• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.161-171
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to verify the effectiveness of the Environmental Hazards Exposure Prevention Program for Mothers with Young Child (EHEPP-MYC) and to provide basic data for environmental health projects in the community. Methods: EHEPP-MYC was developed based on the protection motivation theory. A quasi-experimental design was applied to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The number of study participants was 30 in the experimental group and 31 in the control group. The intervention applied to the experimental group consisted of lectures as the main method, current affairs programs, discussions, booklets, animations, and practical training. The program was held twice a week for a total of 4 sessions of 60 minutes each. The effect of applying the program was measured three times through surveys (before, immediately after, and two weeks after the intervention) and analyzed through repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The EHEPP-MYC had significant effects on preventive behavior, perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, self-efficacy, response efficacy, and response costs at three time points. Conclusion: EHEPP-MYC has been shown to be effective in promoting environmental hazards prevention behaviors among mothers of young child. EHEPP-MYC can be used as baseline data for projects developing programs to prevent exposure to environmental hazards and improve the environmental health of communities.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.969-983
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We investigated the association of plant and animal protein intake with grip strength in Koreans aged ≥ 50 yrs. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The data was collected from 3,610 men and 4,691 women (≥ 50 yrs) from the 2016-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We calculated the total energy intake, and the intake of animal and plant protein and collected dietary data using 1-day 24-h dietary recalls. Low grip strength (LGS) was defined as the lowest quintile (men: up to 26.8 kg, women: up to 15.7 kg). The association of protein intake with grip strength was examined using Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The results proved that participants with LGS had lower daily energy, protein and fat intake, and percent energy from protein than those with normal or high grip strength (P < 0.0001). Total energy intake, animal protein, and plant protein were positively associated with grip strength. A higher intake of total plant protein (P for trend = 0.004 for men, 0.05 for women) and legumes, nuts, and seeds (LNS) protein (P for trend = 0.01 for men, 0.02 for women) was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of LGS. However, non-LNS plant protein intake was not associated with LGS (P for trend = 0.10 for men, 0.15 for women). In women, a higher total animal protein intake was significantly associated with decreased LGS (P for trend = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Higher total plant protein and LNS protein intake are negatively associated with LGS.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.53-58
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• 2024

Background: As social distancing persists and interest in work-life balance grows, more companies are adopting flexible work policies. While there have been studies on sleep disorders associated with different types of work, such as shift work, research exploring the relationship between flexible work schedules and sleep disorders is still limited, particularly among Korean workers. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey, focusing on 31,243 paid workers out of a total of 50,538 participants. We defined flexible workers as those who set their own working hours. Sleep disorders were divided into three categories: 'difficulty falling asleep,' 'frequent waking during sleep,' and 'waking up feeling exhausted and fatigued.' Using scores derived from three specific symptoms, the Minimal Insomnia Symptoms Scale (MISS) was calculated to assess the prevalence of insomnia. We used chi-square tests to analyze demographic and job-related differences. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify any relationship between flexible work schedules and sleep disorders. Results: Significant differences were found between flexible and non-flexible workers regarding age, income level, education level, and job type. Flexible workers reported sleep-related symptoms significantly more often. The odds ratio for insomnia was 1.40 (95% CI 1.21-1.61). For males, the odds ratio was 1.68 (1.36-2.08). Conclusion: This study establishes a correlation between flexible work schedules and sleep disorders among Korean salaried workers. Potential causes could include changes in circadian rhythm, increased work demands, and extended working hours. To precisely determine causality and associated diseases, further research is required.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.159-172
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• 2003

