• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.9-20
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• 2006

Objectives: This study was aimed at investigating the ratio of medical aid over health insurance of age adjusted mortality rate of tuberculosis and related factors. And we want to compare the ratio of medical aid over health insurance of age adjusted mortality rate of tuberculosis and related factors among the provinces. Methods: In order to compare, the data was referred to National health insurance center for affirming the insurance type of the dead. And age adjusted mortality rate of tuberculosis of each insurance type was analyzed by whole country and the provinces. Related factors of the provinces were gathered from public statistic books. We analysed correlation study between the ratio of medical aid over health insurance of age adjusted mortality rate of tuberculosis and related factors among the provinces. Results: Major findings were as follows 1. The ratio of medical aid over health insurance of age adjusted mortality rate of tuberculosis was 5.6. And the ratio was relatively high at 40-60 ages. 2. The ratio of medical aid over health insurance of age adjusted mortality rate of tuberculosis by the province was varying. And the factors that were financial independence, crowdedness, percent of people on medical aid, population size served by each public health center, number of hospital by a million peoples have correlated with increment of the ratio. Conclusions: As a consequence of tuberculosis control, the ratio was high. Thus this finding suggests that medical utilization and preventive behavior, environment of tuberculosis patient are under handicapped condition. Especially large cities like metropolitan area who have high financial independence, high population density, high percentage of medical aid peoples have high ratio of medical aid over health insurance of age adjusted mortality rate of tuberculosis. There is need for additional and systematic research on the attitude or tendency toward medical services(inc1uding preventive services) utilization of medical aid tuberculosis patients.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.179-198
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• 2021

Purpose: This study examined general characteristics, health status, accessibility to medical services, health-related quality of life, dietary behavior, and energy and nutrient intakes of the elderly at different levels of food security utilizing data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018). Methods: The elderly subjects (1,721 males and 2,271 females) were divided into 3 groups (secure, mildly insecure, moderately/severely insecure) according to their food security levels. Health and nutrient status was determined using energy intake, nutrient density, the prevalence of insufficient nutrient intake, dietary behavior, and health status. Results: The elderly with food insecurities had a lower self-evaluated health status and a higher prevalence of physician-diagnosed chronic diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis for males, and hypertension, stroke, arthritis, and osteoarthritis for females. The associated financial burden was the major reason for not accessing medical services in the food insecure group. Furthermore, the food insecure group had a higher risk of impaired health-related quality of life compared to the secure group. The proportion of subjects with an energy intake below the estimated energy requirement was higher in the food insecure group and a significantly higher prevalence of insufficient intake was observed for all the nutrients (proteins, vitamin A, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, niacin, vitamin C, calcium, and iron) assessed in this study compared to the food secure group. Conclusion: This study suggests that food insecurity poses a challenge to the health and nutritional status of the elderly population in Korea and needs proper management. It would be helpful to develop food and nutrition assistance programs to ensure the food stability of the elderly population and assure quality to address gaps in their nutrient intake.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.439-445
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• 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the status of oral health behavior according to economic inequality in Korea. Raw data for the 3rd year (2015) of the 6th national health and nutrition survey were analyzed. Among surveyed individuals, adults over the age of 19 were designated as research subjects. The results indicated that a smaller 'house income' was associated with a higher supply and demand experience for basic living and a higher DMFT. Additionally, a higher DMFT was associated with a lower 'house income', lower 'education level', and the 'experience of basic living security received'. Oral health behavior inequality was caused by economic inequality. Overall, these results indicate that it is necessary for the oral health service of vulnerable groups to strengthen preventive activities through comprehensive arbitration policies regarding the social decision factors of public health projects.

• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.405-421
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• 2019

International aid to North Korea remains far below the humanitarian needs of vulnerable people. This paper examines the trajectory of international humanitarian assistance to North Korea over the last two decades with the focus on its decline in the context of the country's nuclear standoff and corresponding stringent sanctions. In so doing, the paper addresses major problems associated with North Korea's reception of foreign aid and operational constraints placed on humanitarian activities in the country. It shows that humanitarian assistance to North Korea has been largely shaped by geopolitical dynamics. A survey of UN reports and statistics also suggests a shifting trend in recent international aid to North Korea. The decline of aid and multiple operational obstacles faced by humanitarian organizations, for instance, have led to a fall in agricultural support and a proportional rise in health and related services. While UN Security Council resolutions include an exemption provision, humanitarian assistance to North Korea has been constrained by stringent sanctions, which have led to adverse consequences for the civilian population. In this regard, the paper suggests some policy directions for international aid to North Korea amidst negotiations over denuclearization, while stressing an urgent need to address the negative impact of sanctions on vulnerable groups in the country.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.581-588
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• 2017

