• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• 제35권
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• pp.31.1-31.10
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• 2023

Background: With modernization, air pollution has become increasingly serious, and its effects on health have been revealed. As a result, public interest in environmental pollution has become critical for regulating air pollution. In our study, we aim to evaluate the impact of air pollution levels on public attention to environmental issues and examine whether awareness of the residential environment's impact on health acts as a mediator in this relationship. Methods: We conducted an analysis on 400 individuals surveyed in the preliminary feasibility study on adverse health effects in the Pohang Industrial Complex, to examine the relationship between particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and attention to environmental issues. Logistic regression analysis was performed, and mediation analysis was used to determine whether awareness of the residential environment's impact on health mediated the relationship. Results: The logistic regression analysis results showed that PM2.5 levels were associated with attention to environmental issues (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-3.5; p = 0.003) and awareness of health impacts (AOR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.6-7.1; p = 0.001). The PM2.5 levels showed 9.9% (95% CI: 5.4-14.0) increase in the prevalence of high attention to environmental issues, of which, only 1.0% (95% CI: 0.2-2.3) were mediated by health impact awareness. In the overall analysis, 10% of the total effect of PM2.5 on attention to environmental issues was mediated by health impact awareness. Conclusions: According to this study's results, there was a correlation between air pollution levels and attention to environmental issues. Awareness of the health impacts of air pollution partially mediated the effect of air pollution levels on attention to environmental issues. In future studies, it is recommended to identify other mediators to further understand this structure.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.117-134
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• 1994

대구직할시 남구 1 개동 주민을 대상으로 도시 지역의료보험 실시 전후(이하 실시 전후)의 의료 이용양상을 파악하기 위하여 실시 6개월 전인 1989년 1월에 1차조사를 하였고, 실시 1년 6개월 후인 1991년 1월에 2차조사를 하였다. 1차조사의 대상자는 1,230가구 4,939명이 었으나, 2차추적조사가 가능했던 인구는 519가구 2,277명 (추적률:46.1%)이었다. 2차조사까지 추적이 가능했던 2,277명 중 1차 조사시 보험에 가입되지 않았던 240가구 1,033명을 코호트 I군(이하 I군)으로 하였고, 1차조사시 보험에 가입되었던 279가구 1,244명을 코흐트 II군(이하 II군)으로 구분하여 조사자료를 분석하였다. 인구 1,000명당 급성이환으로 인한 의사방문율의 변화는 실시 후에 I군에서 16.5 증가한 반면, II에서는 2.4만 증가하였으며, 만성이환에서도 I군이 13.5 증가하였으나 II군은 7.2만 증가하였다. 이환 및 활동제한 의료필요 충족률도 I군에서 실시 후 뚜렷히 증가하였다. 월가구소득별 급성이환에 의한 의료필요충족률은 I군에서 40만원미만군이 1.6으로 $40{\sim}99$만원군의 4.0과 100만원이상군의 49.3에 비해 월등히 낮았다. 이러한 소견은 나머지 조사대상군과 만성이환에서도 동일하였다. 급성과 만성이환자의 병원이용 이유는 유용성, 의원의 경우는 지리적 접근성이 실시전후모두에서 가장 많았고 약국이용 이유 중 실시 전에는 접근성과 의료비지불성이 중요하였으나, 실시 후에는 의료비지불성의 중요성은 상대적으로 감소하였다. 최근 15일간 의사방문여부를 종속변수로한 multiple logistic regression analysis에서 급성이환(+), 만성이환(+) 그리고 월가구소득(+)이 실시전후 모두에서 유의한 변수였다. 실시 후 부과된 보험료에 대한 불만족률이 두군 모두 지역의료보험 가입자에서 각각 81.0%와 74.1%로 타 의료보험가입자에 비해 월등히 높았다. 실시 후 병원과 의원의 의료비와 서어비스에 불만족스럽다고 응답한 사람이 I군에 비해 II군에서 더 많았다. 이상의 소견으로 의료보험이 실시됨으로 미충족의료수요를 감소시키는 효과를 가져왔으나 실시 후에도 저소득층의 의료이용률이 고소득층에 비해 여전히 낮아 의료보험실시로 경제적 장애가 감소하였음에도 불구하고 본인부담금 등으로 인한 경제적 장애와 의료기관을 방문하는데 소요되는 시간, 대기시간 등 의료이용을 저해하는 요인이 남아있어 의료이용의 형평이 사회계층들간에 완전히 이루어지지는 않았다. 특히 만성이환의 경우, 불균형이 심하였다. 또한, 부과된보험료에 대한 불만족도가 높아 현행 보험료선정기준의 재평가 및 공정성을 향상시킬 필요성이 제기되었다.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제30권3호
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• pp.609-622
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• 1997

