• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.260-273
• /
• 2010

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of married Korean women regarding marriage and childbirth, and their awareness of childbirth-related issues such as low birth rates, sex preferences and sex imbalances in Korea. Methods: A total of 453 married women aged 20 or older were randomly selected from four urban districts and five rural districts out of 25 districts in Gyeongju, a consolidated city located in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea. The survey was conducted from December 2005 to February 2006. A total of 392 out of 453 questionnaires(86.5% response rate) were collected, and 44 incomplete questionnaires were excluded, leaving 348 completed questionnaires to be used for data analysis. Age was divided into three groups as below 49, 50-69, 70 or older. Results: Women's perceptions of marriage were associated with age(p<0.01). Perceptions about childbirth were also significantly related to age(p<0.01), type of residential area (p<0.01) and education level(p<0.05). Sex preferences were significantly related to age(p<0.05) and occupation(p<0.01). Of the respondents aged 49 or younger, 34.8% indicated that the ideal number of children is two, while 25.5% of respondents aged 50 to 69 and 15.3% of respondents aged 70 and 33.7% of respondents aged 70 or older considered four children to be the ideal number. Perceptions of sex imbalance were significantly related to socioeconomic status(p<0.01) and occupation(p<0.01). The largest number of respondents cited "economic burden" as the main reason for low birth rates. Multiple logistic regressions were performed for all three age groups using male sex preference as the dependent variable under the assumption that respondents can have only a single child. Socioeconomic status (p<0.01) and residential area (p<0.05) were significant variables for those aged 49 or below. Education level(p<0.05) and residential area (p<0.01) were statistically significant variables on preferring son in case of having only one child for respondents aged 50 to 69. We did not detect any significant independent variables in respondents who were 70 or older. Conclusions: Our results highlight the necessity of developing policies and public education programs to explain the consequences of low birth rates and sex imbalances in Korea. As increasing numbers of women work outside the home, it is important for the government and employers to provide social and working environments where women do not consider marriage and childbirth to be obstacles to social and business activities.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.38 no.10
• /
• pp.1373-1380
• /
• 2009

To increase the intake of calcium in elementary school children, 20 high calcium dishes (HCD) were developed. The pictures of HCD with the calories, calcium content, and the price per serving were given for the evaluation of HCD to 118 school dietitians. Along with the evaluation, a questionnaire concerning the perception on calcium nutrient and calcium fortified foods (CFF), the use of school milk and CFF, and the need and their endeavor for HCD was administered. Over 90% of subjects were aware of the importance of calcium in school lunch menu and 80% of them recognized the necessity for exploring HCD, though their endeavor remained at a 30% level. HCD that reached the requirement of calcium for the school lunch was 3 and the preference response over 4 (maximum 5) was 2 HCD with better acceptance by younger subjects. 70.3% of subjects were aware of CFF and their response on them were diverse as a positive conception 42%, negative 33% and willing to use 40%, not to use 40%. The dietitians who provided school milk or willing to develop HCD were more positive to use CFF. These results indicate that school milk is the most important calcium source and further pursue for HCD and CFF is needed to achieve the calcium requirement for the elementary school lunch.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.214-222
• /
• 2004

Purpose: Appropriate antibiotic therapy is important in childhood urinary tract infection and the selection of anibiotics is based on antimicrobial sensitivity of Escherichia coli. Extended-Spectrum ${\beta}-Lactamase(ESBL)$ is an enzyme produced by gram-negative bacilli that has the ability to hydrolyse penicillins, broad-spectrum cephalosporin and monobactam. There have been many reports of outbreaks of hospital infection by ESBL-producing organism. However, community-acquired infection with ESBL-producing organism are rare. This study was performed to retrospectively identify the incidence, characteristics and risk factors of ESBL (+) E. coli in community-acquired childhood UTI. Methods: In 288 children admitted in Ewha Womans University Hospital with E. coli UTI from Mar 2001 to February 2003, ESBL was isolated. ESBL was confirmed by the utilization of an automatized machine(Vitek GNS 433 card) using liquid medium dilution method according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standard. The clinical characteristics, risk factors, antimicrobial resistance and treatment effectiveness were compared with ESBL(-) E. coli UTI. Results: Of 288 E. coli isolates, 31(10.8%) produced ESBL and 93.5%(29/31) occurred in infants younger than 6 month of age(P<0.01). No significant differences were noted in prior antibiotic use, prior admission history and underlying urogenital anomaly. Antimicrobial resistance was significantly higher in ESBL(+) E. coli compared with control patients (P<0.05). Although ceftriaxone showed 100% resistance in ESBL(+) E. coli, bacteriologic sterilization rate after ceftriaxone therapy was higher(96.8%). However, the recurrence rate of febrile UTI within 6 months was higher(25.8%) than control patients(6.6%). Conclusion: Epidemiologic study is required to find out any new risk factors of community-acquired ESBL(+) E. coli UTI and changes in selection of empirical antibiotics should be considered.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.195-201
• /
• 2005

