• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.4705-4710
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• 2015

Background: Though a large proportion of cancer survivors are assumed to be commonly affected by sleep disturbance, few studies have focused on short sleep problems and its correlates among Korean cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of short sleep in adult cancer survivors from a nationwide population-based sample and to identify risk factors for short sleep duration. Materials and Methods: Based on the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007-2012), 1,045 cancer survivors and 33,929 non-cancer controls were analyzed. The prevalence of short sleep was compared between these two groups. Associations between short sleep and its correlates were evaluated using multiple logistic regression among cancer survivors: odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were estimated after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, lifestyle factors, psychological conditions, and cancer-related factors. Results: About 8.1% of cancer survivors slept for less than 5 hours per day (6.2% men and 9.3% women), whereas this was the case for only 3.7% of non-cancer controls. Cancer survivors who had the lowest household income level showed a significantly higher likelihood for short sleep (adjusted OR 2.82, 95%CI 1.06-7.54). Self-reported poor health and depressive symptoms were found to be associated with significantly increased likelihood for short sleep in cancer survivors (adjusted OR 3.60, 95%CI 1.40-9.26 and adjusted OR 2.00, 95%CI 1.17-3.42). Gastric cancer survivors had a 3.97-fold increased risk for short sleep (95%CI 1.60-9.90). Conclusions: The prevalence of short sleep occurs at a high rate among the Korean cancer survivors, which may indicate a poorer quality of life and a higher risk of future complications in survivorship. Targeted interventions that can assist cancer survivors to cope with sleep disturbances as well as ensuring psychological stability are warranted to reduce the latent disease burden.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.8
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• pp.3763-3767
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• 2016

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among females across the world. It is a preventable cancer and early detection is very feasible. This study aimed to identify which women characteristics are potentially associated with and may have an important in uence on the uptake of cervical cancer screening in Kurdish women living in the west of Iran.. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in late 2014. A random sample of women aged 40 years and above without history of cervical cancer and identi ed as Kurdish background were selected and interviewed by two trained interviewers. Information about sociodemographic and reproductive factors, history of diseases, and cervical screening was collected using a questionnaire and women who had undergone a hysterectomy were excluded. Univariate analyses were used to describe the general characteristics of the study population. Multivariable logistic regression models with self-reported screening history were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% con dence intervals (CI). Signi cance was considered at the 5% level. Results: A total of 561 women were included in this study (mean age $43.6{\pm}5.17$ years) participation in cervical screening at least once was about 32%. Cervical screening uptake percentage was signi cantly lower among people over 60 years of age (adjusted OR= 0.26, 95% CI: 0.11-0.64), and those who were illiterate (OR= 0.41 95% CI: 0.23-0.73) and post-menopausal (OR= 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35-0.91). Women with ${\leq}1$ child were less likely to report a Pap test (adjusted OR=0.43 95%CI: 0.13-1.37) Cervical screening uptake was higher among women with health insurance (OR= 2.31, 95% CI: 1.50-3.56). Conclusions: Cervical screening participation in this study was low compared to other studies in developed countries. The screening uptake was different based on age, education, parity, insurance coverage and menopausal status. It is recommended to target these groups of women in cervical screening program.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.61-67
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• 2008

Objectives : Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and toluene have been reported to induce reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. This study was performed to investigate the effects of low level exposure to PAHs or toluene on the lipid peroxidation level in elementary school children and the elderly in a rural area. Methods : Forty seven elementary school children and 40 elderly people who were living in a rural area and not occupationally exposed to PAH or toluene were the subjects of this study. Information about active or passive smoking and diet was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. The urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), 2-naphthol, hippuric acid and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations were measured, and these values were corrected with the urinary creatinine concentration. Results : In school children, the geometric means of the urinary 1-OHP, 2-naphthol, hippuric acid and TBARS levels were $0.02\;{\mu}mol/mol$ creatinine, $0.47\;{\mu}mol/mol$ creatinine, 0.14 g/g creatinine and $0.95\;{\mu}mol/g$ creatinine, respectively. Those values for the elderly were $0.07{\mu}mol/mol$ creatinine, $1.87{\mu}mol/mol$ creatinine, 0.11 g/g creatinine and $1.18\;{\mu}mol/g$ creatinine, respectively. The mean levels of urinary 1-OHP, 2-naphthol and TBARS were significantly higher in the elderly subjects than in the children. The urinary TBARS level was not correlated with the urinary 1-OHP, 2-naphthol and hippuric acid, but they were correlated with the age of the subjects. Conclusions : These results suggest that low level inhalation exposure to PAH or toluene does not markedly increase lipid peroxidation, and age is a significant determinant of lipid peroxidation.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.470-475
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• 2019

