• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
• /
• v.6 no.5
• /
• pp.773-788
• /
• 2001

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in nutrient intake according to the level of self-perception of health status, aging status and life satisfaction of the rural elderly. The factors for the study were surveyed by interview method. The subjects were 270 people(71 male, 129 female) aged over 65 years(73.5 $\pm$ 5.6ys) in the Ham-an area. The obtained results as follows : By evaluation of self-perception of health status, 57.5% of subjects answered they are in a bad health condition. The 91.5% of subjects had diseases(rheumatitis & arthritis 31.4%, cardiovascular disease 20.2%, gastric disease 10.2%). The women had more diseases than the men(p < 0.01). The subjects took medical treatment in private hospital(40.5%) and public health centers(35.0%). The men showed better level of aging status(p < 0.001) and life satisfaction index(p < 0.01) than the worsen. Living with spouse influenced the aging status(p < 0.05) and the more pocket money influenced life satisfaction(p < 0.05) and aging status(p < 0.05). The elderly who eat regularly 3 times a day(p < 0.05) and have a good appetite(p < 0.001) appeared to have positive effect on the self perception of health status and aging status. An increasing level of the self-perception of health status and regular exercise worked to improve aging status(p < 0.001). The habits of smoking and alcohol drinking, however had no effect on any index. The self-perception of health status affected the nutrient intake, but only in female elderly. The aging status and the life satisfaction index related overall positively to the intake of nutrients. In conclusion, the study shows that gender did influence nutrient intake in the elderly. The women who live alone rated lowest in social resources and health condition therefore their nutrient intake was also extremely in deficit. For successful aging, a program for rural elderly is needed, i.e. actions to provide minimum economic life, food delivery and psychological/physical health care through regional public health centers.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.28-32
• /
• 2009

Background : The most frequently reported risk factors for head and neck suamous cell carcinoma are smoking and alcohol. But in a recent overview, human papilloma virus(HPV) infection was revealed the important carcinogenic factor in oropharyngeal cancer. We aimed to clarify whether HPV directly effects on the oncogenesis and biologic behavior of hean and neck squamous cell carcinoma by comparison with infection prevalence, and physical status of virus. Material and Method : We used HPV genotyping DNA chip(Biocore, Korea, Seoul) arrayed by multiple oligonucleotide probes of L1 sequence of 26 types of HPV and HPV genotypes are identified by fluorescence scanner. The copy numbers of HPV E2 and E6 open reading frames(ORF) were assessed using a TaqMan-based 5'-exonuclease quantitative real-time PCR assay. The ratio of E2 to E6 copy numbers was calculated to determine the physical status of HPV-16 viral gene. Results : We observed a significant difference in HPV prevalence between tonsillar cancer group and control group(73.1% vs. 11.6%), and most of the HPVs were type 16(87.2%) and integrated(94.1%) state. In terms of oral tongue cancer, we demonstrate that 30.5% has integrated HPV-16 in cancer tissue. But Glottic cancer only 1% is related to HPV-16 integration. Conclusion : This study revealed significant relationship of HPV prevalence with oropharyngeal and oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Most of HPV were 16 type and integrated or mixed, HPV-16 integration could be directly related to the carcinogenesis.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.467-472
• /
• 2014

Obesity is known to be strongly associated with cardiovascular disease and cancer, the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and develops owing to interactions between genes and the environment. DNA methylation can act as a downstream effector of environmental signals, and analysis of this process therefore holds substantial promise for identifying mechanisms through which genetic and environmental factors jointly contribute to disease risk. Global DNA methylation of peripheral blood cells has recently been proposed as a potential biomarker for disease risk. Repetitive element DNA methylation has been shown to be associated with prominent obesity-related chronic diseases, but little is known about its relationship with weight status. In this study, we quantified the methylation of Alu elements in the peripheral blood DNA of 244 healthy women with a range of body mass indexes (BMIs) using pyrosequencing technology. Among the study participants, certain clinical laboratory parameters, including hemoglobin, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic- pyruvic transaminase, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were found to be strongly associated with BMI. Moreover, a U-shaped association between BMI and Alu methylation was observed, with the lowest methylation levels occurring at BMIs of between 23 and $30kg/m^2$. However, there was no significant association between Alu methylation and age, smoking status, or alcohol consumption. Overall, we identified a differential influence of BMI on global DNA methylation in healthy Korean women, indicating that BMI-related changes in Alu methylation might play a complex role in the etiology and pathogenesis of obesity. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.627-634
• /
• 2017