Objective : The purpose of this study is to investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of herpes zoster in children and adolescents in Korea and to delineate the effects of varicella vaccine on the incidence of zoster and its complication. Methods : We evaluated the clinical records of 201 patients younger than 20 years admitted for herpes zoster at four hospitals located in Kyung-Gi provine during Jul. 1995 to Jun. 2005. Results : The admitted patients for herpes zoster have increased during the past 10 years. The effects of varicella vaccine on the incidence of herpes zoster remain inconclusive in this study. Only twelve percent of the study patients had underlying diseases. In 34(17%) of 201 patients, complications were confirmed during hospitalization. Of 34 patients, meningitis occurred most frequently. Irrespective of varicella vaccination, occurrence of complications was higher in patients who had experienced varicella previously(=overt varicella infection) than patients who had not(=subclinical varicella infection). In case of no previous varicella history, we found complications to be much lower in those who had received the varicella vaccine than those who had not. Conclusion : We cannot conclude whether the varicella vaccine has an effect on the increasing incidence of zoster. We can conclude that the subclinical varicella infection or vaccination for varicella might lead to a decreased incidence of zoster complications.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.48 no.7
• /
• pp.760-765
• /
• 2005

Purpose : We studied the changes in antibiotic sensitivity to the causative organisms of urinary tract infection(UTI), in order to provide useful information on the choice of adequate drugs in the treatment of UTI. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed the major causative organisms and their antibiotic sensitivities in 69 patients diagnosed with UTI in the Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Cheil Hospital from 2002 to 2003. Results : The frequency of UTI was the highest in infants younger than 1 year of age(88.4 percent). The male to female ratio was 3.05 : 1. Escherichia coli was the most frequent organism(78.3 percent), followed by Klebsiella(11.6 percent), Pseudomonas(2.9 percent), Proteus(2.9 percent), Enterobacter, Morganelle, and Enterococcus(1.4 percent) in descending order. Antibiotic sensitivity of gram negative organisms was above 90 percent against imipenem, amikacin, 80 percent against aztreonam, cefepime, ceftriaxone, 50-70 percent against gentamicin, trimethoprime-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), and 23 percent against ampicillin(23.4 percent). Conclusion : Antibiotict sensitivity of gram negative organisms was high to amikacin and third generation cephalosporins but low to ampicillin, gentamicin and TMP/SMX. The use of ampicillin or TMP/SMX, as the first choice of the empiric and prophylactic treatment for UTI, should be reconsidered and investigated further.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.211-224
• /
• 1996

The patients of developmental dislocation of the hip(DDH) are almost found after walking age because of early diagnosis of DDH in younger children is not easy. A controversy still exists as to the relative value of closed and operative management in the treatment of a child who has reached walking age. This study is a report of the results of 16 patients(17 cases) in developmental dislocation of the hip who have visited our hospital at the age of 9 months to 3 years old, and have been followed more than 12 months (12-112 months) on review of plain radiographs and arthrograms. The results were as follows : 1. The age at diagnosis was 16.4 months(9-31 months) in average. The methods of treatment were conservative for 8 cases, and operation for 4 cases and secondary operation for 5 cases who were failed with conservative therapy. 2. By Severin's radiologic grade, the result was good in 4 cases, fair in 3 cases and poor in 1 case in conservative treatment. In operative treatment, fair was in 2 cases and poor in 2 cases. In secondary operative patients who were failed with conservative therapy, good was in 2 cases, fair in 2 cases and poor in 1 case. 3. Avascular necrosis of femoral head was developed in 3 cases. 4. In the good reduction as determined by arthrogram according to Race and Herring, we can get a favorable result in conservative treatment, and in the poor reduction as determined by arthrogram, the better result in operative treatment can be expected.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.63-77
• /
• 1978