Background: There is a lack of statistical analysis investigating the relationship between sleep problems and commute time in Korea. We aimed to analyze the association between representative health symptoms, sleep disturbances, and commute time according to working hours in Korea. Methods: The 4th Korean Working Conditions Survey data were used for analysis, and unpaid family workers and workers who work fewer than three days in a week were excluded. Commute time, working hours, and sleep hours were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for sleep problems were calculated using a multivariate logistic regression model with ≤10 min commute time as the reference group. Results: Among a total of 28,804 workers (men = 14,945, women = 13,859), 2.6% of men and 3.2% of women experienced sleep problems. In both sexes, long commute time (51-60 minutes and >60 minutes) showed an increased OR [men, 2.03 (CI = 1.32-3.13) and 2.05 (CI = 1.33-3.17); women, 1.58 (CI = 1.05-2.39) and 1.63 (CI = 1.06-2.50), respectively]. In stratification analysis of working hours, long commute time (51-60 and > 60 minutes) showed an increased OR in men working >40 hours/week [2.08 (CI = 1.16-3.71) and 1.92 (CI = 1.08-3.41), respectively]. Furthermore, long commute time (41-50, 51-60, and >60 minutes) showed an increased OR in women working >40 hours/week [2.40 (CI = 1.27-4.55), 2.28 (CI = 1.25-4.16), and 2.19 (CI = 1.17-4.16), respectively]. Moreover, commute time >60 minutes showed an increased OR in women working ≤40 hours/week [1.96 (CI = 1.06-3.62)]. Conclusion: This large cross-sectional study highlights that long commute time is related to sleep problems in both sexes. Shorter commute times and decreased working hours are needed to prevent sleep problems in workers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.339-356
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• 1999

The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors which influence the college student sex behavior. The results can be used as the basis to establish health polices and a health promotion program to reduce the risks of sexual behavior of college students. The study subjects were random selected from college students in Kyonggido. The 335 subjects were selected from 4 schools including three colleges and one university. The self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 350 students, 335 of which were analyzed (after excluding the 15 incomplete or inaccurate data). The study took place between December 7-19, 1998. Regarding the analysis method, the SPSS program was used. The relationship between social and demographic characteristics and relevant factors was identified through Chi-squared test. The major findings of the study were follows: 1. Of the 335 respondents, thirty seven percent of men and ten percent of women had already experienced sexual intercourse. Significantly more males had experienced sexual experience than women. The majority of students, living with both their parents had less sexually experience than that living without their parents. There were religious differences, that students who believed in buddhism had more sexual experience than christian or catholic students. Students who reported drinking alcohol frequently had more sexual experience than those who didn't and it was statistically significant (${\chi}^2=47.6$ df=4 p=0.000). 2. Sexual awareness was relatively low. High level group of sex knowledge were less sexual experience than middle or low level group (${\chi}^2=6.038$ df=2 p=0.049). Women were more sexually aware than men (${\chi}^2=20.814$ df=2 p=0.000). Groups who had sisters and brothers were more sexually aware than those who few sisters and brothers. 3. Sixty one percent of respondents said that chastity before marriage should be kept but twenty four percent of them felt that it was unnecessary. Opponents to chastity before marriage had more sex experience than those for. It was statistically significant (${\chi}^2=48.967$ df=2 p=0.000). Those who agreed with the questionnaire point 'Even if people are not married, if they love each other, they can have sexual intercourse.' had more sexual intercourse than those who didn't agree. Those who agreed with the questionnaire point 'Even though people doesn't like, they can still have sexual intercourse.' had more sexual intercourse than those who disagree. On this point, men were three times higher of the opinion than women. So we can see the difference in the perception between men and women. As a result of this study, sexual awareness influences sexual attitudes and sexual attitudes influence sexual awareness influences sexual activity includes poor knowledge and uninformed attitudes about sex. Therefore sex education is needed and it is very important to reestablish concepts about sex.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.1837-1846
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• 2016

