lack of information for birth weight and discordance between residential and certificated address from a total of 316,451) during 1999 to 2003 with complete covariate (gender, parity, date of birth, gestational age, parental age and educational level, maternal occupation etc.) and maternal residential history data. Our subjects were defined as more than 37 weeks and less than 44 weeks of completed gestation and we identified 5,457 persons (1.89%) by low birth weight (<2.5 kg) in this study. Using logistic regression, we estimated the risk of mean (entire pregnancy and trimester period) air pollution concentrations for CO, $O_3,\;PM_{10},\;NO_2\;and\;SO_2$. In terms of trimester-specific exposure, we found that some air pollutants exposure in each trimester would increase the risk for LBW. Results also showed that the effect size of air pollutants exposure during the first and third trimester is higher than during the second trimester. In all trimester, the estimated risk of LBW was 1.831 (95% CI=1.573-2.132) with unit increase for CO, 1.139 (95% CI=1.107-1.172) for 50, and 1.009 (95% CI=1.001-1.017) for $O_3$. Our results suggest that exposure during the gestation period to relatively low levels of some air pollutants may be associated with a reduction in birth weight on first-born fetus. These findings implicate the effective risk management strategies should be applied to minimize the public health impacts for pregnant women.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.235-242
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• 2006

Objectives: We wanted to determine the distribution of the clustering of the metabolic risk factors and we wanted to evaluate the related factors in young schoolchildren. Methods: A cross-sectional study of metabolic syndrome was conducted in an elementary school in Seoul, Korea. We evaluated fasting glucose, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, blood pressures and the body mass index, and we used parent-reported questionnaires to assess the potential risk factors in 261 children (136 boys, 125 girls). We defined the metabolic risk factors as obesity or at risk for obesity ($\geqq$ 85th percentile for age and gender), a systolic or diastolic blood pressure at $\geqq90th$ percentile for age and gender, fasting glucose at $\geqq110mg/dl$, triglyceride at $\geqq110mg/dl$ and HDL cholesterol at $\leqq40mg/dl$. Results: There were 15.7% of the subjects who showed clustering of two or more metabolic risk factors, 2.3% of the subjects who showed clustering for three or more risk factors, and 0.8% of the subjects who showed clustering for four or more risk factors. A multivariate analysis revealed that a father smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day, a mother with a body mass index of = $25kg/m^2$, and the child eating precooked or frozen food more than once per day were associated with clustering of two or more components, with the odds ratios of 3.61 (95% CI=1.24-10.48), 5.50 (95% CI=1.39-21.73) and 8.04 (95% CI=1.67-38.81), respectively. Conclusions: This study shows that clustering of the metabolic risk factors is present in young schoolchildren in Korea, with the clustering being associated with parental smoking and obesity as well as the child's eating behavior. These results suggest that evaluation of metabolic risk factors and intervention for lifestyle factors may be needed in both young Korean children and their parents.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.10
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• pp.4409-4419
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• 2015

The Bhopal gas tragedy involving methyl isocyanate (MIC) is one of the most horrific industrial accidents in recent decades. We investigated the genotoxic effects of MIC in long-term survivors and their offspring born after the 1984 occurrence. There are a few cytogenetic reports showing genetic damage in the MIC-exposed survivors, but there is no information about the associated cancer risk. The same is true about offspring. For the first time, we here assessed the micronucleus (MN) frequency using cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay to predict cancer risk in the MIC-affected population of Bhopal. A total of 92 healthy volunteers (46 MIC-affected and 46 controls) from Bhopal and various regions of India were studied taking gender and age into consideration. Binucleated lymphocytes with micronuclei (BNMN), total number of micronuclei in lymphocytes (MNL), and nuclear division index (NDI) frequencies and their relationship to age, gender and several lifestyle variabilities (smoking, alcohol consumption and tobacco-chewing) were investigated. Our observations showed relatively higher BNMN and MNL (P<0.05) in the MIC-affected than in the controls. Exposed females (EF) exhibited significantly higher BNMN and MNL (P<0.01) than their unexposed counterparts. Similarly, female offspring of the exposed (FOE) also suffered higher BNMN and MNL (P<0.05) than in controls. A significant reduction in NDI (P<0.05) was found only in EF. The affected group of non-smokers and non-alcoholics featured a higher frequency of BNMN and MNL than the control group of non-smokers and non-alcoholics (P<0.01). Similarly, the affected group of tobacco chewers showed significantly higher BNMN and MNL (P<0.001) than the non-chewers. Amongst the affected, smoking and alcohol consumption were not associated with statistically significant differences in BNMN, MNL and NDI. Nevertheless, tobacco-chewing had a preponderant effect with respect to MNL. A reasonable correlation between MNL and lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol consumption and tobacco-chewing) was observed only in the controls. Our results suggest that EF and FOE are more susceptible to cancer development, as compared to EM and MOE. The genotoxic outcome detected in FOE reflects their parental exposure to MIC. Briefly, the observed cytogenetic damage to the MIC-affected could contribute to cancer risk, especially in the EF and FOE.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.97-107
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• 2005