Studies pertaining to influential factors on adoption and practice of family planning are very much needed to lower fertility, for family planning has regarded as only one social acceptable means to curb the accelerated population growth. One of the influential factors is known as rumors on family planning methods that hinder the actual practice of family planning. This study generally aimed at disclosing rumors on family planning methods prevalent in rural communities so that one could gain some in sights to cope with the ill effects of rumors to promote family planning Practice in rural communities in Korea. In order to accomplish the general aims this study formulated following four specific objectives; 1. Find out types and frequencies of rumors exposed of contraceptive methods. 2. Find out the relationship between the rumors exposed and socio-economic and demographic characteristics of new village leaders and health workers. 3. Examine the relationship between family planing rumors and family planning practices. The materials for this study were drawn from the two different sets of data gathered in July and Octorber 1977 respectivily by Center for Population ＆ family Planning, Yon sei University. One is current family planning practice among eligible women reaiding in 4 Myuns in Kwang Wha country and the other is Survey on Rumor on family planning method heard by new village leaders and health workers in the four myuns. The four Myuns were divided into 60 small areas. Current family planning practice rate in each small area and as a whole were calculated. The unit of analysis in this study was not the indviduel person but the 55 small areas. Percentage, average, F-Test t-test and a coefficient of correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results of this study could be summarized as follows: 1. Rumors by different method of contraception: Medical complications, gastro-intestinal disorders, and difficulty in usage one most prevalent rumors about oral pills. Around 49% -77% of the 55 areas were often heard and the most frequent rumor was related medical complications of oral pills. Rumors on medical complications and incomplete effect of intrauterines as contraceptive were heard 51-66% of the 55 small areas. Rumors that vasectomy resulted in family problems, for instance infiedelity of spouse were often heard to 44% of the 55 small areas. 2. Rumors by socio-economic and demographic characteristic of new village leader and health workers: Among the demographic characteristics such as sex, age and sex composition of children, sex and age differentials in frequency of rumors heard more observed, Female new village health workers have heard more frequently than male new village leader. (t = 7.137, p> 0.01, d.f. = 53, a coefficient of correlation 0.27, p>0.05) The Younger age group less than 40 years of age have heard rumors of than the group over 40 years old. (t = 7.18, p>0.01, d.f. = 53, a coefficient of correlation 0.27, p>0.05) However, it was not observable that a consistent sex and age differentials in frequency of rumors heard of each contraceptive mettled, But, more female new village health works heard of rumors about intrauterine device than male new village leaders. (t = 0.497, p> 0.01, d.f. = 53, a coefficient of correlatin 0.32, p>0.01) 3. It was found that there was no statistically significant relationship between the frequency of rumors heard and current family planning practices on the whole, However, frequency of rumors heard about vasectomy appeared to have a positive relationship with current practice of vasectomy. A rather consistent pattern of relationship between“requency of rumors heard”and current family practice rate was demonstrated of 10 graphes which showed the relation between the two variagles. The current family planning practice rate in the“never heard”group and “frequently heard”group was equally lower than that in“often heard”group. The relatively consistent ∩ pattern of relationship needs to be farther investigated, for this pattern is different from the relationship that has been assumed to exist between these two variables.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.459-473
• /
• 2004

Recently, many children have been treated under sedation in the department of pediatric dentistry of the dental hospital of Kangnung National University, and sedation cases are increasing gradually. So, in this study. the author analyzed and studied about the characteristics of sedated pediatric dental patients and their parents with patient chart and questionnaire at first visit, from 1999 to 2002 for the purpose of making pediatric dental treatment plan more effective and the improvement of behavior management for better pediatric dentistry. The results were follows : 1. The number of total pediatric and sedative patients increased from 1999 to 2002. 2. The sedated pediatric dental patients were younger than total pediatric dental patients(p<0.001). 3. In visit frequency per month, the sedated patients showed higher percentage on March, July, November contrast to non-sedated patients(p<0.001). 4. In parental occupation, there was a significant difference between sedated patients and non-sedated patients(p<0.001). 5. Caries treatment rather than preventive care or orthodontic treatment, was primarily composed of chief complaint of sedated patients(p<0.001). 6. The sedated patients showed worse response to previous treatment than non-sedated patients, and their parents also expected worse response contrast to non-sedated patients (p>0.001). 7. The patients who were introduced, occupied 31.2% of sedated pediatric dental patients and referral by the dentist were composed of the highest percentage(58.3%). 8. In case of uncooperative child at conventional behavior management, the parents of sedated pediatric dental patients prefered to sedation(50.9%). while the parents of non-sedated patients prefered to physical restraint(54.6%) (p<0.001).