Background: Colon cancer screening (CRCS) uptake is markedly affected by public awareness of the disease. This study was conducted to assess levels of knowledge of CRC, to explore the pattern of CRCS uptake and identify possible barriers to screening among Saudis older than 50 years of age and primary care providers (PCPs) in Al Hassa region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected primary health care (PHC) centers, 884 Saudis and 39 PCPs being enrolled for data collection. Structured interviews were conducted to obtain information regarding socio-demographic characteristics, personal information relevant to CRC, awareness about early signs/symptoms and risk factors, and barriers to CRCS. Also, a self- administered data collection form was used to assess barriers to CRCS from the physicians' perspectives. Results: More than 66% of participants were lacking knowledge about CRC. Participants with higher educational levels, having ever heard about CRC, and having relatives with CRC had a significantly higher awareness of the disease. The rate of reported CRCS was low (8.6%). After conducting a logistic regression analysis, it was observed that female gender (OR=0.28; 95% CI=0.14-0.57; P=0.001), being unmarried (OR=0.11; 95% CI=0.10-0.23; P=0.001), lower levels of education (OR=0.36; 95% CI=0.16-0.82; P=0.015), and having no relatives with CRC (OR=0.30; 95% CI=0.17-0.56; P=0.001) were significantly associated with a lower CRCS uptake. There was a significant difference between most of the perceived barriers to CRCS and gender. Exploratory factor analysis showed that personal fear (especially fear of the screening results and shyness) was the major factor that hindered CRCS with high loading Eigen value of 2.951, explaining 34.8% of the barriers of the included sample toward utilization of CRCS, followed by lack of awareness of both person and providers (high Eigen value of 2.132, and explaining 23.7% of the barriers). The most frequently cited barriers to CRCS from the physicians' perspectives were lack of public awareness, lack of symptoms and signs, and fear of painful procedures. Conclusions: Poor levels of knowledge about CRC were found among older Saudis attending PHC centers in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. It is crucial to implement an organized national screening program in Saudi Arabia to increase public awareness.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.189-200
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• 2003

The purpose of this comparative study is to find out women and their spouses' sexual life and the factors affecting on their sexual life after women's hysterectomy. The data were the 110 questionaires which were collected from the participants, the 55 women who had undergone a hysterectomy due to gynecologic disease or benign tumor of genital organs and their spouses from January 1, 1999 to January 30, 2002 in one general hospital located in Seoul, Korea. Questionnaires were mailed to couples, who agreed to participate on the study and self reported questionnaires returned in the pre-stamped envelopes. And personal visits were made for those couples who did not respond. Tools for Sexual life and characteristics of sexual activities were reconstituted by the author based on Kim(1996) and Chang(1988)'s tools and were reviewed by a nurse specialist. Data analysis was done by SPSS 10.0 program using frequency, percentage, mean, S.D. Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test, oneway ANOVA and multiple regression. The results of this study are as follows; 1. Of all female subjects, 80% had experienced hysterectomy below the age of 50. 2. 72.8% of female subjects and 67.3% of male subjects did not receive any sexual education & counseling before and after the surgery. More than 60% of both female and male subjects answered that it was necessary to have a sexual counseling. And 40% wanted to receive sexual counseling from a professional sexual counselor. 3. More than half of couples started their first coitus within 4 weeks after the surgery. And 88.9% of females and 85.2% of males answered that they were experiencing orgasms with their sexual relationship. 4. Influencing factors on the satisfaction level of sexual life were couple's intimacy and sexual discomfort in women and couple's intimacy and sexual knowledge in spouses. These factors explained the 33% and 24% of total variance respectively. In conclusion, the result suggests that it is necessary for couples to receive a professional sexual education and counseling to improve couples' quality of life. It is also necessary for institutions to use prepared nurses by receiving sexual counseling and education program as a professional sexual counselors or educators so as to provide individualized sexual education and counseling for their clients.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.747-755
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• 2017

