• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제1권2호
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• pp.143-149
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• 2007

Inadequate dietary intakes and poor health behaviors are of concern among rural residents in Korea. This study is conducted to compare dietary intakes, dietary diversity score (DDS), mean nutrient adequacy ratio (MAR) and health related behaviors by rural, factory and urban areas in Asan. A total of 930 adults (351 men and 579 women) were interviewed to assess social economic status (SES), health related behaviors and food intakes by a 24-hour recall method. Mean age was 61.5 years with men being older (64.8 years) than women (59.3 years, p<0.001). Men in the factory area were older than rural or urban men while urban women were the youngest. Education and income of urban residents were higher than other area residents. There were more current drinkers in urban area while smoking status was not different by regions. Physical activity was significantly higher in rural or factory areas, whilst urban residents exercised more often (p<0.05). Rural or factory area residents considered themselves less healthy than others while perceived stress was lower than urban residents. Energy intakes were higher in urban residents or in men, however, after SES was controlled, energy intake did not show any differences. Energy-adjusted nutrient intakes were significantly higher in the urban area (p<0.05) for most nutrients except for carbohydrate, niacin, folic acid, vitamin $B_6$, iron and fiber. Sodium intake was higher in factory area than in other areas after SES was controlled. DDS of rural men and MAR of both men and women in the rural area were significantly lower when SES was controlled. In conclusion, dietary intakes, diversity, adequacy and perceived health were poor in the rural area, although other health behaviors such as drinking and perceived stress were better than in the urban area. In order to improve perceived health of rural residents, good nutrition and exercise education programs are recommended.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.164-174
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical growth and developmental status of infants and children of married immigrant women. Methods: The participants were 92 infants and children aged from birth to 6 yr whose mothers were married immigrant women living in one rural area. Physical growth and developmental status were evaluated by using anthropometric assessment, and Korean Denver II developmental screening test. Results: Of the participants, 10.8% were below the 3rd percentile for weight, 13.0% for length, 5.4% for head circumference, and from 69.6% to 79.3% were distributed below the 50th percentile on growth charts. Further, 18.5% were classified as having questionable development. Factors related to low physical growth in infants and children were mother's weight and mother's level in Korean language classes. Conclusion: The physical growth and developmental status of children is vulnerable and serious. The study results suggest a need for regular growth and developmental evaluations. Political support is important for these mothers. In addition, there also is a need to develop early intervention strategies to promote growth and development of the infants and children of these married immigrant women.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.353-363
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• 2008

Recently some Korean feminists have reported the family management agreement (FMA) can contribute to enhance the women farmers' legal status and to improve their farm management. The FMA is a formal document written each rights and responsibilities on the farm management, income allocation, and labor condition such as working time and work-off days agreed among family members. Since 2004, 161 farmer couples have signed and practiced the FMA after two-day workshop scheduled for the agreement. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of FMA on the increase of participation in (am management among women farmers. Data were collected from 204 FMA couples through the structured questionnaires. Also interview and participating observation were carried out. Paired t-test were conducted using SPSS 12.0 for Windows program. Major findings were as follows. Women farmers' participation in decision making of farming activities has significantly increased after than before the FMA. However, husbands' participation in decision making is higher than women farmers even after the FMA. After the FMA, labor compensation, regularly or irregularly, for women farmers has increased to 53.3%, 35.3% higher than 18% of the previous study and women farmers' ownership of their farm assets has increased to 48.1% from 29.1%. Also, there is a tendency women farmers' role as a representative of their farm has increased. In conclusion the FMA makes women farmers participate more in farm management as decision maker, income beneficiary, farm asset owner, and farm representative, which encourage them to get the legal status as a farmer and to control their farm management risk. It is suggested that the FMA be selected as a program in order to strengthen the agricultural competitiveness.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제37권9호
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• pp.825-837
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• 2004