This study was performed to provide fundamental data on the dietary life according to the acculturation degree. The subject was 305 Chinese students in South Korea region. The questionnaire respondents are consisted of 148 male students (48.5%) and 157 female students (51.5%). There was a statistically significant difference in age, education level, residence time, and Korean language ability according to acculturation degree (p<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in gender, residence pattern, purpose of coming to Korea. There was a statistically significant difference between meals frequency, outside frequency, and the intake of Chinese food according to acculturation degree (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in snake taking frequency (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in drinks and computer time according to acculturation degree (p<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between smoking and exercise (p>0.05). The food intake style of Chinese students was 2.47 in noodles, 2.34 in lunches and 2.15 in breads. According to the acculturation degree, the food intake patterns showed statistically significant differences in dumping kind, congee, hamburger and pizza, while meat products, smoked meat, noodle, lunch, cereal, kimbap, sandwich. And there was no significant difference. The correlation between the factors influencing the acculturation degree of Chinese students showed a statistically significant effect on dietary habits, food intake, education level, residence period, and Korean language ability.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.67-74
• /
• 2022

Background: Depression and cognitive function have a positive effect on the improvement of quality of life and extension of lifespan in the elderly. In addition, it appears as a major factor influencing oral health status. Therefore, this study looked at the relationship between the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), depression, and cognitive function in the elderly using the Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging. Methods: In this study, 4,535 elderly people aged 65 years and over were targeted using the 7th data of the 2018 Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging. A t-test and ANOVA analysis were performed to compare GOHAI, depression, and cognitive function by group. In addition, hierarchical multiple linear regression was performed to understand the effect of the elderly's perceived depression scale and cognitive ability on GOHAI. Results: As a result of adding the depression scale and cognitive function variables to Model 2, the explanatory power was 22%. Educational level, marital status, private health insurance subscription, average monthly allowance, subjective health status, use of dentures, smoking status, economic activity, depression scale, and cognitive function were found to have significant influence (p<0.05). In addition, when controlled and viewed with all factors, depression and cognitive function were found to have an effect on oral health-related quality of life. Conclusion: The findings indicate that depression and cognitive function are associated with oral health-related quality of life in the Korean elderly. As the age increases, the quality of life declines due to depression and cognitive function problems, in addition to oral discomfort, eating disorders, and physical discomfort.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.20-26
• /
• 2008

The objective of the study which utilised population based data was to determine the respiratory condition of elementary school children in Gangneung. From October 9th to December 14th, 2006, Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) including Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratoy Volume in I Second $(FEV_1)$ were conducted on the target group of children using a spirometer. The prevalence of asthmatic symptoms was 29.8% among boys and 39.6% among girls. By using logistic regression, we found that family history of allergic rhinitis (OR=3.90, CI=1.05-14.51), experience of allergic conjunctivitis (OR=4.67, CI=1.54-14.16) and atopic dermatitis (OR=2.86, CI=1.17-7.05) significantly increased the asthmatic symptoms. Also, a family history of asthma and food allergy were associated with asthmatic symptoms. In relation to housing and environmental risk factors, residences under the ground (OR=3.59, CI=1.35-9.51) and big-size dolls (OR=2.71, CI=0.86-8.53) significantly increased the prevalence of asthmatic symptoms. For PFT, above four families, exposure of passive smoking and pets significantly reduced FVC in both groups (p<0.05). In girls, a big-size doll was significantly associated with decreased lung function (FVC and $FEV_1$). In boys, using bed significantly reduced $FEV_1$. Also, the risk of asthmatic symptoms was found to increase when the house has been built for 5 years or more, the house is close to a road $({\leq}100m)$, a gas/Kerosene heater or carpet is utilized within the house. However, their differences were not significant. It is concluded that genetic factor such as a family history of respiratory disease, allergic symptoms and housing risk factor are related to asthmatic symptoms. These results were worth noting because the findings will help address risk factors related respiratory symptoms especially in relation to housing and environment.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.29 no.1 s.52
• /
• pp.113-131
• /
• 1996

