• 한국산학기술학회논문지
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• 제10권9호
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• pp.2492-2500
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• 2009

본 연구에서는 베트남전 참전 군인 중 고엽제 후유(의)증 환자와 한국전쟁 참전 상이군인을 대상으로 전반적인 심리적 특성을 파악하기 위해 로샤 검사를 실시하고 반응결과를 한국전 참전 재향 군인 집단과 비교분석하였다. 이를 위해 베트남 참전 군인 중 고엽제 후유의증 환자 20명과 한국전쟁 참전 재향군인 21명을 대상으로 개별적으로 로샤 검사를 실시했다. 각각의 변인들을 Exner 종합체계(2006)의 구조적 요약의 대표적 군집들을 중심으로 비교분석하였다. 즉 핵심영역, 반응결정인, 결정적 특수지표에서의 차이를 비교분석하였다. 그 결과 베트남 참전 집단은 6.25 참전집단에 비해 (1)인지적 경직성 (2) 문제해결에 있어서의 비효율성, (3)정서억압 (4)과잉경계 (5)불안 (6)우울 등의 가능성이 더 높은 것으로 나타내었다. 이러한 결과들은 베트남전쟁 참전 재향군인에서 과거 전쟁 경험에서의 정신적 외상과 관련된 후유증이 지속되고 있을 가능성을 보여주는 것이다. 마지막으로 본 연구의 제한점과 시사점에 대해 논의하였다.

• 가정과삶의질연구
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.11-25
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• 2004

This study was conducted to explore the impacts of involvement in the Vietnam War on the self-esteem of the veterans in their later lives. In this study, 14 Korean male Vietnam War veterans from 55 to 63 years old were asked about the impacts of their war experiences on their self-esteem. From the analysis of the in-depth interviews the following conclusions were drawn: First, the veterans perceived that their self-esteem improved with both internal and external impacts of their activities in Vietnam. The internal aspects that improved the veterans' self-esteem were recalling their positive memories of Vietnam War, such as being on duty at a war front for the sake of our country, doing volunteer work for the villagers, and becoming a masculine heroic figure in the family legend. The external aspects were positive attitudes and responses toward their war activities from their family, friends, and neighbors. Second, they also felt persistently frustrated with their recurring memories of involvement in killing human beings, experiences of negative family and social responses, and the side effects of herbicidal cyanide they suffer. In this article, the following suggestions were made. First, standardized images and good-will episodes of the Vietnam War need to be provided by the government, in order to improve public images on the veterans. Second, intensive adjustment programs for the families of older veterans in special needs should be developed in collaboration with various veterans' societies and family counseling institutions, so that the spouses and children can be relieved from tension-laden contacts with the veterans and prevent violent incidents.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제46권6호
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• pp.309-318
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• 2013

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between Vietnam experience including exposure to military herbicides and cancer incidence in Korean Vietnam War veterans. Methods: The cancer cases of 185 265 Vietnam veterans from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 2003 were confirmed from the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database. The age-adjusted incidence and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated using the male population during 1992 to 2003 as a standard population. Results: The age-adjusted overall cancer incidence per 100 000 person-years was 455.3 in Vietnam veterans. The overall cancer incidence was slightly yet significantly lower in veterans (SIR, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.95 to 0.99) than in the general population. The overall cancer incidence in enlisted soldiers was not lower (SIR, 1.00), whereas that in officers was significantly lower (SIR, 0.87) than in the general population. The incidences of prostate cancer and T-cell lymphoma in all veterans, and lung cancer and bladder cancer in enlisted soldiers, and colon cancer and kidney cancer in non-commissioned officers, and colon cancer, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer in officers, were higher than in the general population. The SIR for overall cancer among Vietnam veterans rose from 0.92 for 1992-1997 to 0.99 for 1998-2003. Conclusions: The overall cancer incidence in Vietnam veterans was not higher than in the general male population. Vietnam veterans and military rank subcohorts experienced a higher incidence of several cancers, including prostate cancer, T-cell lymphoma, lung cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and colon cancer than the general population. The SIR for overall cancer increased over time in Vietnam veterans.

• 대한불안의학회지
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.123-131
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• 2017

Objective : The PTSD Checklist (PCL) is a self-report screen for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can be scored for both diagnostic assessment and symptom severity measurement. The most recent revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) contains a number of changes to the definition of PTSD, and the aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the PCL for the DSM-5 (PCL-5-K). Methods : The participants were 204 Korean veterans of the Vietnam War who completed the PCL-5-K, the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE), PTSD module of Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, Research Version (SCID5-RV PTSD module), Korean version of Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R-K) and Combat Exposure Scale (CES-K). Results : The PCL-5-K demonstrated good internal consistency (${\alpha}=0.972$) and test-retest reliability (r=0.96); the suggested cut-off score for PTSD diagnosis was ${\geq}37$ with 0.88 sensitivity and 0.96 specificity. The PCL-5-K scale correlated highly with the IES-R-K and CES-K. Factor analysis identified only one factor. Conclusion : Among elderly Korean veterans of the Vietnam War, the PCL-5-K demonstrated similar psychometric qualities to those of both the original PCL and subsequent versions. It is expected that the PCL-5-K will be a useful PTSD screening tool.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.171-178
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• 2003