Studies on the health problems of the elderly have been increased with increasing life expectancy of Koreans. To assess the health status of people over 50 years old including the elderly (678 free-living people: men (168), women (510)), anthropometric measurements and biochemical nutritional status were analyzed. General characteristics and the prevalences of specific diseases were also examined. The mean anthropometric values for males and females were heights of 162 cm and 149 cm, respectively; and weights of 59 kg and 52 kg, respectively, which were much lower than the Korean standards established in the Korean Recommended Dietary Allowances. The mean BMI, WHR (waist hip ratio), and body fat rate (%), which are obesity indices, were significantly higher in females than in males. As the age went up, height, weight, lean body mass, and mid-arm circumference decreased. Whereas, blood pressure (SBP) for women increased. Mean blood HDL-cholesterol levels of men and women were 46.0 mg/dl and 46.3 mg/dl, respectively; their triglyceride levels were 129.1 mg/d1 and 135.6 mg/dl, respectively, which were not significantly different. Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly higher in females than in males. For man there were significantly different in ${\gamma}$-GTP, Na levels by age. As the age went up for women, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, HDL-cholesterol, ${\gamma}$-GTP and $Ca^{2+}$ levels significantly decreased. Levels of total protein and albumin were above the lower normal limit for the majority of the participants. Prevalence of anemia, assessed by hemoglobin using World Health Organization (WHO) definition, was 43.9% for men and 42.1% for women. Also, many of the subjects were out of the normal range in total cholesterol (women), HDL-cholesterol, TAS (total antioxidant status), APase, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit levels. Therefore, measures to improve the biochemical nutritional status for the people in rural area are required.d.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.507-516
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• 1996

This study was undertaken to estimate seasonal variation of riboflavin status and investigate the relationship between riboflavin intake and its biochemical status in rural women. Dietary intake was measured by determining both 24hr recall method and conventient method. The riboflavin intake was also estimated by food frequency method. Ribofiavin biochemeical status was assessed by erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficient(EGR AC) and urinary riboflavin excretion. All information was repeatly collected in three seasons ; farming season (June), harvest season(October), nonfarming season(February). Mean daily riboflavin intake was below RDA for Koreans in all seasons. Cereal & pulse, vegetable were the primary sources of riboflavin intake and provided above 60% of the total dietary riboflavin intake in all seasons. Riboflavin biochemical status was significantly different among seasons(EGR AC P<0.005, 24hr urinary riboflavin excretion P<0.05), and riboflavin biochemical deficiency was highest in February. The mean values of EGR AC revealed riboflavin deficiency in all seasons. However the mean values of urinary riboflavin excretion were within the normal range except 24hr urinary riboflavin excretion in February. On the basis of EGR AC criteria, 44.7% of subjects were at risk of deficiency in June, 44.7% in October, 81.6% in February. Result of individual riboflavin status assessed by EGR AC or 24hr urinary riboflavin excretion criteria was quite alike. Urinary riboflavin excretion per gram of creatinine underestimated riboflavin deficiency. Significant correlations were observed among biochemical indexes. It also appeared that riboflavin intake measured by food frequency method showed significant correlation with biochemical indexes, especially high correlation with EGR AC (P<0.001). The results indicated that the prevalence of riboflavin deficiency seems to be high among rural women in all seasons and the inadequacy of dietary riboflavin intake was reflected in the abnormalcy of riboflavin biochemical status assessed by EGR, AC. Therefore EGR AC seems to be more sensitive measure of impaired riboflavin status compared to urinary excretion.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.379-388
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• 2005