This study was carried out to evaluate the relations among workers' general characteristics, work-related behaviors and health related behaviors in a steel industry with 1,134 workers in Pohang. The results were as follows; 1. The mean age of workers was 50 years old and working duration was 15 years and over. Most of them were married(94.5%) and had studied beyond high school (53.0%). They performed three shift work and most of them(63.0%) had experienced industial accidents. The frequency of noise and dust exposure was defined by a minimum of 6 hours per day, and workers complained about noise exposure(62.9%) and dust(55.6%). There were current smokers(67.7%), current drinkers(74.3%) and current exercising workers(32.3%) in the industry. The number of cigarette consumption in current drinkers was significantly high $(13.6{\pm}8.4\;pieces/day)$ and the alcohol consumption in current smokers was significantly high$(104.5{\pm}113.5\;g/wk)$. And the number of cigarette consumption of exercisers was significantly low and the alcohol consumption of exercisers was higher than non-exercisers. 3. The ratio of current smokers on frequent noise in exposed workers versus non-exposed workers was not significantly high but the current drinkers in frequent noise and dust exposed workers was significantly higher than non-exposed. 4. The normal levels of SGOT workers in non-smokers were significantly higher than in current smokers, and the normal levels of LFT (SGOT, SGPT, $\gamma-GTP$ workers in nondrinkers were significantly high. The normal levels of SBP and DBP workers in current smokers were not significantly high but were significantly high in non-drinkers. 5. The ratio of current smokers in voters unsatisfied with their job and working condition was higher than non-smokers, but the ratio of current drinkers in workers satisfied with their job and working condition were higher. 6. The significant factors for SGOT and $\gamma-GTP$ were age, the drinking amount and BMI. But the only significant factor for r-GTP was BMI. The significant factors for DBP were age, the alcohol consumption and BMI. And the significant factors for SBP were age, BMI.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.22-37
• /
• 2005