부산지역의 한 아파트 단지내 489세대를 대상으로 아파트 실내외의 $NO_2$ 농도를 측정하고 동시에 $NO_2$ 농도의 관련 변수들을 조사하여 양자간의 관련성을 파악하고자 본 연구를 실시하였다. 아파트 실내외의 $NO_2$, 농도는 개인용 $NO_2$, 포집관 (Palmes tube)을 사용하여 1995년 8월 16일 - 8월 25일 (하계)과 1996년 1월 15일 - 1월 29일 (동계)간에, 그리고 가스렌지 근처, 주방, 거실 및 아파트 옥외에서 측정하였다. 본 연구의 결과를 요약하면 다음과 같다. 1) 각 세대의 가스렌지 근처와 주방, 거실 및 실외의 평균 $NO_2$, 농도는 하계는 각각 $25.9{\pm}10.0ppb,\;23.3{\pm}8.0ppb,\;19.9{\pm}6.1ppb$ 및 $19.0{\pm}6.0ppb$이며, 동계는 $34.5{\pm}16.8ppb\;28.2{\pm}13.4ppb,\;25.3{\pm}12.5ppb$ 및 $21.8{\pm}9.8ppb$로서 동하계 공히 부엌의 가스렌지 근처의 $NO_2$, 농도가 최고이었고 하계에 비하여 동계의 실내외 $NO_2$ 농도가 유의하게 높았다. 리 아파트 층수별 $NO_2$ 농도는 하계에는 층수에 따른 $NO_2$, 농도의 유의한 변화가 없었으나, 동계는 16층 이상을 제외하면 층수가 높아짐에 따라 $NO_2$ 농도가 감소하였다. 기 아파트 실내 $NO_2$ 농도의 관련변수는 하계의 경우 층수, 가족수, 1회 식사시 평균 가족수, 취사시 가스렌지 1일 평균 사용횟수, 자연 환기이었고, 동계에는 층수, 가족수, 1회 식사시 평균 가족수, 총 식사 인원수, 식사 횟수, 가족의 총 연령, 취사시 가스렌지 1일 평균 사용 횟수, 조리시 가스렌지 1일 평균 사용 횟수, 호흡기 질환자 유무 등이었다. 4) 아파트 실내 $NO_2$ 농도의 감소 방안으로는 취사 혹은 조리시 환기를 철저히 하고, 완전연소, 연소의 횟수와 시간 단축 및 연료의 대체가 필요하다고 생각한다.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.107-126
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• 1991

