• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.314-325
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• 2010

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pet dog-assisted activities on self-esteem, depression and cognitive function of elderly people Method: The experimental group(pet dog-assisted group) consisted of 22 people over 65 years old out of about 90 elderly people registered with a home for the aged and the control group(non-pet dog assisted group) consisted of 22 people over 65 years old out of about 90 elderly people registered with another home for the aged in Daegu. Both groups had similar general characteristics, state of health, conduct on health and self-esteem, depression and cognitive abilities. Nineteen people who participated in the program at least 10 times out of 12, were chosen for the final analysis from the experimental group. For the control group, 20 people who responded to all three tests, which had been conducted before, 1 week after, and four week after the experiment, were analyzed. Result: Mean(${\pm}SD$) differences between before and 1 week after the experiment for self-esteem, depression, and cognitive function were 5.84(${\pm}3.06$), -3.26(${\pm}1.76$), 1.47(${\pm}1.26$), respectively. Those between before the experiment and 4 weeks after the experiment was 5.68(${\pm}3.64$), -3.94(${\pm}2.32$), 1.63(${\pm}0.96$), respectively. Those for control group between before and after the experiment were -0.40(${\pm}1.27$), 0.00(${\pm}0.92$), 0.15(${\pm}0.93$), respectively. Those for control group between before and 4 weeks after the experiment were -0.45(${\pm}2.24$), 0.25(${\pm}1.68$), 0.15(${\pm}0.93$), respectively. All the differences between experiment and control group in mean differences between before and 1 week after experiment, between before and 4 weeks after experiment were statistically significant(p<0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that the pet-assisted activities can be useful solution for elderly people who have psychological and emotional problems caused by retrogression of physical, mental and social ability.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.99-114
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• 2024

Objective : This study aimed to develop an information and communication technology (ICT)-based, non-face-to-face lifestyle program for older adults and assess its applicability. Methods : The program was developed on the basis of the ADDIE model which comprises 5 stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. In this study, a step-by-step identification was performed in 8 stages. Results : The results of the program analysis showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms and loneliness scores, and an increased quality of life scores. Conclusion : The findings suggest that the ICT-based non-face-to-face lifestyle program developed in this study can motivate older adults to better understand their lifestyles for successful aging, while helping senior citizen centers resume stagnant projects.

• Proceedings of The Korean Society of Health Promotion Conference
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• 2005.09a
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• pp.121-149
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• 2005

미국 캘리포니아 주의 건강문제로는 흡연, HIV/AIDS, 천식, 정신질환, 아동비만, 유방암, API, 건강한 생활양식 형성, 인종간의 건강격차 등을 들 수 있다. 이러한 건강문제를 해결하기 위해 캘리포니아주에서 진행되는 지역사회 중재전략은 지역사회 단체와의 협력이라는 특성을 지니고 있으며, 도시지역의 노인이나 다양한 인종들을 대상으로 하는 프로그램들의 경우는 교회를 통한 접근방법이 빈번하게 활용된다. 중재 프로그램들은 지역사회 조직모형과 역량강화의 개념을 활용하며, 문화적으로 다른 배경을 가진 인구집단을 대상으로는 이들의 요구에 맞는 프로그램을 진행하는 형태로 기존의 프로그램을 채택하는 것이 아닌 이들의 다양한 요구에 맞도록 수정된 프로그램을 제공하고 있다. 개인 간 의사소통을 활용하여 사회적 관계망의 활성화를 도모하며, 일반인이 건강지도자가 되는 교육모형도 활용하고 있다. 한국교민사회 자문위원회(Korean Community Advisory Board, KCAB)는 CDCPRC(CFCH)의 기금으로 진행되는 연구 프로젝트를 수행할 목적으로 1993년 설립되었다. 장기적인 지역사회 건강증진을 위하여 전문가와 일반인 지도자들이 지역사회에서 협력하는 방법을 활용하며 요구도 진단, 수행 평가, 건강옹호와 같은 다양한 사업을 진행한다. 회원들은 핵심 회원과 일반회원으로 구분되고 이들은 사업의 수행과 관련된 의사결정에 도움을 주게 된다. 한국교민사회 자문위원회가 수행한 프로그램은 'Health is Strength', 'Virtual Village Program'이 있으며, 현재는 'Quitting is Winning'이라는 미국거주 한국 남성을 대상으로 하는 인터넷 금연 프로그램을 수행하고 있다. 또한 캘리포니아 주 거주 한국인의 건강상태에 대한 조사를 진행하고 그 결과를 보고하는 프로젝트를 진행하고 있다. 이들이 하는 주요 업무는 지역에서 발생되는 건강문제에 대한 우선순위를 파악할 수 있도록 하여 한국교민들의 건강요구를 파악하고 사업의 우선순위를 설정하는데 도움을 주고 있다. 센터에서 진행되는 한국교민 대상 연구나 사업에 가장 효과적일 수 있는 방법에 대한 지침이나 정보를 제공한다. 또한 문화적으로 민감한 사항이나 적절성 여부에 대한 확인을 하며 연구결과를 보고하고 확산하는데 도움을 주고 있다. 캘리포니아 주는 다양한 인종들이 거주하는 지역이다. 따라서 문화적 민감성이나 문화적 대응전략, 문화적 적절성은 건강증진사업을 수행할 경우에 매우 중요한 이슈가 된다. 또한 이들은 소수민족인 경우가 많아 언어장벽으로 인하여 의료서비스 이용에 제한을 받게 된다. 따라서 보건의료전문가들은 이러한 문화적 요소들을 능숙하게 다루는 기술이 필요한데, 이러한 기술이란 문화가 다른 사람들 간에는 갈등이 존재한다는 점을 인식하고, 건강관련 믿음과 건강행동에 영향을 미치는 사회문화적 요인들을 파악하고, 대안적 해결책을 제시하며, 결과를 평가할 수 있는 능력을 의미한다. 이러한 영역에서 health care interpreter는 소수인종의 보건의료 서비스의 원활한 이용을 위하여 매우 활발한 역할을 수행하고 있다.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.60-68
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• 2019

