• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.209-279
• /
• 2016

The Korean Mental Health Act was amended 2016 overall. This paper examines and evaluates the old Korean Mental Health Act since 1995 and the new Korean Mental Health Promotion Act 2016 from the Perspective of Human Rights and Inclusion of Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities. The persons with mental disabilities was separated and ruled out from society by the enactment of the Mental Health Act in 1995 and five times amendment. That has been justified and institutionally supported by medical viewpoint. The medical approach which reconsider the persons with mental disabilities as patients conceal that the aims of the involuntary admission in Mental Hospital are protection of society and the relief of the family member's duty of support for person with mental disabilities. This is institutionally supported in the 1995 Korean Mental Health Act by involuntary admission through the consent of family members as protectors. According to the old Act, the family members as protectors are authorized to consent to involuntary admission of persons with mental disabilities. Also, the psychiatrist that diagnoses the person with mental disabilities and evaluates the need for treatment by admission is not impartial in this decision. Family members as protectors may want to lighten their burden of support for the person with mental disabilities in their home by admitting them into a mental hospital, and the psychiatrist in the mental hospital can be improperly influenced by demand of hospital management. Additionally, Article 24 of the Korean Mental Health Act for the Involuntary Admission by the Consent of Family Members as Protector might violate personal liberty, as guaranteed in the Korean Constitution. The Mental Health Promotion Law was amended to reduce the scope of the persons with mental illness which are subject to forced hospitalization and to demand that a second diagnosis is made by another psychiatrist and screening by the committee concerning the legitimacy of admission in the process of the involuntary admission by the consent of family members as a method of protection. The amended Mental Health Promotion Law will contribute to reducing the number of the involuntary admissions and the inclusion of persons with mental disabilities. But if persons with mental disabilities are not providing some kind of service to the community, the amended Mental Health Promotion Law does not work for Inclusion of them.

• Health Policy and Management
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.518-530
• /
• 2021

Background: This study examined the effect of having a usual source of care on the degree of patient-centered communication among persons with disability. The role of the usual source of care has been emphasized to improve patient experience, especially for patients with complex health conditions. Methods: This study used the 2017-2018 Korean Health Panel data, and the final study observations were 22,475 (20,806 people without disability and 1,669 people with disability). We applied generalized estimating equation model to show the effect of having a usual source of care on patient-centered communication, and subgroup analysis considering the types and severity of disabilities. Results: Persons who have disabilities, compared with ones without it, significantly had more usual sources of care (32.4% vs. 24.6%). By type of disability, persons with mental (51.4%), internal organ (43.8%), visual (37%), and physical disabilities (31.6%) had more usual sources of care than hearing/speech (26.6%), and developmental disabilities (18.6%). The average score of patient-centered communication was higher among who had a usual sources of care (3.2 vs. 2.7), and the regression analysis showed that having a usual sources of care was positively associated with higher patient-centered communication score (𝛽=0.476, p<0.05). However, the positive effects of usual sources of care was not observed among persons with severe hearing/speech, developmental, and mental disabilities. Conclusion: This study showed that role of patient-centered communication was limited in persons with severe hearing/speech disabilities, developmental, and mental disabilities. The education programs and supports are needed to improve communication skills between medical staff and persons with specific types of disabilities.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
• /
• v.13 no.6
• /
• pp.287-295
• /
• 2019

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting mental health status according to gender of persons with physical disabilities and to try their healthy life. Using the 6th Korean Retirement and Income Study, 333 persons with physical disabilities were included in the study. Descriptive statistics, t-test, and regression analysis were conducted to examine the general characteristics, instrumental activities of daily living, material support, and the effects on mental health status. There was no statistically significant difference in mental health status by gender, but there was a difference in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and life satisfaction. In the case of males, instrumental daily activities performance, material support, depression, and life satisfaction were found to be influential. In the case of females, spouse, depression, and life satisfaction were factors affecting mental health status. Based on the results of this study, we will be able to understand persons with physical disabilities and use them as a basis for developing mental health promotion programs.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.279-287
• /
• 2019

This study carried out a horticultural program for people with mental disabilities to determine suitability of the horticultural activity program and to actually apply to vocational rehabilitation. The program was carried out in 16 sessions from April 12 to June 7, 2018 with nine people with a strong will to participate in vocational rehabilitation at a health center for persons with mental disabilities. The tools used were the Horticultural Activity Performance Assessment (psychological behavior) and Purdue Pegboard Test that examines functions of hands and arms. The subjects sold the products they made during class time and obtained the profits. After the program, the scores increased with a significant difference (p = .000) in the psychological behavior area of the Horticultural Activity Performance Assessment. Hand and arm movement also showed continuous improvement along the program with a significant difference (p = .000), as well as finger dexterity also with a significant difference (p = .018). The net profit was 314,000 KRW (subtracting cost of goods 314,000 KRW from total sales 628,000 KRW). The profit was shared equally among the nine subjects, each receiving 34,900 KRW. Therefore this study proved horticultural activity class is suitable for vocational rehabilitation of people with mental disabilities proved by the positive effects. We also expect that the subjects will be able to make more profits if they learn more skills, since they are interested the process of making such profits.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
• /
• v.12 no.6
• /
• pp.303-316
• /
• 2012