일부 도시 영세지역 주민의 상병양상과 의료이용형태를 파악하기 위하여 1988년 12월 한달간에 걸쳐 대구시 남구 대명 8동 영세지역 677가구 2,591명과 대조지역 688가구 2,682명의 주민을 대상으로 면접조사를 실시하였다. 두 지역의 연령별 인구 구성은 0-4세, 65세이상의 인구가 영세지역이 높았으며, 성비는 차이가 없었다. 교육정도와 경제수준은 영세지역은 낮았고, 의료보호 대상자는 영세지역이 많았다. 15일간의 급성질환 이환율은 영세지역이 1000명당 57.1로 대조지역의 24.2보다 유의하게 높았다. 두 지역에서 9세 이하 연령에서의 이환율이 높았으나 연령 증가에 따른 이환율의 뚜렷한 증감현상은 보이지 않았다. 질병분류별 급성질환 이환건수는 두 지역 모두에서 남녀 공히 호흡기계 질환이 가장 많았으며, 영세지역의 경우 감염 및 기생충 질환이 두번째로 많아 대조지역과는 다른 양상을 보였다. 급성질환 이환자의 15일간의 평균 이환기간은 영세지역 6.6일, 대조지역 5.4일로 영세지역이 약간 길었다. 급성질환 이환자의 15일간 의료기관 이용은 1차 이용에서는 영세지역의 경우 약국이 58.1% 그리고 대조지역에서는 의원이 36.9%로 가장 많았으며, 2차와 3차 이용에서 영세지역은 약국과 한의원, 대조지역은 병원과 의원이 가장 많았고, 미치료율은 영세지역이 8.8%로 대조지역의 4.6%에 비하여 훨씬 높게 나타났다. 급성질환 이환자의 지역별 의료이용행태에서 1차 이용에 있어서는 동네내 이용이 영세지역 73.6%, 대조지역 64.6%로 가장 많았다. 급성질환 이환자의 의료기관 1차 이용시 병원을 이용하는 이유로 가장 많은 것이 영세지역은 '단골'이었으며, 대조지역은 '가까운 거리'였다. 의원, 보건소 및 약국을 이용하는 이유로 가장 많은 것은 두 지역 모두 '가까운 거리'였다. 1년간 만성질환 이환율은 1000명당 영세지역 83.0, 대조지역 28.0으로 유의한 차이를 보였으며, 연령이 증가함에 따라 이환율도 증가하는 경향을 보였다. 만성질환 이환건수는 영세지역에서는 남자의 경우 신경계 질환이 19.6%, 여자의 경우는 신경계 질환 18.3%, 근골격계 질환이 18.3%로 가장 많았고, 대조지역에서는 남자의 경우 심혈관계 질환이 23.1%, 여자의 겨우 위장관계질환이 27.3%로 가장 많았다. 조사 시점전 1년간 만성질환의 평균 이환기간은 영세지역 9.8개월, 대조지역 10.4개월로 대조지역이 약간 더 길었으며, 평균 활동 제한 기간도 영세지역 1.9개월보다 대조지역 2.1개월로 다소 길었다. 만성질환 이환자의 의료기관 1차 이용에 있어서 영세지역은 약국 이용이 24.2%, 대조지역은 병원외래 이용이 34.7%로 가장 많았으며, 2차, 3차 이용에 있어 영세지역에서는 각 의료기관을 고루 이용하였고, 대조지역에서는 병원 이용이 두드러지게 많았으며, 미치료율은 영세지역과 대조지역이 각각 34.7%, 16.0%로 영세지역이 월등히 높았다. 만성질환자의 지역별 의료이용행태에서 1차 이용에 있어서는 동네내 이용이 영세지역 38.3%, 대조지역 45.3%로 두 지역 모두에서 가장 많았다. 만성질환 이환자의 지역별 의료기관 1차 이용시 병원, 의원, 보건소 및 약국을 이용하는 주된 이유는 '가까운 거리'였으며, 한의원을 이용하는 이유는 '좋은 치료결과'와 치료의 명성'이었다. 이상의 결과로 영세지역의 사회경제적수준이 상병과 의료이용행태에 영향을 미친 것으로 생각된다. 따라서 영세지역 주민을 위한 보다 적극적인 보건의료 서비스의 개발과 합리적이고 적절한 의료이용을 위한 지도 및 계몽과 아울러 사회경제적인 요소들의 개선을 위한 노력을 병행해야 만이 효과적인 보건의료 사업이 될 것으로 생각된다.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.224-231
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• 2000