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigated the dietary habits of students in order to identify risk groups according to their Body Mass Index (BMI), and to compare the eating behavior of students in the normal range (19${\le}$24) and those in risk groups (BMI${\le}$19, 24${\le}$27, BMI>27). Method : 1176 elementary school students, 850 middle school students and 672 high school students in Wonju City, were the participants The instrument for this study was a structured questionnaire that included demographic data as well as dietary habits, and the eating behavior instrument developed by Stunkard & Messick(1985) and revised by Kim & Kim (1997). Result : 1) As students moved up ingrade level their dietary habits became more irregular and the degree that students chewed food was reduced 2) As students moved up in grade level, a greater number of the student did not eat breakfast. The reasons given were that there were not enough time before classes started(40.4%) and a lack of appetite in the morning(10.6%) in high school students. 3) As for supper, from 67.8 to 81.9% of subjects reported having regular supper. However the rest of the subjects did not eat supper because of anorexia and fear of weight gain. 4) The results identified risk groups according to their BMI showed that for elementary school students, 55.9% were in the low weight group, 5.5% in the overweight group, and 0.9% in the obese group. For middle and high school students, 40.6% and 35.5% respectively were in the low weight group, 7.4% and 6.3% in the overweight group, and 4.1% and 2.5% the obese group. 5) Comparisons of the eating behavior of students in the normal weight group with that of those in the three risk groups showed that there significant differences in 'hunger' and cognitive restraint of eating' in elementary school students, and significant differences in 'cognitive restraint of eating' in middle and high school students. Conclusion : The results of this study show that management of diet in school health should be addressed from both the aspect of lack of nutrition and that of excess nutrition. In other words, good diet is as important for students in the low weight group as it is for those in the overweight and obese groups. The establishment of good dietary habits and eating behavior in students, by nurses and dieticians should be done by providing repeated diet education and involvement in diet counseling.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.383-394
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• 2010

Objectives: This study aims to identify dietary factors related to metabolic syndrome in middle aged Korean men who were participants in the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES IV) in 2007. Methods: The study targeted 361 of the 709 men aged between 40 and 64 years for a final analysis; the other 348 surveys had incomplete data which did not allow for the determination of metabolic syndrome. The definition of metabolic syndrome was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III(NCEP ATP III). Results: There were significant differences in the metabolic syndrome of middle-aged men according to age, smoking pack-years, and number of resturant meals per week. Dietary factors such as vitamins, riboflavin, natrium, carbohydrate, protein and lipid intakes were not significant. Conclusions: It was verified that metabolic syndrome in middle-aged men is related to age, smoking pack-years and number of resturant meals per week. Dietary factors were not significantly related. However, further detailed studies in this area are needed.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.55-71
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• 2009

Background : Traditional Korean medicine(TKM) has gained in popularity among chronic patients in recent years. The use of TKM among patients with chronic diseases is common, with about two thirds of patients using some form of TKM in Korea. Objectives : The purpose of this study is to analyze the use of TKM and determine what factors affect to use TKM among patients with chronic diseases. The study also aims to provide information on TKM therapies and assist therapy selection among various TKM therapies for patients with chronic diseases. Methods : The design of the study was descriptive cross-sectional, and data were collected using a 21-item questionnaire. This study was conducted with subjects with confirmed diagnosis of chronic diseases, who live in Jeju Province, Korea. Results : Among the participants, past or current TKM use was 66.7%, with a statistically significant difference in gender and level of health status groups(p<0.05), but no difference in age, marital status, education, occupation, and income groups. The most common therapies of TKM used by the patients included acupuncture(51.1%), physiotherapy(16.8%), cupping(13.5%), and herbal medicine(4.8%). The main benefits from TKM perceived by the patients were chronic diseases management and health promotion. In a logistic regression analysis, significant influencing factors related to TKM use were gender, family income level, the extent of recognition of efficacy, heath status, and health security program. Conclusions : In this study the socio-demographic and health status, recognition of TKM efficacy factors associated with TKM use among patients with chronic diseases were similar to those found in the general population. The findings suggest that due to the relatively high use of TKM among patients with chronic diseases in Korea, this topic should be taken into account in the development of a holistic approach for patients with chronic diseases and an efficient chronic disease management system. Additionally proactive and consistent management of TKM is necessary in the health care system in Korea.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.19-30
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to examine the changes of health perception, satisfaction survey and lifestyle in Korean medicine counseling for Daejeon University faculty members. Methods : In this study, the demographic questionnaire, lifestyle habit questionnaire, Mibyeong questionnaire, quality of life questionnaire(SF-12, EQ5D), pattern-based questionnaire, constitutional questionnaire(KS-15) and instrumental examination were performed on the first and second visit. We carried out 1:1 consultation at every visit. Results : A total of 189 participants participated in this study. 66% of respondents answered that they felt the change in health perception and more than 93% of the respondents felt satisfaction due to the Korean medicine health counseling. In the demographic characteristics, it was found that women were more satisfied with the Korean medicine health counseling than men(p <.05), the higher the education level(p <.05) and the higher the age(p <.05), managed their health continuously after receiving Korean medicine health counseling.(p <.05) In addition, in the change of lifestyle habit, the group who smoked and drank in the past answered that the consciousness to manage and improve health was higher than other group after Korean medicine health counseling.(p <.05) Conclusions : Korean medicine health counseling had a positive effect on overall health perception change and satisfaction was high. Since the Korean medicine health counseling has different effects on lifestyle and health perception change and the satisfaction of Korean medicine health counseling is different according to demographic characteristics and existing lifestyle habits. In the future, it will be expected that the effect of Korean medicine health counseling program on health care and disease prevention will be further enhanced if the Korean medicine health counseling program reflecting such characteristics is implemented.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.425-430
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• 2005