This study is a qualitative research whose purpose is to analyze subjective experiences of permanency planning establishment by persons with mental disabilities. For the purpose, this researcher selected 12 persons with mental disabilities who have been maintaining their job for more than 6 months since they got it independently and then profoundly interviewed them to examine their subjective experiences in permanency planning establishment. Data were collected from Jan. 11th to Feb. 10th, 2011. Statements by the participants were analyzed and, from which, 38 constructed meanings were obtained. Those meanings were grouped and classified according to their similarities. As a result, they were finally categorized into 17 themes and 7 theme clusters. Those 7 clusters included stable job maintenance, self-capacity development, social supports, health management, awareness in preparation for the future, hopeful thinking and various social activities. Based on the findings of the study, finally, the researcher suggested some practical implications.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.146-150
• /
• 2000

Dental caries and periodontal disease continue to present unique problems in the dental management of the persons with disabilities because the chronicity of oral diseases complicates the primary physical or mental disability. The increased prevalence of dental disease in most persons with disabilities is probably not due to any inherent proclivity for dental disease but more likely evolves because dental care receives less attention. Prosthetic dentistry procedures are not contraindicated for most patients with physical and mental disabilities. Fixed bridges may be feasible if the patient or care provider can maintain adequate oral hygiene and the patient's disability dose not preclude this type of prosthesis. Removable partial or full dentures may be indicated if the patient or care provider can easily remove the prosthesis and care for it. Although most persons with disabilities need no additional behavior management modalities to complete dental care, some persons require professionally recognized behavior management techniques during treatment, such as physical restraint, pharmacologic agents, or general anesthesia. Hospitalization and the use of general anesthesia are sometimes required to deal effectively with the extreme management problem patient. This patient with mild mental retardation was fearful of dental treatment. Routine restorative, surgical and prosthetic dentistry procedures were performed under general anesthesia.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
• /
• v.4 no.2
• /
• pp.240-247
• /
• 2001

The history of rehabilitation of disabilities in Korea began with the foreigners and missionaries who were interested in it after Korean War. In 1981, Disabled Persons Welfare Act was enacted and the 88 Paralympics brought the nations attention to the welfare and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. Since then, the facilities and the services for the disabled persons have expanded rapidly and the rehabilitation treatment and nursing intervention are drawing more attention. Against this background, the survey on the current status of disabilities, welfare service, facilities, and rehabilitation nursing was conducted. The results of this survey are as follows. 1. According to the 2000 census of disabilities, the number of persons with disabilities in Korea is estimated at 1,449,500, or 3.09% of the entire Korean population, 0.74% up from 2.35% in 1995. 2. Disability Types in 2000 The 2000 census showed that the persons with disabilities numbered 1,449,496 out of the total population and 1,024,371 persons are registered for disability, making up 70.7% of the estimated disabled population. Among them, physically disabled persons accounted for the largest 41.7% (605,127) and mentally retarded persons stood at the smallest 9% (13,481). 3. Percentage of Disability Presence The survey showed that more than 90% of disability were acquired. However, 44.8% of mental disability and 61.4% of hearing/speaking disability were not acquired after birth. This means that these disabilities happened by congenital cause or birth accident. 4. Yearly Figure of Registered Disabled Persons In 1989, 218,601 persons registered for disability and, in 2000, the number increased by 4.7 times to 1,024,371. These figures are different from the actual number of disabled persons. According to the 1995 census, 1,053,486 were disabled persons but only 378,323registered for disability. And, in the 2000 census, 1,024,371 out of the 1,449,496 of disabled persons registered for disability. 5. Welfare Service for Persons with Disability 62.6% of the total disabled people are registered and physically disabled persons accounted for the highest percentage of 96.7%. 26.5% of non-registered disabled people said that they didnt know the registration procedure. The rest of them replied that they didnt think they were disabled or that registration didnt seem to give any benefits. 6. Welfare Policies for Disabled Persons The welfare benefits given to the disabled are as follows: Issuance of disabled sign for car drivers, Permission to use LPG fuel, Communication fee reduction, Tax exemption related to cars, Reduction of public facility fees, Household allowance, Tax reduction or exemption, Medical allowance and education subsidy for children, and Housing. 7. Current Condition of Welfare Facilities by Disability Type The welfare institutions for disabilities numbered 188 in total and they can accommodate 16,823 persons. Categories of these institutions are physical disability(37), visual disability(10), hearing/speaking disability(14), mental retardation(59), and sanatoriums(68). 8. Human Resource of Rehabilitation of Disabilities Advanced education programs include rehabilitation nursing in its curriculum and this was selected as the program of Korean Academic Society of Nursing in 1990. In November 1997, Korean Academic Society of Rehabilitation Nursing was launched and many academic meeting and seminars were held. This organization is also making efforts to develop the education program for qualified rehabilitation nursing professionals and to develop the standards of rehabilitation nursing practice. In the professionals of the rehabilitation, there are rehabilitation specialist, physical therapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist. It is needed to come up with the measures to supply stable human resources following the demand of disabled persons and to recognize the private certificates for rehabilitation professionals as official ones after reviewing the education and training programs of private institutions. 9. Rehabilitation Nursing 1) Rehabilitation nursing was taught as an independent subject in 11 undergraduate programs and 9 graduate programs. 2) Research on rehabilitation nursing in Korea were 24 experimental research and 11 non-experimental research. The intervention of experimental research were mostly education and exercise rehabilitation programs. 3) In the three rehabilitation hospitals, nursing is divided into two categories, direct nursing and education & counseling. Direct nursing includes tracheostomy or nasogastric tube care, urination and defication, skin care, pain control, complication prevention and care, prevention of injury from a fall, etc.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
• /
• v.49 no.12
• /
• pp.749-757
• /
• 2011