This study was conducted to determine which factors would predict metabolic syndrome (MetS) perception and exercise by applying a machine learning classifier, or Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm (XGBoost) from July 2014 to December 2015. Data were obtained from the Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS), representing different community-dwelling Korean adults 19 years and older, from 2009 to 2013. The dataset includes 370,430 adults. Outcomes were categorized as follows based on the perception of MetS and physical activity (PA): Stage 1 (no perception, no PA), Stage 2 (perception, no PA), and Stage 3 (perception, PA). Features common to all questionnaires for the last 5 years were selected for modeling. Overall, there were 161 features, categorical except for age and the visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS). We used the Extreme Boosting algorithm in R programming for a model to predict factors and achieved prediction accuracy in 0.735 submissions. The top 10 predictive factors in Stage 3 were: age, education level, attempt to control weight, EQ mobility, nutrition label checks, private health insurance, EQ-5D usual activities, anti-smoking advertising, EQ-VAS, education in health centers for diabetes, and dental care. In conclusion, the results showed that XGBoost can be used to identify factors influencing disease prevention and management using healthcare bigdata.

• 재활복지
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.17-43
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• 2016

This study is on understanding the reality of disabled seniors and investigation of factors that affect overall life satisfaction, making a proposal to improve their life quality. Situation data for the disabled, gathered by Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA) in 2014, was used to perform the study, and the target group is 3,181 people with disability, above the age of 65. Descriptive statistics was presented for data analysis and logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate factors that affect life satisfaction. It was concluded from the analysis that gender, age, presence of spouse (demographic factors), house income, possession of house, presence of pensioner, registration to public pension plan, social discrimination (social-economical factors), level of disability, subjective health status, level of help needed for daily living, presence of care-giver, sufficiency of help, ability to go out by oneself, difficulty of using public transportations, and presence of medical checkups (disability and health factors.) make meaningful effects to life satisfaction of disabled seniors. Based on the derived results, this study suggests intensive interests and care-giving service for disabled seniors that live alone, institutional complementations to guarantee income security, including public or private pensions, improvements to social recognition and environments for discrimination of the disabled, organization of health and medical treatment service and health care system, comprehensive service provision to social welfare for both the disabled and seniors, and comprehensive service provision to both health care and social welfare.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.115-140
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• 2024

Objectives: This study investigates the impact of M&L psychotherapy on an adolescent with anxiety disorders transitioning into adulthood, using a retrospective mixed-method approach. Methods: An adolescent with Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5-diagnosed anxiety disorders underwent combined treatment with M&L psychotherapy and complex Korean medicine therapy over a period of approximately two years. Patient records tracked the diagnosis, treatments, and progress. In-depth interviews were also conducted. The study used a convergent parallel mixed-method approach, integrating quantitative analysis from psychological assessments, including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-X), the Core Seven Emotions Inventory-short form (CSEI-s), and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), with qualitative analyses of traditional Korean medicine counseling session notes, interviews, and other qualitative psychological assessments. Results: State anxiety decreased from 40 to 36, and trait anxiety decreased from 42 to 34. MMPI-2 L scale scores decreased slightly to 64T, whereas S scale scores increased to 62T, and FRS scores decreased to 70T from an initial score of 78T. Qualitative analysis revealed an increase in the MMPI-2 Es scale, identified as "subjectivity." Joy (喜) emerged as the highest emotional profile score in the CSEI-S. Scores for anger (怒), thought (思), fear (恐), and fright (驚) decreased, indicating improved negative emotions. Qualitatively, expressions of determination to "move forward" and "strengthen the mind" were noted, suggesting enhanced "lower danjeon (下丹田)." Conclusions: Integrating traditional Korean medicine treatment with M&L psychotherapy for a vulnerable adolescent with anxiety disorders demonstrated efficacy. Further research is warranted to substantiate the effectiveness of M&L psychotherapy and advocate for its wider adoption in mainstream practice.