Objectives : To investigate the prevalence of Clonorchis Sinensis infestation and to determine the associated risk factors among a population in a part of the rural area of Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea, which is an area known to have a high mortality from liver cancer and a high infection of C. sinensis. Methods : The study populat ion consisted of those people who have lived in rural areas and who were over 40 years old. This study was performed in 5 areas during the period from 1999 to 200 3. Informed consents were obtained from the 2,381 study participants, and these people were interviewed about their life style habits with using the structured questionnaire that was administered by trained staff members. The subjects underwent blood sampling and their stool specimens were examined by using the Formalin-ether sedimentation technique. Results : Among the study subjects (N=2,381), the positivity for C. sinensis in the stool was 34.4% (95% CI=36.3-42.5); it was 39.4% (95% CI=36.3-42.5) in the males and 30.9% (95% CI=28.5-33.3) in the females . The positivity for C. sinensis was associated with current alcohol drinking (odds ratio=1.8, 95% CI: 1.5-2.1) and raw fish consumption (odds ratio 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9-1.6). Conclusion : The present study confirmed the high prevalence of C. sinensis in the study subjects. It is necessary to establish consistent medical management and education programs for the treatment and prevention of C. sinensis infestation in the rural inhabitants of Korea.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.331-338
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• 2006

Objectives: The goal of this study is to measure women's willingness to pay for cancer screening and to identify those factors associated with this willingness to pay. Methods: A population-based telephone survey was performed on 1,562 women (aged 30 years or over) for 2 weeks (9-23th, July, 2004). Data about sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, the intention of the cancer screenings and willingness to pay for cancer screening were collected. 1,400 respondents were included in the analysis. The women's willingness to pay for cancer screening and the factors associated with this willingness to pay were evaluated. Results: The results show that 76% of all respondents have a willingness to pay for cancer screening. Among those who are willing to pay, the average and median amount of money for which the respondents are willing to pay are 126,636 (s.d.: 58,414) and 120,000 won, respectively. As the status of education & the income are higher, the average amount that women are willing to pay becomes much more. The amount of money women are willing to pay is the highest during the 'contemplation' stage. Being willing to payor not is associated with a change of behavior (transtheoretical model), the income, the concern about the cancer risk, the family cancer history, the marital status, the general health exam, age and the place of residence. Income is associated with a greater willingness to pay. Old age was associated with a lower willingness to pay. Conclusions: According to the two-part model, income and TTM are the most important variables associated with the willingness to pay for cancer screening. The cancer screening participation rate is low compared with the willingness to pay for cancer screening. It is thought that we have to consider the participants' behavior that's associated with cancer screening and their willingness to pay in order to organize and manage cancer screening program.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.245-253
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• 2019

Background: This study aimed to analyze correlations between depression, cognitive function, oral health state, ability to perform activities of daily living, oral dryness symptoms, and oral health-related quality of life, and determine factors influencing the latter. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study based on questionnaires completed by 260 participants with suspected dementia, residing in South Korea. Psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and dental hygienists visited clinics in the participating regions for examination and questionnaire administration. General characteristics, the geriatric depression scale, ability to perform activities of daily living, cognitive function, oral health state, and oral health-related quality of life were analyzed. Independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted, identifying factors affecting oral health-related quality of life. Data analysis was performed using SPSS ver. 20.0 (IBM Corp., USA), and the significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Approximately 65.0% of participants were female, 63.5% were in their 70s, and 90.0% had health insurance. About 21.5%, 42.0%, and 36.5% were normal, slightly impaired, and had dementia, respectively. High cognitive impairment was associated with poor oral health. Sex, education levels, marital status, and living arrangements influenced oral health-related quality of life. According to the regression analysis, geriatric depression and oral dryness affected the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index scores. Conclusion: In conclusion, oral dryness and depression levels among elders influenced oral health-related quality of life. The results showed that to enhance elders' oral health-related quality of life, it is essential to not only improve their oral health state, but also relieve oral health problems, especially oral dryness, and take into consideration their psychological aspects.