• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.3696-3703
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• 2013

This study is a qualitative case study for discovering any change in the perception of elderly women about sexuality through a group counseling program. For this the study selected eight elderly people who are female aged 65 or over living in D city and have a spouse who is able to have a consistent sex life. Then the study collected relevant data by offering eight sessions of a group counseling program, and carried out an analysis with an approach to case studies. As a result of the research, there were changes in their perceptions about and current life satisfaction, relationships for unity, pleasure relaxation active self-expression, sexual relations. After their participation in the program, participants had a positive perception about a sex concept, namely sexuality and they came to think about the need for an increase of sexuality for raising the satisfaction of life in late years. These research results would be offered as basic data of research into sexuality which may be able to enhance the quality of the lives of elderly people, such as the positive recognition of sex, active sexual intercourses, and the improvement of self-esteem.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.183-205
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• 2000

This research was designed to compare the health condition and the quality of life of the elderly inpatients with those of the normal elderly people. The subjects of study were 482 elderly inpatients and 304 normal elderly people. The research was conducted in July and August using the instrument WHOQOL. The results of the research are as follows: For the level of health, it was recognized that male was healthier than female, having higher the education, living in the city rather than in the rural, keeping the normal life than being in the hospital. There were little difference in the past medical histories of the elderly inpatients and the normal elderly people. As to the diseases currently under the treatment, there were some difference between the elderly inpatients and the normal elderly people but the tendency was similar in the kinds and the frequencies. As to the recognition for the quality of life between the elderly inpatients and the normal elderly people based on the records reflected on each of the domains of WHOQOL, the normal elderly people more positively recognized in the overall quality of life and the following domains: physical, psychological, level of independence, and spirituality/religion/personal beliefs. The normal elderly people more positively recognized especially in the level of independence domain (mobility, activities of daily living, dependence on medication or treatments, working capacity). In the social relationships domain only the sexual activity was significant and the normal elderly people more positively recognized. The elderly inpatients showed the correlation of over 0.5 in the overall quality of life and the following domains: environment, social relationships, physical, psychological, level of independence. It was over 0.6 in the physical domain and the domains of psychological and level of independence. and the psychological domains of level of independence and social relationships. For the points of overall quality of life, it had no correlation with hospitalization but the health condition, residential district, occupation, and taste exerted a significant effect. As a result of separate analyses of the elderly inpatients and the normal elderly people, the health condition and the age only were the common variable which would exercise a significant effect. Besides, the primary factors which would exercise the quality of life were the occupation and taste for the elderly inpatients, and the residential district and source of income for the normal elderly people. In conclusion, it is first and foremost important to improve the standard of health for the overall quality of life for the elderly people, regardless of hospitalization. Therefore, a plan must be urgently drawn up for revitalization of the health promoting projects for the elderly people and the public health projects for the elderly people, and the investment must be increased for settlement of health problems of the elderly people.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.89-97
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• 2020

Objectives: The quality of life (QoL) of the elderly and elder abuse are growing public health concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of abuse and the association between QoL and abuse in older adults. Methods: Multistage random cluster sampling, along with valid QoL (LEIPAD: LEIden, the Netherlands; PADua, Italy; Helsinki, Finland) and abuse questionnaires, were used to assess QoL and elder abuse. Path analysis was performed using Mplus. SPSS and AMOS were used for the other analyses. Results: A total of 386 elderly individuals with a mean age of 68.00±6.10 years were interviewed, of whom 200 (51.8%), 289 (74.9%), and 376 (97.4%) were women, educated, and married, respectively. Moreover, 167 (43.2%) had low-to-moderate QoL, and 108 (27.9%) had experienced a moderate level of abuse. QoL and abuse were inversely associated (r=-0.253), with men (β=-0.24) more affected than women (β=-0.21). Musculoskeletal disorders were also strong determinants of QoL in the elderly. QoL was strongly associated with emotional abuse, while abuse was highly related to the social component of QoL. Furthermore, emotional abuse was the type of abuse most significantly associated with the self-care, depression/anxiety, cognitive, and social components of QoL. Sexual abuse, violation of personal rights, and neglect were the main determinants of the physical functioning, life satisfaction, and sexual domains of QoL, respectively. Conclusions: Nearly half of the elderly individuals lacked a high QoL, and at least one-fourth had experienced some form of abuse. Elder abuse was correlated inversely with QoL. Therefore, preventive interventions are recommended to decrease elder abuse in the family, community, and other settings.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.115-126
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• 2009