• 대한예방의학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2002.07b
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• pp.3-17
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• 2002

국민건강은 국가발전의 기본조건이다. 국민건강은 건강한 어린이의 출산에서 비롯되고, 건강한 어린이의 출산을 위하여 여성이 건강해야 한다 따라서 여성과 어린이 건강보호와 증진을 위한 모자보건사업은 국가보건사업 중 최우선 사업으로 추진되어야 한다. 우리나라의 모자보건사업은 1960대부터 보건소를 통하여 가족계획, 산전관리, 안전분만유도, 예방접종을 중심으로 하였다. 1980년대에 들어와 전국민의료보험의 실현과 국민생활수준의 향상 등으로 산전관리 수진율과 시설분만율이 급격히 증가하여 1990년대 후반에는 거의 100%에 도달하였고, 가족계획실천율도 1991년에 79.4%까지 증가하여 합계출산율이 1.6으로 감소하였고, 어린이 기본예방접종률도 90%이상이 되어 전염병 발생률이 현저히 감소하였다. 전통적인 모자보건사업 관련 지표들이 이렇게 향상되자 일선 보건요원에서부터 중앙정부의 정책결정권자에 이러기까지 모자보건사업에 대한 관심도가 떨어져 중앙부처의 모자보건업무 담당 부서도 축소되고, 모자보건 사업도 쇠퇴하였다. 그러나 어린이와 여성의 건강실태를 자세히 들여다보면 심각한 문제들이 대두되고 있다. 시설 분만율의 증가에 따라 제왕절개분만율이 40%대까지 급증하였고, 모유수유률은 10%대로 떨어졌다. 어린이의 체격은 커지고 있으나 체력은 떨어지고, 비만한 어린이가 급증하여 당뇨병과 같은 성인병 유병률이 어린이들에게 증가하고, 사고에 의한 어린이 사망과 장애가 늘고 있다. 또한 청소년들의 흡연율과 음주률이 증가하고, 성적 성숙이 빨라지고 사회의 개방풍조로 성(性)활동 연령이 낮아지고 성활동이 증가하여 혼전임신과 성폭력이 증가하고 있다. 여성들은 일찍 단산하고, 폐경 연령은 높아지고, 평균수명은 길어져 중년기와 장년기 그리고 노년기가 길어져 각종 만성질환에 이환될 기회가 늘어났다. 이러한 시기의 중요 건강문제들은 뇌혈관질환, 폐암, 유방암, 골다공증, 뇨실금 등과 같이 해결하기 어려운 것들이다. 이렇게 어린이와 여성들에게 새로운 건강문제들이 대두되고 있으나 이에 대한 대응정책이 없었고, 따라서 새로운 모자보건사업이 개발되지 않았으며 일선 보건요원의 훈련도 없었다. 그리고 이러한 건강실태를 파악하여 대책을 마련하고, 보건사업을 평가할 수 있는 보건정보체계가 없는 실정이다. 1990년대 중반에 소수의 학자들이 어린이와 여성건강문제의 심각성을 제기하고, 모자보건사업 활성화의 필요성을 주장하여 보건복지부가 '모자보건선도보건사업'이라는 이름으로 1999년부터 2001년까지 3년간 23개 보건소에서 시범사업을 시행하였다. 이 시범사업에서는 한정된 자원으로 여성과 어린이 보건문제를 효과적으로 해결하기 위해 새로운 보건사업의 개발과 효율적으로 수행하는 방법의 개발에 역점을 두어 많은 성과를 거두었다. 시범사업의 경험을 바탕으로 2002년에는 전국의 45개 보건소로 확대해나가고 있다. 모자보건선도보건사업에서는 임산부가 대상이었던 기존의 모자보건사업과는 달리 신생아, 영유아, 학동기 어린이, 청소년, 그리고 신혼부부에서부터 장년기 여성에 이르기까지 사업대상을 확대하고 생애주기에 따라 지역사회 건강문제해결을 목표로 한 보건사업을 수행하도록 하였다. 사업수행 과정에서 보건소는 지역내 대학과 협력체계를 구축하여 기술적 지원을 받고, 보건요원의 교육 훈련을 통해 사업기획 능력과 전문지식과 기술을 향상시켰고, 보건교육에 필요한 시설과 장비를 구입하였고, 민간의료기관과 연계하여 보건서비스의 질을 향상시켰다. 모자보건 선도보건소에서 제공하는 서비스는 취약계층 중심의 보건교육, 상담 및 지도, 고위험대상자 조기발견 및 민간기관 의뢰 및 주구관리, 질병 조기발견을 위한 검진 의뢰, 지역 보건통계 생산과 관리, 그리고 지역내 가용자원 안내 등이며, 저소득층에 대해서는 민간의료기관에 의뢰 또는 검진비용을 지원하였다. 이와 같이 지역사회 민간기관과 협력체계를 구축함에 따라 대상자를 지속적으로 관리할 수 있는 정보를 공유하게 되었고, 건강증진 및 질병예방, 치료, 사후관리를 포함한 지속적이고 포괄적인 서비스를 제공할 수 있게 되었다. 특히 고위험 및 건강의심 대상, 임부와 장년기 여성에 대해서는 건강검진서비스를 과감히 민간기관에 의뢰, 위탁하친 보건소는 상담자, 정보관리자로서의 역할로 전환할 수 있었다. 그러나 사업관리자의 양적 평가에 대한 고정관념과 질적 평가에 대한 인식부족, 기본 생정통계와 정보체계의 미비로 인한 부정확한 통계생산, 사업요원의 전문지식과 기술 부족, 그리고 인력부족 등이 문제점으로 대두되었다. 효율적인 사업확산과 조기 정착을 위해 중앙정부의 일관성 있는 정책과 재정적 지원이 필수적이며, 보건정보체계확립, 그리고 공공보건기관과 민간의료기관간의 공식적인 협력체계확립이 필요하다. 사업추진 모니터링 및 평가, 조정을 위하여 중앙에 '모자보건 선도사업 기술지원단'을 구성하여 운영하고, 프로그램 운영이 잘되는 보건소를 특성화 보건소로 지원 육성하고, 사업요원의 업무 적정화를 위한 보건소 조직과 기존 보건사업체계의 평가와 재편이 필요하다. 보건사업요원의 자질 향상을 위한 지속적인 교육 훈련 시스템과 보건통계생산 관리를 위한 정보체계의 구축이 요구된다. 모자보건사업관련 보건교육자료를 수집하고 개발하여 전국 보건소에 공급하는 중앙 보건교육자료 및 정보센터가 필요하다.