Purpose: This study was conducted to explore the degree of depression, perceived health status, chronic disease and quality of life(QOL) among rural elderly and to determine the factors related to their QOL. Method: The design of this study was a correlational study. The subjects were 423 elderly consisted of 157(37.1%) men and 266(62.9%) women dwelling in a rural area of N City. Data were collected from May to December, 2003 using a structured questionnaire. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the factors related to the QOL. Result: It was found that the mean score of QOL was in total with 2.15 out of 5.00 and women elderly's score was significantly lower than men(t=2.20, p=.028). Perceived health status showed statistically significant positive relationship with QOL(r=.608, p<.05), while depression(r=-.751, p<.01) and chronic illness(r=-.336, p<.01) showed statistically significant negative relationship. Depression was found to have the highest correlation with QOL among the subjects. Depression score explained QOL at the most, accounting for 36.8% of the variability, followed by perceived health(8.2%) and the number of chronic illness(.7%). Other factors related to the QOL were economic status and absence of spouse. Conclusion: In order to increase the QOL of rural elderly, it is necessary to decrease the depression, to increase their perceived health status and to decrease the number of chronic illness. We suggest the implementation of a program not only to promote physical health status and self-care ability but to take care of mental health for the rural elderly.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.29-36
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a living lab program to solve the musculoskeletal health problems of rural women and analyze its effects. Methods: The subjects included eight rural women and this study involved pretest and posttest designs for a single group. The program ran from July to August 2020 and consisted of one in-person training session and three weeks of management. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated by the change in the degree of pain experienced in the wrists, shoulders, and back, along with the general health status of the subjects. The Wilcoxon Sign-Rank test was used in the analysis. In addition, the program satisfaction was analyzed with five items based on the factors of the health belief model. Results: While the program seemed to have no significant impact on the health status of the subjects, all the participants did report reduced pain in their wrists, shoulders, and lower back. The 'sensitivity' and 'cue to action' metrics also increased with participation in the program. Conclusion: This program was effective in relieving some pain associated with the musculoskeletal problems in rural women. Therefore, such programs should be sustained and spread around community organizations

• Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.29-44
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• 2005

The objectives of this study were: a) to analyze the upbringing policy for woman farmers in Korea, b) to find out the needs for the policy related to women's roles in decision making of farming activities, and c) to promote the programs in agricultural system for supporting rural women according to their role types and needs. This study was based on a literature review and discussions with the panel of experts witness and professionals including rural women. The major findings and conclusions from this study were as follows: 1 ) First of all, the policy for upbringing woman farmers had been improved. however, policy measures were still inadequate and were plenty of room for development. 2) Government policies were not focussed directly to meet the actual needs of rural women according to their various roles. 3) More government efforts should be enhanced to modify the policy and social system for rural women, and should be organized into the practical programs after careful considerations on the status of woman farmers according to their role types. 4) The five-year upbringing plan for woman farmers should be expanded to include strengthening economic power, widening woman farmers' influence. development of intellectual capacity and strengthening of self-enlightenment better health care and welfare services. and providing equal opportunities for women farmers.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• 제6권5호
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• pp.773-788
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• 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.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• 제6권2호
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• pp.135-142
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• 1996

The purpose of this study was to examine nutritional status of iron in 27 rural elderly subjects. The daily intake, urinary excretion and serum level of iron were determined by 24-hr food collection method, and 24-hr urine and serum collection for 3 days. The results were summarized as follows. 1. The mean age, height, weight, and blood pressure were 67.7 years, 163.2cm, 55.9kg, and 121.1/80. 0mmHg in men and 69.9 years, 146.5cm, 47.6kg, and 108.9/71.1mmHg in women, respectively 2. The daily intake of energy, protein, vitamin A, vitamin B$_1$, vitamin B$_2$, niacin, vitamin C, and iron were lower than Korean recommended dietary allowances. 3. The daily iron intake was 7.82mg. The proportion of heme iron and nonheme iron to the total iron intake were 8.05% and 91.94%, respectively Major iron sources of the rural elderly were cooked rice, Ko Chu Jang, beef blood, anchovy, soybean paste, and leafy radish. 4. The hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, and total iron binding capacity were 14.3g/㎗, 42.9%, 79.4 $\mu\textrm{g}$/㎗, and 268.4 $\mu\textrm{g}$/㎗ in men and 12.9g/㎗, 38.8%,92.4 $\mu\textrm{g}$/㎗, and 277.9$\mu\textrm{g}$/㎗ in women, respectively. 5. There was a significant positive correlation between dietary intake and urinary excretion of iron.