This study was performed to investigate LBP(low-back pain) prevalence rate and its related factors inphysical therapists. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted to 522 physical therapists in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk. The LBP prevalence rate for recent 6 months was $61.7\%$. According to age, the prevalence rate was highest in the group aged 24 or less for both male and female physical therapistis. For male physical therapists , it was higher in smokers and drivers, but for female ones, it was not in a significant relationship with smoking and driving. According to work experience, the prevalence rates of those who had been working for less than one year were the highest, and those who had been working at hospitals and clinics were $69.1\%$, significantly high. According to therapy techinque, the prevalence rate related ti PNF was $71.6\%$, the highest and to occupational therapy was $34.3\%$, the lowest. According to working environment for six months, in both male and female physical therapists. LBP prevalence rate was in a statistically significant relationship with work hours during the day, night and weekend duties, repetitive works, motions that bend or twist the waist, the number of patients per day, the number of time to help patients per day, the number of time to carry medical equipment per day and the length of time to work standing. The rate was also higher when physical therapists fekt nire stress from their work. According to the result of multiple logistic regression analysis, male was in a significant relationship with work experience and motions that bend or twist the waist and female was in a significant relationship with work hours during the night and weekend duties, the number of time to help patients per day, motions that bena or twist the waist, actions taken to protect the waist. As for the developmental pattem of LBP in the group of physical therapists with LBP for six moths, $15.7\%$ of them had LBP for first time, $42.3\%$ had recurred LBP, and $42.0\%$ had chronic LBP. As for the causes of LBP, $51.7\%$ said that it was because they worked in the same posture for a long time, and as for how to treat LBP, 48.8% said that they treated themselvs or got help from their co-wokers. The results presented above suggest that physical therapists are exposed to high risk of LBP caused form occupational activities. Therefire, it is necessary to improve working environment to reduce the occurrence of LBP and to develop education programs for preventing the occurrence and recurrence of LBP.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.293-300
• /
• 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate dietary habits, health lifestyle, preference and intake of beverages of Chinese students in Gyeonggi area. Therefore, we try to identify the factors that affect beverage consumption. According to the analysis of the demographic characteristics of male and female Chinese students, there were 155 male students (49.7%) and 157 female students (50.3%). There were statistically significant differences between the residence period and the time of coming to Korea according to sex (p<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the education level, residence type and Korean ability (p>0.05). Analysis of the differences in health-related lifestyle among Chinese students of both sexes showed statistically significant difference in alcohol drinking, smoking, and exercise according to sex (p<0.05), but no statistically significant difference in computer use time (p>0.05). According to the analysis of the dietary habits of the Chinese students, there was a statistically significant difference in the number of meals per day, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack frequency and number of midnight snacks, but no statistically significant difference in eating out frequency. As a result of the preference test for general beverages, 4.11 points of water, 3.81 points of milk, 3.64 points of fruit and vegetable juice, 3.58 points of tea, 3.25 points of coffee, 3.22 points of carbonated drinks, 2.92 points of functional drinks, respectively. Male students were more likely to prefer water, tea, and health functional drinks while female students had higher preference for fruit, vegetable juice and vinegar drinks (p<0.05). In general, consumption of regular drinks was 4.95 in water, 3.58 in milk, 3.03 in coffee, 2.92 in carbonated drink, 2.91 in fruit and vegetable juice, 2.63 in tea, 2.07 in functional drink, and 1.44 in vinegar appear. Male students had higher intake of water, tea, carbonated drinks, and health functional drinks while female students had higher intake of fruit and vegetable juice (p<0.05). The results of correlation analysis of factors affecting the general drinking of Chinese students are as follows. The intake of tea was related to the period of residence and dietary habits, the intake of milk for breakfast, the number of snacks and midnight snacks for carbonated drinks, and the fruit vegetable juice were related to dietary habits (p<0.01, p<0.05).

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.49 no.1
• /
• pp.37-47
• /
• 2023

Background: Paraben is a widely used substance with a preservative effect found in various materials such as food, medicine, personal care products, and cosmetics. Objectives: This study was conducted to identify the level of urinary paraben concentrations (i.e., methyl-, ethyl-, and propyl-) among Korean adults and to explore the factors related with the exposure levels. Methods: We analyzed the third period (2015~2017) of the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS). R statistical software (version 4.1.1) was used to estimate representative values for the whole population with weight variables to reflect sampling design. Whether urinary concentrations tended to increase as the level of paraben exposure-related characteristics increased was tested and P_trend was calculated using general linear models. Results: Urinary concentrations of all three parabens (i.e., methyl-, ethyl- and propyl-) were higher in women than in men (P_trend<0.0001, 0.008, and <0.0001), and the values of methylparaben and propylparaben tended to increase as the age of subjects increased (P_trend<0.0001, and <0.0001). Urinary concentrations of methylparaben and propylparaben were associated with intensity of exercise (P_trend<0.001, and 0.004), and that of propylparaben was higher in non-smokers (P_trend=0.01). In terms of paraben exposure-related variables, urinary concentrations of parabens (i.e., methyl-, ethyl- and propyl-) increased as the daily average frequency of teeth-brushing (P_trend<0.0001, 0.03 and 0.0001), the frequency of use of hair products (P_trend=0.005, 0.05 and 0.04), the frequency of use of makeup products (P_trend<0.001, 0.001 and <0.001), and the frequency of use of antibacterial products (P_trend=0.005, 0.02 and 0.02) increased. Conclusions: In our study, urinary concentrations of all three parabens are associated with gender, teethbrushing, hair products, make-up products, and antibacterial products. Methyl- and proyl-parabens were associated with age and intensity of exercise, and propyl-paraben was associated with smoking.