Background: Currently, the number of patients visiting pain clinics is increasing with the augmented concerns of the patients about management of pain. We conducted this study in order to comprehend the characteristics of the patients visiting pain clinics and to find a method to further raises the public's awareness about pain treatment. Methods: We surveyed 497 new patients who had visited pain clinic of Kyungpook national university hospital from August 1998 to July 1999. We analysed these patients about their age, sex, chief complaint, duration of pain complaints, resident district, educational level and route of visiting pain clinic by use of questionnaire. Results: In age distribution, the largest proportion (29.8%) were in their 60's. Low back pain was the most common chief complaint (33.0%), the highest (43.7%) percentage of patients had complained of pain for over 6 months. Two thirds of the patients lived in urban area. Patients who were educated to only elementary school level made up the largest group with 35.3%. Referrals from former patients who had visited our pain clinic and had received treatment. Conclusions: As increasing patients who have pain complaints are related to social advanced age, it is prudent to consider the characteristics of age related pain complaints. And we have to guide the pain patients to have more earlier treatments using mass media because there is still insufficient general information about pain clinic and pain managements.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권23호
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• pp.10095-10099
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• 2015

Background: The present study was conducted to determine knowledge level of technicians working in hospitals about testicular cancer (TC) and self-examination of testicles (TSE) and to determine levels of consciousness and implementation status about TSE. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with technicians working in hospitals (n=243) between $2^{nd}$ January-$31^{st}$ May 2012 at private and governmental hospitals in urban Kayseri. Healthy control subjects (n=235) who were similar to technicians in terms of age, education level and income status were also included to the study. Chi-square test was used in comparison of categorical variables. Results: Technicians were significantly more aware of TC than controls, but the latter were found to have significantly more information about TSE. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of knowing how to do TSE and 80% of both groups were unaware this exam. Of technicians, 19.8% and of controls, 25.5% did TSE, the difference being statistically insignificant. First reason for not doing TSE was "not-knowing" among technicians (48.1%) while it was "ignorance" among controls (66.8%). Of technicians doing TSE, 37.5% did as it came to their mind while 51.7% of controls performed TSE several times in the previous year. Technicians were significantly more afraid of getting TC than controls (p=0.037). Conclusions: It was determined in the present study that rates of TSE were similar between technicians and controls. However compliance with the recommended frequency and right method was low. Consequently, public health education should be planned and applied in order to increase the knowledge of TC and TSE.

• 보건행정학회지
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.256-266
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• 2017

Background: Primary health care (PHC) plays a major role to ensure the basic right and equal distribution of the essential health care services. This study presents comparative analyses of PHC in Korea and Uzbekistan, discusses the existing scenario and the challenges, and provides recommendations. Methods: This study reviewed secondary data from Korea's National Statistical Information Service and the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistic, regulatory legislation, research reports, and policy papers by research and international institutions. We focus on comparing input and outcome health data, PHC structure, and health expenditure. Results: Overall health status of the population in Korea is better than in Uzbekistan; both countries achieved more than 95% immunization coverage. The reforms implemented in both countries provide initial health care service delivery. However, there are several challenges such as the distribution of the staff between urban and rural areas and interest of the graduates on specialization rather than working in PHC system. Conclusion: PHC plays an important role in the provision of medical services to the population, addressing both health and social problems; it is the best tool for achieving universal coverage for basic health needs of the population. The community health practitioners in Korea and nurses in Uzbekistan plays main role in universal coverage through providing essential health care services. Continuous reform of the PHC system should be directed to strengthen the capacity of the PHC staff in health promotion knowledge and activities as well as to encourage population to improve their own health.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제52권3호
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• pp.179-187
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• 2019