Objectives : The association between thyroid-related hormones and cognitive function has been controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare the levels of thyroid-related hormones in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between thyroid-related hormones and cognitive function. Methods : From January 2011 to December 2018, we retrospectively reviewed 105 patients who were diagnosed with AD and MCI by visiting a dementia clinic at Ilsan Paik Hospital. Thyroid-related hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)] was measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay. An independent sample t-test was performed to analyze the mean value of thyroid-related hormones in patients of AD and MCI. To investigate whether thyroid-related hormones correlate significantly with Global deterioration scale (GDS), Clinical dementia rating (CDR) and scores of each The Korean version of the consortium to establish a registry for Alzheimer's disease items, we conducted a partial correlation analysis with geriatric depression scale-Korean version (GDS-K) scores as covariates. Results : There was no significant difference in the mean serum T3, T4 and TSH levels between patients of the AD and the MCI, but the Construction Praxis Test (CPT) showed a significant positive correlation with the serum TSH concentration (p-value=0.004). Conclusions : In our study, the positive correlation between serum TSH level and the CPT associated with executive function was found to be helpful in understanding the association between thyroid-related hormones and the pathophysiology of dementia. Prospective studies in regard of the pathophysiology of thyroid-related hormones on cognitive function will be necessary in the future.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to find out cognitive function of the patients with subjective memory complaint. Material and Methods : From March 1st 2005 to May 31st 2009, 155 normal individuals without any medical illness who visited Yeungnam University Hospital to undergo medical checkup with neurocognitive test was enrolled, and checked by using Cognitive Assessment & Reference Diagnostic System. Results : 107 of the patients had normal cognitive function, 21 patients (about 15%) were diagnosed with dementia, and 10 patients (about 7%) were diagnosed with considerable psychiatric illness, such as depression, anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder. In amnesia, agnosia, aphasia, attention, calculation, dysexecution, Dementia group and Psychiatric illness group has worse score than Normal individuals group. But, in apraxia, Dementia group has worse score than Psychiatric illness group and Normal individual group. Conclusion : Because the patients with subjective memory complaint can be diagnosed as any psychiatric illness as well as dementia, sensitive screening test and early psychiatric approach is needed.

• Journal of the Health Care and Life Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.61-68
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• 2022

Korea's suicide rate is 23.0 people per 100,000 OECD standard population (as of 2017), the highest among OECD member countries, 2.1 times higher than the OECD average of 11.2. The suicide rate in Gangwon-do is the fourth highest in the country and the number of suicides is 507, with a suicide rate of 26.1 per 100,000 people. As basic data for reducing the suicide rate in Gangwon-do, the National Statistical Office, National Health Statistics, Community Health Survey, Health Insurance Corporation DB, Mental Health Case Management System (MHIS), and previous studies were analyzed in relation to suicide. Based on this, it is intended to provide basic data for reducing the suicide rate in Gangwon-do and to provide basic data for the design and use of an effective social intervention model.