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of red ginseng on women's health-related quality of life (QOL) and sexual function. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical study was performed. The main efficacy was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFl) and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Twenty-four healthy, married women aged 30-45 years with FSFl scores below 25 were randomly divided into two groups: the red-ginseng group (N=12) and the placebo group (N=12). During the first six-week period (Study 1), each group was given red ginseng or placebo twice a day. Before the start of the second six-week period (Study 2), a crossover design was chosen with a two-week break (washout period). Interchanging the two groups after the washout period, red ginseng and placebo were given to each group. The outcomes were measured before and after each six-week period. Overall, 23 participants completed the study. In Study 1, the changes relative to the baseline in the FSFl total score were 22.50% and 22.99% for red ginseng and placebo, respectively. In Study 2, the relative changes were 8.14% for red ginseng and 6.29% for placebo. The results showed a greater improving trend in Study 1 with respect to all of the participants' sexual functions, but no significant difference was found between the groups (P=0.9567). After taking red ginseng, all the participants exhibited an improving trend in the desire domain of FSFl, but no significant difference was shown. In the measurement of SF-36, no significant difference was likewise shown. After taking red ginseng, though, all the participants exhibited an improving trend in the physical functioning (PF) domain of SF-36, with no significant difference. Moreover, there was no significant adverse event related to red ginseng. The QOL and sexual function of the study participants in the red-ginseng group were mostly improved, but no statistically significant effect of red ginseng was shown. It is supposed that this result was partly due to the affirmative impression of red ginseng in Korea. Thus, it is anticipated that a long-term clinical trial will show a significant effect of red ginseng on the QOL and sexual function.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5927-5936
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• 2014

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Jordanians. Breast cancer patients suffer from several negative consequences after treatment and these include pain, fatigue, sexual problems, appearance and body image concerns, with psychological dysfunction. This could affect the patient quality of life and psychological well-being. To the best of our knowledge, there is no published quantitative data on the quality of life and psychological well-being of breast cancer patients in Jordan. The objective of this study was to obtain such data and assess predictors with calculated scores. Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted among breast cancer patients in Jordan diagnosed in 2009 and 2010, assessment was performed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), the Breast Module (QLQ-BR23) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Clinical, demographic and psychosocial indicators that could predict patient quality of life scores were collected. Results: The number of patients interviewed was 236 (mean age=$50.7{\pm}10.7$ years). The mean Global Health score for the QLQ-C30 was $63.7{\pm}20.2$ SD. Among functional scales, "social functioning" scored the highest ($mean=78.1{\pm}28.6$ SD), whereas "emotional functioning" scored the lowest ($mean=59.0{\pm}SD\;33.5$). For the QLQ-BR23, the worst scores within the functional scales were for "body image" ($mean=52.1{\pm}36.8$ SD) and "future perspective" ($mean=52.9{\pm}38.5$ SD). The worst symptom was "upset by hair loss" ($mean=69.8{\pm}43.0$). The mean HADS scores was $18.{\pm}9.0$ SD. Out of study participants, 53% scored abnormal on the anxiety scale and 45% on the depression scale. Severe depression and severe anxiety were detected among 8% and 14% of study participants, respectively. Statistically significant predictors for individual scores were similar to those reported in published studies, such as the presence of recurrence since baseline, family history of cancer, low educational status, current social problems, extent of the disease, presence of financial difficulties, and employment status. Conclusions and Recommendations: Breast cancer survivors in Jordan have overall good quality of life scores when compared with patients from Western countries. However, their psychological wellbeing is more impaired. There is an urgent need for psychosocial support programs and psychological screening and consultation for breast cancer patients at hospitals of the Ministry of Health in Jordan.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.431-436
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• 2001

Objective : Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to attain and maintain penile rigidity sufficient to allow sexual intercourse. Although erectile dysfunction is usually considered a benign disorder, it has a dramatic impaction quality of life of the patient as well as their sexual partners. we carried out 2 cases of erectile dysfunction patient with cerebral infarction in past history. Method : 2 patients with erectile dysfunction were included in this study. Each patient was treated with palmigihwang-tang and acupuncture. The erection was evaluated clinically by manual palpation and estimated on a 5-point scale as no response, some enlargement, full, enlargement, erection sufficient for intercourse, and full rigidity, In addition ,each patient assessed his satisfaction with the treatment using a 3-point scale as poor, fair, or good Result : 2 cases patients with erectile dysfunction was improved full rigidity by treatment of using palmigihwang-tang and acupunction. Satisfaction with the treatment was reported Good. Conclusion : Treatment of using Palmigihwang-tang and acupuncture was highly effective at producing an erection satisfaction for vaginal intercourse.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.26-36
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to overview the studies of acupuncture treatment for vulvodynia. Methods: In order to investigate the effect of acupuncture treatment for vulvodynia, we searched relevant studies in Pubmed, Cochrane, Oasis, KISS up to October 2018. After searching studies, we analyzed selected studies. Results: Six studies were included in this review. There were 3 randomized controlled studies and 3 before and after studies. The outcome measurement of vulvodynia was divided into pain, sexual function, and quality of life. The acupuncture treatment was effective in relieving vulvar pain, dyspareunia and improving quality of life. Conclusions: This study shows that acupuncture treatment is one of effective treatment methods for vulvodynia. Further large randomized placebo controlled trials will be needed.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.449-458
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• 2000

