• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.67-74
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• 2019

Purpose: In 2012, the Child Welfare Act was revised to provide better support to children with severe disabilities in Japan. Previously, inpatient facilities had been classified according to the type of disabilities of patients. After the revision of the Act, however, these facilities were assigned into the category of "medical-type facilities for children with disabilities", or "welfare-type facilities for children with disabilities." The focus of the study is to evaluate the reorganization of the Child Welfare Act and to analyze the new layout of Center K after its transition from a facility for children with motional disabilities to a medical-type facility for children with disabilities. Methods: A literature review was conducted to identify the trend in the treatment for persons with disabilities and the process of policy making in Japan. Field research was performed twice in 2015 and 2016, before and after the renovation of the Center K facilities depending upon the revision of the Child Welfare Act. Results: There is an increasing tendency of the population of persons with disabilities in Japan, and the severity level of disability of children with disabilities. In the case of Center K, two types of ward constructed to meet the two types of disability has been reconstructed into three types of unit following the various severity level of disability. Implications: As a result, it could be argued that it is also necessary in Korea to reorganize the facilities for persons with disabilities to deal with the fact that the population of persons with disabilities in Korea has been growing and their degree of disabilities also getting severe.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.240-247
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• 2022

Background: Although insomnia and constipation are highly prevalent worldwide, studies examining a possible association between them are lacking. We examined the relationship between insomnia and constipation in shift workers who have a high prevalence of insomnia and other diseases. Methods: This study had a multicenter cross-sectional design and conducted using health examination data including self-reported questionnaires. In total, 12,879 and 4,650 shift workers were enrolled in Severance Hospital and Wonju Severance Hospital, respectively, during 2015-2017. Multivariate logistic regression models and subgroup analysis were performed in each center with the same protocol, using a common data model. Results: The mean age of the total population was 44.35 (standard deviation = 8.75); the proportion of males was 56.9%. Female sex, being underweight and non-smoker were strongly associated with an increased risk of constipation symptom (p < 0.001). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using ORs of both centers with weights; there was a significant dose-response relationship (sub-threshold 1.76 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-1.91]; moderate 2.28 [95% CI 2.01-2.60]; severe 4.15 [95% CI 3.18-5.41] in the final model, p for trend < 0.001). Subgroup analysis performed by stratifying sex and pooled ORs showed a similar trend to that of the entire group. Conclusion: We observed a strong correlation between insomnia and constipation in this population. Our findings may help in formulating guidelines and policies to improve quality of life in shift workers through the management of sleep quality and proper bowel function. This study is the first to report this relationship among people working in shifts.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.237-243
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• 2022

Unmet healthcare is an important indicator to measure accessibility of healthcare services. To examine the latest status of unmet healthcare needs in South Korea, four different data which is composed of nationally representative sample of South Korean population were used; the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2007-2020), the Community Health Survey (CHS, 2008-2020), the Korea Health Panel Survey (KHP, 2011-2018), and the Korean Welfare Panel Study (KOWEPS, 2006-2020). The proportion of individuals reporting unmet healthcare needs were 6.4% (KNHANES), 5.4% (CHS), and 12.2% (KHP). Annual percentage change (APC) which identifies trend for the follow-up period was -9.9%, -9.1%, and -5.5%, respectively. The proportion of individuals reporting unmet healthcare needs due to cost were 1.0% (KNHANES), 0.4% (CHS), 2.2% (KHP), and 0.4% (KOWEPS). The APC was -11.3%, -17.0%, -12.2%, and -21.2%, respectively. Overall, the low-income and the elderly population reported a higher rate of unmet health care needs. Although the overall experience rate of unmet medical care due to cost decreased over the past decade, the disparity between the lowest and highest income groups still remained in 2020. Disparity between income levels and age groups is a challenge to address in healthcare system, and these results suggest the need for adequate health coverage for the low-income and the elderly populations.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.107-113
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• 2023