Objective : The aim of this study was to identify the validity of recruiting medical checkup participants of Vietnam veterans using a mail survey, and to identify the 'Vietnam service related characteristics' and 'general characteristics' of Vietnam veterans groups, Method : In this study, a total 900 veterans were randomly selected from the list of Vietnam veterans from f964 to 1973. The veterans were classified into 5 groups, taking into consideration their registered status in the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs: the VRD (veterans who have agent orange-related diseases), VSD (veterans who have agent orange-suspected disease), VM (veterans who peformed meritorious deeds during the war), VR (veterans who were registered with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affair) and OV (other veterans) groups. By means of postal surveys, the veterans' intention to participate in the medical checkup for our research, and their socioeconomic and general characteristics were investigated. 52 surveys were returned due to the subjects not residing at the listed address, and were excluded from the analysis. Result : 699 of the 848 veterans (82.4%) responded to the survey, of which 619 (88.6%) intended to participate in the medical checkup for our research. The S veterans groups all had similar ages, Vietnam service period, Agent Orange exposure, troop characteristic and wartime class, with the exception of VM, who were older, and with a greater number of officers than the other 4 groups, There was a big difference in the health statius among the Vietnam veterans group. The VM and OV were much healthier than VRD, VSD and VR groups, The socioeconomic stati of the VRD, VSD and VR groups were lower than those of the VM and OV groups. Conclusion : Although there were some limitations, the recruitment, by mail, of medical checkup participants from Vietnam veterans is a valid and feasible method. The VM and OV groups were much healthier, and with higher socioeconomic stati, than the VRD, VSD, and VR groups.

• 정신신체의학
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.83-91
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• 2011

연구목적:외상후스트레스장애(posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD)는 정신, 신체, 사회적 영역 등 다양한 영역의 삶의 질에 중대한 영향을 주는 것으로 알려져 있다. 이에 본 연구에서는 베트남전 참전 퇴역 군인에서 PTSD 발생 유무에 따른 삶의 질을 비교하고, 참전 퇴역 군인의 삶의 질에 영향을 주는 요인들을 알아보고자 한다. 방 법:연구에 참여한 전체 베트남전 참전 퇴역 군인 중 PTSD군 39명, 비PTSD군 43명을 대상으로, 한국판 Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus, 한국판 임상가를 위한 외상 후 스트레스 장애 척도, 한국판 단축형 세계보건기구 삶의 질 척도, 전투노출척도 등을 실시하였다. PTSD군과 비PTSD군의 삶의 질 영역별 차이를 확인하기 위해 독립표본 t검정을 시행하였으며, 전체 베트남전 참전 퇴역 군인의 삶의 질과 관련이 있을 수 있는 변수들과 삶의 질 척도 각 영역 사이에 단계별 다중선형회귀분석을 실시하였다. 결 과: PTSD군은 비PTSD군에 비해 삶의 질의 모든 세부 영역들 및 전체 삶의 질 점수(p<0.01)에서 유의하게 저하된 소견을 보였다. 베트남전 참전 퇴역 군인의 삶의 질에 영향을 주는 요인들은 PTSD, 우울증, 교육 수준이었다. 이 중 PTSD는 전반적인 삶의 질 및 건강상태(${\beta}$=-1.411, $R^2$=0.180), 신체 건강영역(${\beta}$=-2.806, $R^2$=0.089), 전체 삶의 질(${\beta}$=-11.479, $R^2$=0.104)을 가장 잘 설명하였다. 결 론: 베트남전 참전 퇴역 군인에서 PTSD군이 비PTSD군에 비해 삶의 질이 저하된 소견을 보였다. 참전 퇴역 군인에서 PTSD는 다양한 삶의 질 영역에 영향을 줄 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제46권5호
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• pp.226-236
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• 2013