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate correlation between short stature and obese degree. And we also wanted to know the characteristics of patients visited clinic in the name of 'short stature'. Methods Height, body weight, BMI, fat mass, lean body mass, percent body fat were taken intended for 236 patients in the name of short stature. To all the patient questionnaire for growth clinic was drawn up, and ultrasound scan was taken through calcaneous of the right foot. The patients were classified to three groups - short, average, tall group - according to relative position of mid-parental height. It was analysed that the differences between groups in obese degree. Also was investigated correlation between position of short stature and obese degree, and between obese degree and bony maturity. Results & Conclusion 1. The average ages of patients in the name of 'short stature' were $12.69{\pm}3.93$ years old in boys, $10.66{\pm}3.67$ years old in girls. And it seemed to be just before second rapid maturing period. 2. The average BMI were $20.58{\pm}4.07kg/m^2$ in boys, $18.65{\pm}2.85kg/m^2$ in girls, and average percent body fat were $21.99{\pm}7.35%$ in boys, $26.01{\pm}6.35%$ in girls. 3. The numbers of obese children were 34(31.2%) in boys, 19(14.9%) in girls on the basis of BMI. And the numbers were 39(35.8%) in boys, 53(41.7%) in girls on the basis of percent body fat. There was a big difference in case of girls. 4. The numbers of AG(average group) were 48(44.0%) in boys, 60(47.2%) in girls, the numbers of SG(short group) were 35(32.1%) in boys, 31(24.4%) in girls, and numbers of TG(tall group) were 26(23.9%) in boys, 35(27.6%) in girls. 5. There were no significant differences among the groups in BMI, lean body mass, fat mass, percent body fat. Only significant difference in DI(disease index). 6. There were no significant correlation between PH(percent height) and BMI, leanbody mass, fat mass, percent body fat. Only significant correlation in DI(disease index). 7. There were no significant differences between DA(difference between bone age and chronorogical age) and BMI, leanbody mass, percent body fat. Only significant correlation in fat mass.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.119-128
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• 2021