Unmet healthcare is an important indicator for measuring accessibility of healthcare services. We analyzed the following four data from a nationally representative sample of South Korean population: Korea Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2007-2021), Community Health Survey (CHS, 2008-2021), Korea Health Panel Survey (KHP, 2011-2019), and Korean Welfare Panel Study (KOWEPS, 2006-2021). The proportion of individuals reporting unmet healthcare needs were 6.0% (KNHANES), 5.1% (CHS), and 13.1% (KHP). Annual percentage change (APC) which identifies trend for the follow-up period was -9.4%, -9.4%, and -5.3%, respectively. The proportion of individuals reporting unmet healthcare needs due to cost were 1.2% (KNAHANES), 0.5% (CHS), 2.7% (KHP), and 0.4% (KOWEPS). The APC was -10.4%, -16.1%, -11.5%, and -19.1%, respectively. Compared to the previous year, the rate of unmet healthcare needs decreased slightly, but the rate of unmet health care needs due to cost tended to increase. Overall, higher rates of unmet healthcare needs were reported in the low-income and the elderly population. Although it was confirmed through the APC that the rate of unmet healthcare experience has decreased over the past decade, it can be seen that there is still a disparity by income level and age. These results suggest the need for an appropriate health benefit coverage policy for the low-income and the elderly.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.352-358
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• 2020

Background: Korean society is afflicted with rapid aging. Aging is a risk factor for pain, and pain can reduce patients' quality of life. Thus, adequate management and monitoring of changing trends accompanying the demographic shift are highly valuable. However, this study was conducted because no studies have investigated the recent changes in the prevalence of pain. Methods: The extent of the prevalence of pain was determined by questions related to quality of life based on the data derived from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHNS) from 2005 to 2016. The annual frequencies of the pain group and severe pain group were calculated using the survey questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine possible differences in prevalence by year. Results: The prevalence of pain in all populations was 30.6% in 2005 and 18.9% in 2016. The average prevalence from 2005 to 2016 was 21.9%. A declining trend occurred over time with an odds ratio of 0.929 per year (95% CI: 0.921-0.938). The prevalence of severe pain was 2.35% in 2005 and 1.88% in 2016. Likewise, a decrease was observed over time, with an odds ratio of 0.920 per year at 95% CI 0.901-0.939. The decline in age-/sex-stratified analysis also showed a statistically significant trend in all groups. Conclusions: The prevalence of pain in Korean society, based on the KNHNS, has declined since 2005. Such a trend was observed in all ages and sexs, and was most significant in the elderly.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2785-2791
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• 2014

Aims: To analyze time-dependent changes in female breast cancer (BC) mortality in China, forecast the trend in the ensuing 5 years, and provide recommendations for prevention and management. Materials and Methods: Mortality data of breast cancer in China from 1991 to 2011 was used to describe characteristics and distribution, such as the changes of the standardized mortality rate, urban-rural differences and age differences. Trend-surface analysis was used to study the geographical distribution of mortality. In addition, curve estimation, time series modeling, Gray modeling (GM) and joinpoint regression were performed to estimate and predict future trends. Results: In China, the mortality rate of breast cancer has increased yearly since 1991. In addition, our data predicted that the trend will continue to increase in the ensuing 5 years. Rates in urban areas are higher than those in rural areas. Over the past decade, all peak ages for death by breast cancer have been delayed, with the first death peak occurring at 55 to 65 years of age in urban and rural areas. Geographical analysis indicated that mortality rates increased from Southwest to Northeast and from West to East. Conclusions: The standardized mortality rate of breast cancer in China is rising and the upward trend is predicted to continue for the next 5 years. Since this can cause an enormous health impact in China, much better prevention and management of breast cancer is needed. Consequently, disease control centers in China should place more focus on the northeastern, eastern and southeastern parts of China for breast cancer prevention and management, and the key population should be among women between ages 55 to 65, especially those in urban communities.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.356-368
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• 2020

Purpose: Histidine-containing dipeptides, which are rich in chicken, have been reported to reduce the risk of metabolic abnormalities via anticarbonylation mechanism in animal models. To determine the effect of dietary histidine-containing dipeptides on metabolic risk factors in humans, the relation between chicken consumption and insulin resistance were determined in a population consuming high carbohydrate and low protein. Methods: A total of 7,183 subjects (2,929 men and 4,254 women) aged ≥ 50 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were divided into three groups according to chicken consumption (rarely, monthly, and weekly), and evaluated for the metabolic risk factors using homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) in this cross-sectional study. The fourth and fifth (IV-1-3 & V-1) KNHANES, which had blood insulin data, were chosen for the current study. Results: The chicken consumption was significantly associated with insulin (p for trend = 0.018) and HOMA-IR (p for trend = 0.023) in men. In particular, the 'weekly' chicken consuming men in the lowest tertile (< 65.0%) of carbohydrate intake group had significantly lower HOMA-IR (p for trend = 0.033) and higher QUICKI (p for trend = 0.043) than the 'rarely' intake group. In addition, the odds ratio for abnormal HOMA-IR was 0.55 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31-0.99) and QUICKI was 0.47 (95% CI, 0.26-0.86) for the 'weekly' chicken consuming group. Conclusion: The 'weekly' chicken consumption had a beneficial effect on insulin resistance and it may partially be due to the major bioactive components in chicken, histidine-containing dipeptides.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.67-81
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• 2004