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the levels of serum 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and evaluate their association with age, body mass index, smoking, military record-based variables, and estimated exposure to Agent Orange in Korean Vietnam veterans. Methods: Serum levels of TCDD were analyzed in 102 Vietnam veterans. Information on age, body mass index, and smoking status were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire. The perceived exposure was assessed by a 6-item questionnaire. Two proximitybased exposures were constructed by division/brigade level and battalion/company level unit information using the Stellman exposure opportunity index model. Results: The mean and median of serum TCDD levels was 1.2 parts per trillion (ppt) and 0.9 ppt, respectively. Only 2 Vietnam veterans had elevated levels of TCDD (>10 ppt). The levels of TCDD did not tend to increase with the likelihood of exposure to Agent Orange, as estimated from either proximity-based exposure or perceived self-reported exposure. The serum TCDD levels were not significantly different according to military unit, year of first deployment, duration of deployment, military rank, age, body mass index, and smoking status. Conclusions: The average serum TCDD levels in the Korean Vietnam veterans were lower than those reported for other occupationally or environmentally exposed groups and US Vietnam veterans, and their use as an objective marker of Agent Orange exposure may have some limitations. The unit of deployment, duration of deployment, year of first deployment, military rank, perceived self-reported exposure, and proximity-based exposure to Agent Orange were not associated with TCDD levels in Korean Vietnam veterans. Age, body mass index and smoking also were not associated with TCDD levels.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.17-24
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• 2000

Objectives : To propose the referential data to evaluate the health impacts of Vietnam veterans' children whose father were exposed to herbicides in Vietnam War. Methods : Vietnam veterans who visited to Pusan Veteran Hospital for medical care were recruited from April to October, 1998. They were 71 and asked about their own combat history, symptoms and illness, and health status of their 182 children. The informations were collected by direct and phone interview. Exposure estimation was also performed as exposure score depending on year and unit of participation, and personal episodes related to exposure to herbicide in the war. It classified into three groups; lower(<18.0), moderate(18-53), high$(\geq53)$ exposure group. Results : The mean age and the period into the combat of the veterans were 52.8 years and 15.0 months. The mean exposure score was $18.1{\pm}9.9$, and mainly distributed in lower (46.5%) and moderate(52.1%) exposure group. Most(90.1%) of them were diagnosed as sequelae(21 cases) and suspected sequelae(43 cases) of the herbicides by Korean veteran's hospital diagnostic criteria. The major sequelae was peripheral neuropathy 13 cases, chloracne 5 cases, and the major suspected sequelae was hypertension 20 cases, diabetes mellitus 18 cases, liver disease 12 cases, central neuropathy 11 cases, etc. About birth, 42.2% and 16.9% experienced spontaneous abortion and stillbirth, respectively. The mean exposure score was higher in stillbirth experience group(p<0.05). About half of the children(90 cases, 49.5%) hold the abnormal health status: those were skin pigmentation 38 cases, rash 23 cases, congenital anomaly 15 cases, general weakness 12 cases, purpura 8 cases, visual disturbance 8 cases, etc. These health problems had no association with father's exposure level(p>0.05). Conclusions : These results were depend on their own answers, and expectation for compensation did not excluded, therefore, this study may have limitations: inaccuracy of informations due to recall bias and response bias. Nevertheless, through this study, we could image the fundamental aspect for health impacts of Vietnam veterans' children for preparing the national control program and policy. A large scale epidemiologic study with valid exposure assessment on the health impacts of Vietnam veterans' children is recommneded.

• 대한불안의학회지
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• 제8권2호
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• pp.113-119
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• 2012

Objective : The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of clinician administered posttraumatic stress disorder scale (CAPS) to diagnose combat related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Korean veterans of the Vietnam War. Methods : Sixty-one Korean male veterans of the Vietnam war participated in this study. We compared the diagnostic values of CAPS, Korean version of mini international neuropsychiatric interview (MINI) against the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) in diagnosing PTSD. Results : The overall internal consistency of CAPS was 0.93. Compared to the SCID, total severity 45 (TSEV45) showed the best results among 5 CAPS scoring rules. In detail, sensitivity was 71.4%, specificity was 85.1, positive predictive value was 58.8%, negative predictive value was 90.9%, and accuracy was 82.0. Conclusion : CAPS was demonstrated as a reliable tool to diagnose combat related PTSD in the elderly. The optimum CAPS scoring was TSEV45.

• 대한불안의학회지
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.14-20
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• 2009

Objective : The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma serotonin concentration and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in chronic PTSD patients who have been taking medication. Methods : Plasma serotonin level of 14 PTSD patients and a control group of 28 Vietnam War veterans was measured by HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography). The Combat Exposure Scale (CES), Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (M-PTSD), Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), and Hamiltion Anxiety Scale (HAS) were used to evaluate PTSD symptom severity. Results : Serotonin level was significantly higher in the PTSD group than in the control group (p=0.036, p=0.006, respectively). M-PTSD (p<0.001), CAPS (p<0.001), HRSD (p<0.001), and HAS (p<0.001) scale scores were significantly higher in the PTSD group than in the control group; however, the CES score failed to show a significant improvement (p=0.964). There were no significant differences between plasma serotonin and PTSD symptoms. Conclusion : In chronic PTSD patients who have been taking medications, we can not predict treatment effect and symptom severity by measuring only plasma serotonin levels. PTSD is a complicated disorder which may likely be related to a variety of neurotransmitter systems. Therefore, further research which investigate relationships with norepinephrine, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters as well as serotonin is needed to improve the treatment of PTSD.