• 한국노년학
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.569-592
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• 2018

This study purported to investigate the current state of human rights of older adults residing in rural areas of Korea. The study utilized, as an analytic framework, 4 priority directions (1. "older persons and development", 2. "rural area development", 3. "advancing health and well-being into old age", and 4. "ensuring enabling and supportive environments") with 13 task actions recommended by Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). Furthermore, the study examined gender differences in all items included in the analytic framework. Data was collected by the face-to-face survey on 800 subjects aged 65 and over. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA 13.0 program. The main results were summarized in order of 4 priority directions as follows. First, average working hours per day were 6.2, and men reportedly participated in economic activities and needed job training more than women, while women participated in lifelong education programs more than men. Awareness of fire and disaster prevention facilities was low in both genders. Second, accessibility to the support center for the elderly living alone as well as protective services for the vulnerable elderly was found to be low. IT-based services and networking were used more by men than women, and specifically, IT-based financial transactions and welfare services were least used. Third, medical check-ups and vaccinations were well received, while consistent treatments for chronic illnesses and long-term care services were relatively less given. In addition, accessibility to mental health service centers was considerably low. Fourth, although old house structures and the lack of convenience facilities were found to be circumstantial risk factors for these elders, experiences of receiving housing support services were scarce. The elderly were found to rely more on informal care, and concerns for their care were higher in women than men. Plus, accessibility to elderly abuse services was markedly low. Based on these results, discussed were implications for implementing policies and practical interventions to raise the levels of the human rights for this population.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.327-339
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• 2018

This study aimed to provide basic data for establishing the clinical basis for dental hygienist-led dental hygiene process of care by identifying multiple risk factors for self-support program participants in Gangneung city; we also compared oral health status and behavioral changes through customized oral health care. Four dental hygienists who were evaluated for degree of conformity provided dental hygiene process of care to eight self-support program participants who were selected as having an oral health risk among people in the self-support center. The clinical indicators measured during dental hygiene assessment and evaluation and behavioral changes due to dental hygiene intervention were compared and analyzed. With respect to clinical indicators, at the time of probe, the retention rate of patients with gingival bleeding decreased from 61.4% to 14.7% after intervention (p=0.004). Furthermore, the retention rate of patients with a periodontal pocket >4 mm decreased from 15.6% to 5.8% (p=0.001). The average modified O'Leary index of the patients improved from 23 to 40 (p=0.002). Previously, all eight subjects used the vertical or horizontal method of brushing; after dental hygiene care interventions regarding method and frequency of toothbrushing, use of oral care products, and individual interventions, they started using the rolling or Bass method of toothbrushing. Four of eight subjects reported using interdental toothbrushes after intervention. As a result of applying the change model to the transtheoretical behavior change of the subject, the result of strengthening the health behavior was confirmed. For promotion of oral health by the prevention-centered incremental oral health care system, dental hygienist-led dental hygiene management and maintenance is essential. It is thought that continuous research, such as for feasibility evaluation, cost benefit analysis, and preparation of legal systems, is needed to establish and activate dental hygiene management.