This research demonstrates clothing consumption values, fashion preferences of career women from the early 1920s to late 1930s. And having thorough understanding of values and preferences, allows us to establish marketing strategies for clothing companies. The main purpose of this study is (1) to formalize consumer group based upon the clothing consumption values, (2) to find for characteristics of consumer depending on classification of consumption value in clothing, (3) to understand the preferences of career women about fashion trends. Analyzing data was performed 292 copies, resulting factor analysis, Cluster analysis, X-test, Anova, Tukey test, t-test, frequency analysis, and reliability analysis. This paper showed 7 distinctive characteristics of career women about clothing consumption value. These characteristics can be listed as 1) value of brand image, 2) value of self-expression, 3) functional values, 4) epistemic values, 5) coordination values, 6) social values 7) psychological values. Importantly, brand image value became most significant aspects among 7 factors. Analyzing consumers based upon stated 7 factors, it was found that they are segregated into 4 groups; Self-expressive Group, Psychological Stability Group, Functional Group, Social Group. Secondly, for fashion trend preferences, self-expressive group, psychological stability group, and functional group favored Romantic Feminine Style respectively. Social Group showed preference in Nu-Basic'. The reason for such trend dealt with fabric materials and colors. Finally examining population statistics, younger generations showed more preferences in Nu-Basic', and consumers from ages of 26 to 28, 32 to 34 showed preferences in Romantic Feminine' regardless of their household income, clothing related expenditures, jobs, and education level. On the other hand, 'Modem Classic' was popular among college graduates and 'Paradise' was somewhat less popular among all ages except from ages of 32 to 34, consumers consumption 300,000Won to 400,000Won on clothing related expenditures. And 'Energy' seemed to attract more highly educated females, who had more than masters in degrees with over 300,000 to 400,000Won for clothing related expenditures.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5959-5964
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• 2014

Background: Dietary carbohydrate, fiber and sugar intake has been shown to play a role in the etiology of breast cancer, but the findings have been inconsistent and limited to developed countries with higher cancer incidence. Objective: To examine the association of premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer risk with dietary carbohydrate, fiber and sugar intake. Materials and Methods: This population based case-control study was conducted in Malaysia with 382 breast cancer patients and 382 controls. Food intake pattern was assessed via an interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and a broad range of potential confounders were included in analysis. Results: A significant two fold increased risk of breast cancer among premenopausal (OR $Q_4$ to $Q_1$=1.93, 95%CI: 1.53-2.61, p-trend=0.001) and postmenopausal (OR $Q_4$ to $Q_1$=1.87, 95%CI: 1.03-2.61, p-trend=0.045) women was observed in the highest quartile of sugar. A higher intake of dietary fiber was associated with a significantly lower breast cancer risk among both premenopausal ($ORQ_4$ to $Q_1$=0.31, 95%CI: 0.12-0.79, p-trend=0.009) and postmenopausal ($ORQ_4$ to $Q_1$=0.23, 95%CI: 0.07-0.76, p-trend=0.031) women. Conclusions: Sugar and dietary fiber intake were independently related to pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer risk. However, no association was observed for dietary carbohydrate intake.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.359-367
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• 2019

As a strategy for strengthening local competitiveness, efficient use of regional assets is becoming more and more important. The key to regional identity and competitiveness is local assets. The purpose of this study is to derive the priority region for development by evaluating local assets. The analysis methods used in this study are Geographic Information System analysis, Big Data Trend analysis, and Analytic Hierarchy Process analysis. To assess the potential of local assets, the preference of assets, historical value, cluster of resources, wide-area transport accessibility, and population density were set as analysis indicators and itemized weights were applied using AHP to reflect the importance of each item. As a result of analyzing Yeongju city in Gyeongsangbuk-do, eight major points such as Buseoksa Temple, Sosu Seowon, Huibangsa Temple, Punggi Hot Spring Resort, Punggi Station, National Center for Forest Therapy, Yeongju east region and Museom Village were derived.