Background: This study assessed anticipatory dental anxiety levels among 8- to 12-year-old children based on subjective and physiological measures and their correlation. The variations in anxiety based on sex, age, temperament, and academic performance were evaluated. Methods: An observational study was conducted in 60 children recruited from the waiting room over a 6-month period. The operator recorded subjective anxiety in the children using a novel visual facial anxiety scale. The operator also noted the demographic details and child's temperament using the nine dimensions of the Thomas and Chess criteria, and graded children as "easy," "slow to warm-up," and "difficult." The academic performance of the children was graded (parental ratings) on a five-point Likert scale. Physiological variables (heartrate [HR], oxygen saturation[SpO2], and blood pressure [BP]) were recorded by another evaluator. The correlation between anxiety levels and physiological variables was also assessed. The effects of age, sex, temperament, and academic performance on anxiety were evaluated. Results: The study included 60 children aged 8-12 years, including 36 boys and 24 girls. Seventy percent of children had mild to moderate levels of pre-extraction anxiety, while 30% of children demonstrated high anxiety. A significant positive correlation was noted between anxiety levels and HR (rs = 0.477, P < 0.001⁎) and systolic BP (rs = 0.294, P < 0.05), while a significant but inverse correlation was observed with SpO2 (rs = -0.40, P < 0.05). Anxiety did not influence diastolic BP. Children with difficult temperament and poor academic performance had significantly higher anxiety. Conclusion: A high percentage (70%) of children aged 8-12 years had mild to moderate anxiety prior to the extraction procedure. Increased HR, systolic BP, and reduced SpO2 were significantly associated with high levels of anticipatory dental anxiety. Pre-extraction anxiety was significantly related to the temperament and scholastic performance.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.25-47
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to develop a teaching and learning plan for parental understanding classes for middle school students and to investigate the effect of the classes on the parent-child relationship by implementing the class. The classes were conducted from July 5 to July 15, 2021, for the second graders of S middle school in Gwangju Metropolitan City, in a total of 6 sessions, i.e., 3 sessions per week for 2 weeks. The influence of classes on parent-child relationship was measured in terms of the understanding of the middle age, degrees of interaction, affection, and bond with parents. In order to analyze the impact of classes, pre- and post-class online surveys were conducted on 184 students who agreed to participate. For the collected quantitative data, descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and pairwise t-tests were performed using the SPSS Ver 22.0 statistical program. According to the results, students' understanding of the developmental characteristics of middle age increased and the interaction between the students and their parents increased after the class. And the overall affection with the mother increased significantly. Also, students' bonds with both mother and father were significantly improved. Based on these results, the necessity and direction of home economics class were discussed to form a positive relationship between adolescent children and their parents.

• 한국노년학
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.409-429
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the ambivalence of adult children to their elderly parents. 410 adult children who married and having alive mother or father were included. First, direct measurement for asking ambivalence was developed and the relationship between direct and indirect measurements of ambivalence was tested. Next, the influences of parental, children, and relational characteristics on ambivalence were examined. Nine items were selected as direct measurement of ambivalence through the exploratory factor analysis and item response theory. The relationship between direct measure and indirect measure was from .543(p<.000) to r=.625(p<.000) based on gender and generation. The effects of indirect ambivalence on conflict was bigger than direct one for both sons and daughters and the influences of direct measurement on intimacy and relational satisfaction were bigger than indirect one. In case of sons, caregiving obligation was the biggest predictor on ambivalence for mothers and value differences was on ambivalence for fathers. For daughters, age of self was the biggest predictor on ambivalence for mothers and age of fathers was the one for fathers. These results were discussed on the meanings of ambivalence for elderly mothers and fathers in Korea comparing with Chinese and Western cultures.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.109-117
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• 2024

Background: Dental fear and anxiety are significant challenges in managing behavior in children. Oral administration of sucrose or sweet-tasting solutions has shown effectiveness in reducing procedural pain in infants and neonates. This study aimed to investigate whether pre-application of sucrose solution had an effect on minimizing pain perception during injection and to assess the potential impact of the child's age and sweet preference. Methods: A randomized control clinical trial was conducted on 60 children aged 3-9 years requiring buccal infiltration injections. Following parental consent, demographic data of the children were recorded. Sweet preferences was assessed using a modified forced-choice test. Children were equally and randomly allocated into study (sucrose) and control groups using a lottery method. Sucrose solution or distilled water, respectively, was applied to the lateral surface of the tongue for 2 min. Topical anesthetic was applied at the site of injection, followed by local anesthesia administration. The children rinsed their mouths thrice with water immediately after anesthetic injection. A video was recorded during injection which was then scored by three blinded examiners on the Sound Eye Motor (SEM) scale. The children also self-evaluated using Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPS). Results: The mean SEM scores and WBFPS scores were analyzed using the Kruskall-Wallis test. The mean SEM score in the study group was 1.37 ± 0.61, compared to 3.17 ± 0.87 in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Mean pain scores assessed by WBFPS in the study group were 0.60 ± 1.4, while in the control group, they were 6.27 ± 2.33, also showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Children with a sweet preference demonstrated a subjective reduction in pain perception. Conclusion: Application of sucrose before dental injections in children helps to minimize pain upon injection across all age groups.