In the welfare law for the disabled in Korea, the disabled is defined as "the persons sho have significant limitations of daily or social life due to physical or mental disabilities over a long period." The number of registered domestic disabled person in 2008 survey was approximately 2.1 million. 90% of the disabled was caused by the aposteriori illness or accidents. So, in this aging society, the number of people with disabilities will increase even more. In general, people with physical and mental disabilities tend to have more oral diseases, but, are difficult to get treated. Therefore, a thorough oral care through individualized prevention is more important than ever. In this article, we review the oral care methods in dental office and home and in the hospital for the elderly and finally focus on a denture care method. According to this article, the dental professionals can be able to select and apply the oral care method in agreement with the characteristics of the disabilities. Particularly, it is important to prevent the aspiration pneumonia in the elderly in hospital.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
• /
• v.10 no.6
• /
• pp.349-359
• /
• 2012

There is growing recognition that individuals with mental retardation are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse due to multiple factors including life-long dependence on adults for care, trained compliance, social isolation, lack of education about sexuality and sexual abuse, and a societal view that devalues people with disabilities. Teaching about sexual abuse only may raise an individual's anxiety without promoting a healthy sexual identity. For many individuals with mental retardation, the provision of formal sexual health education and sexual abuse prevention training has been shown to be protective against exploitation as well as increase appropriate sexual behavior. To maximize the reach of formal sexual health education and abuse prevention promotion effort, this article suggest exploiting the internet and digital contents as delivery vehicles that have uniquely suitable communication characteristics and outstanding ability to reach large numbers of persons with mental retardation. We review the sexual health education programs, utilizing the internet and digital contents, for individuals with mental retardation. We also suggest the revised version of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model of health behaviour change (Fisher & Fisher, 1992), and give a brief discussion of how useful this model is for constructing a life-long sex education program for persons with mental retardation.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.67-75
• /
• 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop an effective horticultural activity program for the vocational rehabilitation of people with mental disabilities. The subjects of this study were seven persons with mental disabilities in the vocational rehabilitation team of a public health center located in G city, Gyeongsangbuk-do. A total of 10 horticultural programs were held from October 10 to December 11, 2018. Five programs were selected among those that were easy for the persons with mental illness to handle and their preference was high. In each session, the same task was repeated 10 times and finally changes in hand functions and working speed were measured. As a result, the assembly task of the Purdue Pegboard test was 23.6 (SD = 10.5) before the program, 26.6 (SD = 11.5) after planting, 27.7 (SD = 12.2) after wrapping pots, and 28.0 (SD = 13.9) after making mini flower baskets, 26.9 (SD = 12.0) after wrapping a single flower, and 29.1 (SD = 11.9) after making corsages. There was a significant difference between the five programs (p = .016). As a result of measuring the time taken to produce the same 10 products, the average planting time was 9.9 (SD = 4.0) minutes in the first class and 6.0 (SD = 2.3) minutes in the second class (p = .018), and making mini flower baskets was reduced from 35.2 (SD = 10.1) minutes to 21.0 (SD = 7.7) minutes (p = .018), wrapping a single flower from 23.3 (SD = 7.9) minutes to 16.2 (SD = 7.3) minutes (p = .043), and making corsages from 53.6 (SD = 15.9) to 40.8 (SD = 16.8) minutes (p = .043). The working time was significantly shortened in the second class compared to the first class. The class for wrapping pots was shortened from 52.7 (SD = 11.7) to 49.6 (SD = 17.8) minutes, but there was no significant difference (p = .398).