Objectives: In the USA, certain races and ethnicities have a disproportionately higher gastric cancer burden. Selective screening might allow for earlier detection and curative resection. Among a USA-based multiracial and ethnic cohort diagnosed with non-cardia gastric cancer (NCGC), we aimed to identify factors associated with curable stage disease at diagnosis. Methods: We retrospectively identified endoscopically diagnosed and histologically confirmed cases of NCGC at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic and histologic factors, as well as grade/stage of NCGC at diagnosis were documented. The primary outcome was the frequency of curable-stage NCGC (stage 0-1a) at diagnosis in patients with versus without an endoscopy negative for malignancy prior to their index exam diagnosing NCGC. Additional factors associated with curable-stage disease at diagnosis were determined. Results: A total of 103 racially and ethnically diverse patients were included. Nearly 38% of NCGC were stage 0-Ia, 34% stage Ib-III, and 20.3% stage IV at diagnosis. A significantly higher frequency of NCGC was diagnosed in curable stages among patients who had undergone an endoscopy that was negative for malignancy prior to their index endoscopy that diagnosed NCGC, compared to patients without a negative endoscopy prior to their index exam (69.6% vs. 28.6%, p=0.003). A prior negative endoscopy was associated with 94.0% higher likelihood of diagnosing curable-stage NCGC (p=0.003). No other factors analyzed were associated with curablestage NCGC at diagnosis. Conclusions: Endoscopic screening and surveillance in select high-risk populations might increase diagnoses of curable-stage NCGC. These findings warrant confirmation in larger, prospective studies.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제55권6호
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• pp.549-558
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• 2022

Objectives: Poor complementary feeding practices have consistently contributed to the burden of child undernutrition in Indonesia. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictors of the time of the introduction of solid, semi-solid, and soft foods (ISSSF), minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD). Methods: We analyzed 4804 last-born infants aged 6-23 months from the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey, which employed multistage cluster random sampling. The outcomes were calculated based on the 2021 World Health Organization/United Nations Children's Fund guidelines. The predictors of the 4 complementary feeding indicators were assessed using multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance adjusting for potential confounders and study design. Results: The prevalence of ISSSF, MDD, MMF, and MAD was 86.1%, 54.3%, 71.8%, and 37.6%, respectively, with younger children less likely to meet 3 out of the 4 outcomes. Parental education, the presence of a birth attendant, and maternal media consumption were among the predictors of MDD and MAD. Children from families with higher income were more likely to meet MDD than those from low-income households (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 1.28). Living in an urban area was positively associated with MMF (aPR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.15) and MAD (aPR, 1.12; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.24). In eastern regions, the prevalence of children achieving MDD and MAD was lower than in those living in Java and Bali. Conclusions: It is crucial that more attention and efforts are made to improve the recommended practices throughout Indonesia, since the prevalence of adequate complementary feeding practices remains low.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.334-348
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• 2017

Objectives: We investigated the impacts of indoor plants on indoor air quality and occupational health, focusing on allergic rhinconjunctivitis and stress among employees in new office buildings. Methods: A total of 34 employees working at new public office buildings were enrolled as subjects (n=17, with indoor plants) and as a control (n=17) group. Before and after introducing indoor plants for three months, indoor air quality measurements including VOCs and aldehydes and questionnaires on sick building syndrome, AR symptoms (ARIA based), stress (DASS 42, KOSS, and SACL), and indoor characteristics were performed and statistically analysed. Results: Among the 34 enrolled subjects, 19 were included in the probable AR subject group (subjects with indoor plants, n=8, control n=11) and completed all questionnaires. Statistical analyses were done for total, AR subject groups, and controls. As a result, it was confirmed that major indoor air pollutants decreased after the introduction of indoor plants (p<0.5). Among major symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, watery rhinorrhea, nasal stuffiness, and nasal itching indexes decreased (p<0.5, respectively). A decrease was noted in some areas of work-related stress indexes (mainly KOSS) among the subject group (total and AR) and a decrease of indoor environmental attractiveness among the control group (total and AR) (p<0.5, for all). Conclusions: Indoor plants may help reduce indoor air pollutants and decrease AR symptoms and work-related stress of employees in newly built office buildings. Various further follow-up studies on the mechanism of environmental, physical, and emotional influences and utilization of indoor plants in association with allergic diseases will be needed.