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.97-106
• /
• 1990

1. Background Women's health and their involvement in health care are essential to health for everyone. If they are ignorant, malnourished or over-worked, the health &-their families as well as their own health will suffer. Women's health depends on broad considerations beyond medicine. Among other things, it depends upon their work in farming. their subordination to their families, their accepted roles, and poor hygiene with poorly equipped housing and environmental sanitation. 2. Objectives and Contents a. The health status of rural women : physical and mental complaints, experience of pesticides intoxication, Farmer's syndrome, experiences of reproductive health problems. b. participation in and attitudes towards housework and farming c. accessibility of medical care d. status of maternal health : fertility, family planning practice. induced abortion, and maternal care 3. Research method A nationwide field survey, based on stratified random sampling, was conducted during July, 1986. Revised Cornell Medical index(68 out of 195 items). Kawagai's Farmers Syndrome Scale, and self-developed structured questionnaires were used to rural farming wives(n=2.028). aged between 26-55. 4. Characteristics of the respondents mean age : 40.2 marital status : 90.8% married mean no. of household : 4.9 average years of education : 4.7 yrs. average income of household : \235,000 average years of residence in rural area : 36.4 yrs average Working hours(household and farming) : 11 hrs. 23 min 5. Health Status of rural women a. The average number of physical and mental symptoms were 12.4, 4.7, and the rate of complaints were 22.1%, 38.8% each. revealing complaints of mental symptomes higher than physical ones. b. 65.4% of rural women complained of more than 4 symptoms out of 9, indicating farmer's syndrome. 11.9 % experienced pesticide overdue syndrome c. 57.6% of respondents experienced women-specific health problems. d. Age and education of respondents were the variables which affect on the level of their health 6. Utilization of medical services a. The number of symptoms and complaints of respondents were dependent on the distance to where the health-care service is given b. Drug store was the most commonly utilized due to low price and the distance to reach. while nurse practitioners were well utilized when there were nurse practitioner's office in their villages. c. Rural women were internalized their subordination to husbands and children, revealing they are positive(93%) in health-care demand for-them but negative(30%) for themselves d. 33.0% of respondents were habitual drug users, 4.5% were smokers and 32.3% were alcohol drinkers. and 86.3% experienced induced-abortion. But most of them(77.6%) knew that those had negative effects on health. 7. Maternal Health Care a. Practice rate of contraception was 48.1% : female users were 90.9% in permanent and 89.6% in temporary contraception b. Induced abortions were taken mostly at hospital(86.3%), while health centers(4.7%), midwiferies(4.3%). and others(4.5%) including drug stores were listed a few. The repeated numbers of induced abortion seemed affected on the increasing numbers of symptoms and complaints. c. The first pre-natal check-up during first trimester was 41.8%, safe delivery rate was 15.6%, post-natal check-up during two months after delivery. Rural women had no enough rest after delivery revealing average days of rest from home work and farming 8.3 and 17.2. d. 86.6% practised breast feeding, showing younger and more educated mothers depending on artificial milk 8. Recommendations a. To lessen the multiple role over burden housing and sanitary conditions should be improved, and are needed farming machiner es for women and training on the use of them b. Health education should begin at primary school including health behavior and living environment. c. Women should be encouraged to become policy-makers as well as administrators in the field of women specific health affairs. d. Women's health indicators should be developed and women's health surveillance system too.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.86-92
• /
• 1999

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to know the epidemiology and clinical characteristics in patients with M. pneumoniae pneumonia during study period retrospectively. Methods : We had reviewed 500 patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia who were hospitalized at the pediatric ward of Seoul Adventist Hospital from July 1986 through June 1996. we had analysed clinical and laboratory problems of pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations including demographics and epidemiological characteristics. Results : Peak occurrence of the disease was 3 years interval and seasonal occurrence of the disease had no difference. 43.4% of patients was below 4 years old and male to female ratio was nearly 1:1. The most common site of infiltration on chest PA was right lower lobe and the most common type of pneumonia was interstitial pneumonia(43%). Pulmonary complications were atelectasis(11cases), emphysema(5cases), pleural effusion(27cases) and sinusitis(13cases) and extrapulmonary manifestations were hepatitis(109cases), skin rash(29cases), proteinuria(20cases) and hematuria(16cases). cold agglutinin test was carried out in 500cases and mycoplasma antibody test was carried out in 448cases. sensitivity of mycoplasma antibody test was 53.3%. Conclusion : Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia showed epidemics at intervals of 3 year in its major occurrence. it exhibits a tendency that occurs at younger age group not in school age group. diagnosis of the disease need more accurate method due to low sensitivity of mycoplasma antibody test. also we need to carried out other laboratory test(for example, LFT, U/A).