• 한국노년학
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.1179-1200
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• 2008

Knowledge about somatization (somatic manifestation of psychological distress symptoms) among immigrant populations is limited. While several studies have recognized somatization as a culturally distinctive expression of depression amongst older Korean immigrant population, somatization has not been incorporated into the comprehensive empirical model for depression of this population. In order to improve our general understanding of the phenomenon, the objective of this study is to empirically investigate principal contributing factors of somatization as well as inter-relationships among them. Data were collected from a cross-sectional community survey of 234 older Korean immigrants ($$age{\geq_-}55$$) in the New York metropolitan area. The statistical methodology employed a robust hierarchical regression procedure that iteratively downweights outliers. The results indicated that living arrangement, greater numbers of physical illnesses, and depression were significant explanatory factors of somatization. Furthermore, physical illness had a significant joint effect with perception of health on somatization, which confirms that positive perception of health exerts a moderating effect on the relationship between physical illness and somatization. The knowledge obtained from this study will contribute toward extending our knowledge on somatization and implementing more culturally sensitive mental health services for this population.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.474-484
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• 2016

This study was performed to identify the effects of the improvement of brain function by CST on the elderly with the 2nd or 3rd grade of long-term care insurance service. A quasi-experimental design using a nonequivalent control group, pre-post test was used. A total of 12 elders (6 in the experimental group and 6 in the control group) were recruited. Upledger CST(10-Step Protocol) was performed on each subject for 50 minutes per session, once a week, for a total of 8 treatments over an 8 week period from Jan to Feb 2015. The brain function quotient was measured before the 1st CST and after the last CST by portable EEG measurement device using a 2 Channel neuro-feedback system. The data was analyzed by SPSS (Ver. 18.0) program. After CST intervention, the attention quotient (AQ), level of tension, anti-stress quotient (ASQ), emotion quotient (EQ) and brain quotient (BQ) of the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group. These results showed that the CST was effective in reducing the level of fatigue by the AQ, increasing the physical and psychological stress relief by the ASQ, emotional balance by the EQ, and improving the total brain function by the BQ. Therefore, CST can be used as an effective intervention for improving the health and brain function of the elderly in health facilities.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.111-119
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• 2018

This study was conducted to evaluate the converge effects of the Be Happy and Strong (BeHaS) exercise program on female elders living alone, using a nonequivalent control-group pretest-posttest design. The BeHaS exercise program was conducted twice each week for 4 weeks (total 8 sessions). The outcome measures included pain, shoulder flexibility, grip strength, depression, and suicidal ideation. Independent t-test, Chi-squre test, paired t-tests and ANCOVA were used for the statistical data analysis. A statistically significant improvement emerged in pain (t=4.044, p=.000) and right and left shoulder flexibility (t=2.192, p=.038 and t=2.568, p=.016) 4 weeks later. In a group comparison, a statistically significant difference arose in changed scores of suicidal ideation (F=7.32, p=.010) between groups. The BeHaS exercise program may effectively improve the physical and psychological health of female elders living alone.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.479-489
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• 2014

Objectives: This study intended to determine significant factors that influence the health-related quality of life ("HRQoL"; EuroQol 5 Dimension health-related quality of life (EQ_5D) & EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ_VAS)) of the elderly in Korea. Methods: This study was based on 3,903 subjects aged 65 years or more who participated in the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V), 2010~2012. The HRQoL was analyzed by various factors (general characteristics, health habits, mental health, chronic diseases, nutrient intakes). SPSS statistics for complex samples (Windows ver. 21.0) was used. Results: The HRQoL was higher in the males, those with higher educational level or higher income level while it was lower in those belong to single households. In particular, the EQ_5D was significantly higher in the group who reported walking practice, moderate physical activity (male), and the group who reported no vigorous physical activity (female). The EQ_VAS was significantly higher in the group who reported walking practice. Both EQ_5D and EQ_VAS were significantly lower in the group with stress, melancholy, suicidal thinking, and osteoarthritis. EQ_5D was significantly lower in the group with < 75% Estimated Energy Requirements (EER) in energy intake, and with < Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) in iron or niacin intake. A stepwise regression analysis revealed that i) higher educational level (male), and good self-rated health status significantly increased the EQ_5D, ii) age, alcohol intake (male), melancholy (female), suicidal thinking, osteoarthritis, and niacin intake deficiency (male) significantly decreased the EQ_5D, iii) higher income level (male) and good self-rated health status significantly increased the EQ_VAS, and iv) age (male), stress, suicidal thinking (female) and osteoarthritis significantly decreased the EQ_VAS. Conclusions: This study suggested that general characteristics, mental health, osteoarthritis, and niacin intake were associated with the HRQoL. Prospective research of long-term control is needed to establish the causal relationship between factors and the HRQoL.