Objectives : To determine the prevalence of prostatitis symptoms in the general population by questionnaire survey and to measure the effect of prostatitis symptoms on quality of life(QOL). Materials & Methods : A cross sectional community-based epidemiologic study was performed on 2,034 men, living in the Seoul metropolitan area using stepwise random sampling. Out of 2,034 interviewees, 1,356 men who were older than 40 and provided sufficient information were selected for this study. The questionnaires were completed by well trained interviewers. Contents of the questionnaires included demographic data, the Prostatitis Symptom Index(PSI), the International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS), a general health questionnaire section and a sexual health questionnaire section. The PSI was composed of a sum of the scores from three questions about dysuria, penile pain and perineal pain and it ranged 0 to 12. Incidence of prostatitis symptoms was defined by a score of 4 or more and the reference group was defined as consisting of those with a score of 3 or less. The rate of incidence of prostatitis symptoms was assessed according to age and the difference of QOL between the prostatitis symptoms group and the reference group. Results : The overall positive rate of prostatitis symptoms measured by the PSI, in men older than 40, living in the Seoul metropolitan area, was 4.5%(61/1,356), adjusted to 4.8% by the relative proportion of this age group in the general population of the Seoul metropolitan area as compared to Korea and the World. The proportion of the group with prostatitis symptoms assessed by the PSI did not increase with age although the proportion of participants with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) did increase with age. The group with prostatitis symptoms suffered from a much greater incidence of LUTS compared to the reference group (p<0.05). The QOL scores of the IPSS, and the general health and sexual health status of the group with prostatitis symptoms, were worse than those of the reference group.(p<0.05). Conclusions : The positive rate of prostatitis symptoms in men older than 40, living in the Seoul metropolitan area, was 4.8% and it didn't increase with age. The general QOL of the group with prostatitis symptoms was much worse than that of the reference group.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.71-82
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• 2014

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of BMI (body mass index), blood parameters and life pattern on KOQOL (Korean version of obesity-related quality-of-life scale) in Health checkup examinees of college students. Methods A group of 2992 test subjects took their medical examination. With their height and weight, we diagnosed obesity according to BMI. KOQOL was measured by survey conducted using self-report questionnaires, after excluding sexual life related question. We analysed relationship between KOQOL and BMI, blood parameters, life pattern using SPSS version 21.0. Results 1. There were significant differences in KOQOL according to BMI, gender, creatinine. 2. Female showed higher KOQOL than male. 3. Normal weight group showed lowest KOQOL in male, but underweight group showed lowest KOQOL in female. 4. Group who had more than 6 breakfast, lunch and dinner each in a week showed significantly lower KOQOL than that who didn't. Conclusions Obesity has significant influence on quality of life, so therefore there is a need for correct weight perception in weight control program, and KOQOL can be used in evaluating patients mental and social health.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.129-140
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• 2015

Objectives: We examined the association between the adherence to dietary guidelines for breast cancer survivors and health-related quality of life in a cross-sectional study of Korean breast cancer survivors. Methods: A total of 157 women aged 21 to 79 years who had been diagnosed with stage I to III breast cancers according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and had breast cancer surgery at least 6 months before the baseline were included. We used a Korean version of the Core 30 (C30) and Breast cancer 23 (BR23) module of the European Organization for Research and Treatment Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ), both of which have been validated for Koreans. Participants were asked about their adherence to dietary guidelines for breast cancer survivors, suggested by the Korean breast cancer society, using a 5-point Likert scale. We summed dietary guideline adherence scores for each participant and calculated the least squares means of health-related quality of life according to dietary guideline adherence scores using the generalized linear model. Results: Breast cancer survivors who had higher adherence to dietary guidelines for breast cancer survivors had lower constipation scores than those with lower adherence (p for trend=0.01). When we stratified by the stage at diagnosis, this association was limited to those who had been diagnosed with stage II or III breast cancers. Also, sexual functioning scores increased significantly with increasing adherence scores of dietary guidelines among those with stage II or III breast cancers (p for trend < 0.001). However, among those who had been diagnosed with stage I, higher scores of dietary guidelines were associated with higher scores of pain (p for trend=0.03) and breast symptoms (p for trend=0.05). Conclusions: Our study suggested that the health-related quality of life levels of breast cancer survivors are associated with the adherence to dietary guidelines and may differ by the stage of the breast cancer.