Objectives: The purpose of study is to investigate periodontal disease-related recognition and oral health-related behavior in orthodontic patients with fixed appliance. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 286 orthodontic patients with fixed appliance in Gwangju, Jeonnam from September 1 to September 27, 2016. The questionnaire consisted of general characteristics (3 items), orthodontic related characteristics (3 items), knowledge of periodontal disease (3 items), and oral health-related behavior (4 items). The data were analyzed by frequency analysis, percentage and chi-square analysis using SPSS 21.0 program. Results: 62.8% had experiences of dental treatment and 67.5% had intention of involvement on incremental care program in orthodontic treatment periods. Accuracy rate of cause about periodontal disease was high in female and case of acquiring information experiences on periodontal disease (p<0.05). 67.2% performed correct toothbrushing for the management of periodontal disease in the experiences of acquiring information on periodontal disease in orthodontic treatment periods (p<0.05). The proportions of using interdental toothbrush and mouth rinsing solutions were high among those over 20 years old and students in the subjects (p<0.05). Conclusions:The accuracy rate were high in the answers about cause and management of periodontal disease in case of acquiring information experiences on periodontal disease in orthodontic treatment periods. Therefore, there is a need to further development and implementation of dental hygiene intervention program for periodontal disease care with fixed orthodontic appliances in that regard.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.61-81
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• 2003

There can be little dissension that the ultimate goal of all physical therapy interventions with the elderly is to restore or maintain the highest level of function possible for the individual. Whenever physical therapists take on this challenge, they assist elders in maintaining their identities as competent adults. Advancing age is associated with profound changes in body composition, including increased fat mass, decreased fat-free mass(particularly muscle), decreased total body water and decreased bone density. Along with these changes in body compositions, and perhaps as a direct result of them, elderly people have lower energy needs, reduced strength and functional capacity and a greatly increased risk for such diseases as noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. Resistance training is considered a promising intervention for reversing the loss of muscle function and the deterioration of muscle structure that is associated with advanced age. This reversal is thought to result in improvements in functional abilities and health status in the elderly by increasing muscle mass, strength and power and by increasing bone mineral density. In the past couple of decades, many studies have examined the effects of Resistance training on risk factors for age-related diseases or disabilities. We have explored the positive and negative aspects of older adults' participation in resistance training programs. The benefits to older adults are reported to be increased strength, endurance, muscle capacity, and flexibility; more energy; and improved self-image and confidence. The negative aspects include some pain or stiffness and other nonspecific problems. The positive and negative aspects of resistance training are therefore very similar to those in younger populations. Scientific investigations over the past 10 years have demonstrated that resistance training can be safely and successfully implemented in older populations. Even the frail and very sick elderly can benefit and improve their quality of life. Proper design and progression of a resistance training program for older adults is vital to optimal benefits from resistance exercise. The results of data provided by this research on resistance training for health shows that there is enough existing evidence to conclude that resistance training, particularly when incorporated into a comprehensive fitness program, can offer substantial health benefits which can be obtained by persons of all ages. These benefits, including improvements in functional capacity, translate into an improved quality of life.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.8-17
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• 2017

Purpose: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an indicator of arterial stiffness, and is considered a marker of vascular damage. However, a genome-wide association study analyzing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) has not been conducted in healthy populations. We performed this study to identify SNPs associated with baPWV in healthy populations in Korea. Materials and Methods: Genomic SNPs data for 2,407 individuals from three sites were analyzed as part of the Korean Genomic Epidemiologic Study. Without replication samples, we performed multivariable analysis as a post hoc analysis to verify the findings in site adjusted analysis. Healthy subjects aged between 40 and 70 years without self-reported history or diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and cancer were included. We excluded subjects with a creatinine level >1.4 mg/dL (men) and 1.2 mg/dL (women). Results: In the site-adjusted association analysis, significant associations (P<$5{\times}10^{-8}$) with baPWV were detected for only 5 SNPs with low minor allele frequency. In multivariable analysis adjusted by age, sex, height, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, site, smoking, alcohol, and exercise, 11 SNPs were found to be associated (P<$5{\times}10^{-8}$) with baPWV. The 5 SNPs (P<$5{\times}10^{-8}$) linked to three genes (OPCML, PRR35 and RAB40C) were common between site-adjusted analysis and multivariable analysis. However, meta-analysis of the result from three sites for the 11 SNPs showed no significant associations. Conclusion: Using the recent standard for genome-wide association study, we did not find any evidence of significant association signals with baPWV.