• 한국노년학
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.73-93
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• 2005

This study explores the determinants of economic status and well-being among elderly Koreans. Particular emphasis is paid to the role of intergenerational support in these processes because institutional responses to an aging population in Korea are currently inadequate. Path model results indicate that status maintenance variables have significant effects on economic status and well-being as measured by comprehensive income. Further, inequality in comprehensive income - as measured by the Gini and Theil's indices - is substantial and increases in successive age groups. However, market-based and family-based income, two components of comprehensive income, show different patterns. Inequality in market-based income is apparently increasing, while inequality in family-based income is decreasing gradually in successive age groups. With respect to the role of intergenerational support, results indicate that family-income-focused persons possess highly vulnerable sociodemographic characteristics, and that for the socially disadvantaged elderly Koreans, intergenerational support plays a crucial role in the later stages of life. This study also discusses the implications of these findings for the transition from latency to manifestation of intergenerational support in Korea.

• Design Convergence Study
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.143-164
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• 2014

In this study, we suggest a tablet-PC based application as an instrument for self-examination of dementia and aim to evaluate its usability for the practical use. The tool for the self-diagnosis of dementia is testing a person's sentence comprehension, which is investigated by the accuracy of a sentence-picture matching task, and the result of the test can differentiate individuals with dementia of Alzheimer's type from normal aging population. According to its use for diagnosis of dementia, we developed a new version of sentence-picture matching task by a cooperative study with NABLE(Neurogenic communication And Brain Lab at Ewha) and applied to the application as a main function. Targeting the New Silver who are preliminary aged people in Korea, this application can provide them with three values: 'self-', 'easy', and 'simple'. When using this application, users can gain these values by an instruction manual with the recorded guide voice, easy-to-use functions and the simplified menu structure of it. After prototyping, we conducted the usability test and it was proved as a result that the New Silver users can easily operate the application by themselves.

• Journal of the Korea Knowledge Information Technology Society
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.305-317
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• 2018

This study is about the elderly people's use and experience of Virtual Reality (VR) in order to enhance their quality of life. Leisure is main activity of the elderly. As a result, the quality and diversity of leisure affects the quality of the elderly people's life. VR services including video contents could provide them with advanced and interesting experiences. Across the world, population aging becomes one of the most important problems in each society. The social and economic burden of aging is serious challenge to sustainability welfare of the world, including S. Korea. The authors used virtual reality devices to conduct experiments on 99 aged 50 to 90 (men's average age : 75 and women's average age : 70.8). Through the survey, major variants were measured such as system quality, present sense, enjoyment, intent to reuse, and awareness of advanced technology. Multiple regression analyses with the presence as a dependent variable resulted in a sense of closeness (t = 5.381, p <. 01) and a sense of clarity (t = 4.494, p <. 01). The presence of an independent variant had significant effects on pleasure (t = 4.312, p <. 01) and significant effects on the intent to reuse (t = 3.323,).Therefore, it can be interpreted that the higher the sense of existence, the more pleasure and the intent to reuse it. As a result, the possibility of using VR devices and content to enjoy leisure activities can be found in this study even if the elderly group is unfamiliar with IT devices.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.86 no.4
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• pp.284-293
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• 2023

Background: Attitudes towards smoking, lung cancer screening, and perceived risk of lung cancer have not been widely studied in Malaysia. The primary objective of this study was to describe the factors affecting the willingness of high-risk current smokers and ex-smokers to undergo low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in current smokers or ex-smokers aged between 55 and 80 years at three hospitals in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. The questionnaire recorded the following parameters: perceived lung cancer risk; Prostate Lung Colon Ovarian Cancer 2012 risk prediction model excluding race and ethnicity predictor (PLCO_m2012norace); demographic characteristics; psychosocial characteristics; and attitudes towards lung cancer and lung cancer screening. Results: A vast majority of the 95 respondents (94.7%) indicated their willingness to undergo screening. Stigma of lung cancer, low levels of knowledge about lung cancer symptoms, concerns about financial constraints, and a preference for traditional medication were still prevalent among the respondents, and they may represent potential barriers to lung cancer screening uptake. A desire to have an early diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 11.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53 to 84.05; p=0.02), perceived time constraints (OR, 3.94; 95% CI, 1.32 to 11.73; p=0.01), and proximity of LDCT screening facilities (OR, 14.33; 95% CI, 1.84 to 111.4; p=0.01) had significantly higher odds of willingness to undergo screening. Conclusion: Although high-risk current smokers and ex-smokers are likely to undergo screening for lung cancer, several psychosocial barriers persist. The results of this study may guide the policymakers and clinicians regarding the need to improve lung cancer awareness in our population.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.69-87
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• 2024

This study investigated whether joint attention response behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) change in response to musical cues and reinforcing stimulus, and compared them with neurotypically developing (NT) children. The participants included 13 children with ASD and 14 NT children aged between 3 to 5 years. The study established six task conditions, involving cues (verbal vs. musical) for responding to joint attention (RJA) behaviors and reinforcing stimulus (verbal vs. sound vs. musical) for social referencing behaviors. These tasks were presented 12 times with two repetitions each. The results of the study showed that providing musical cues during the RJA phase increased levels of RJA in children with ASD, consistent with prior studies. Subsequently, musical reinforcing stimuli increased the frequency of social referencing behaviors in these children. This indicates that musical stimuli can extend beyond mere sensory cues, helping individuals to understand and respond to social and emotional cues from others. Moreover, these musical stimuli could serve as effective social reinforcement factors for this population.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.17-28
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• 2024

Background & Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between subjective health perception and health behaviors among adolescents, utilizing raw data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2021) while distinguishing between genders. Methods: The study employed data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2020), recruiting students from 1st to 3rd grades in middle and high schools nationwide. Through population stratification, sample distribution, and sampling stages, a final sample of 1,065 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years was selected. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) at a significance level of .05. Results: Regarding the general characteristics of the subjects, no statistically significant differences were observed among male students based on school, family structure, and income. However, among female students, a significant difference in subjective health perception was noted, with higher perception among high school students compared to middle school students (p=.001). Significant differences in health behaviors were identified based on family structure for male adolescents, where those living with both parents exhibited more health-promoting behaviors than single-parent adolescents (p=.011). However, no significant difference was observed among female adolescents. In terms of health behaviors related to gender, regular exercise was found to significantly impact subjective health perception in male adolescents (p=.013), while breakfast habits were identified as significant influencers for female adolescents (p<.001). Conclusions: This study revealed gender differences in subjective health perception and health behaviors among adolescents. Based on these findings, there is a perceived need for the development of health promotion programs tailored to the unique needs of male and female adolescents.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2024

Background and Purpose: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive decline in cognition and performance of daily activities. Recent studies have attempted to establish the relationship between AD and sleep. It is believed that patients with AD pathology show altered sleep characteristics years before clinical symptoms appear. This study evaluated the differences in sleep characteristics between cognitively asymptomatic patients with and without some amyloid burden. Methods: Sleep characteristics of 76 subjects aged 60 years or older who were diagnosed with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) but not mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD were measured using Fitbit^® Alta HR, a wristwatch-shaped wearable device. Amyloid deposition was evaluated using brain amyloid plaque load (BAPL) and global standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) from fluorine-18 florbetaben positron emission tomography. Each component of measured sleep characteristics was analyzed for statistically significant differences between the amyloid-positive group and the amyloid-negative group. Results: Of the 76 subjects included in this study, 49 (64.5%) were female. The average age of the subjects was 70.72±6.09 years when the study started. 15 subjects were classified as amyloid-positive based on BAPL. The average global SUVR was 1.598±0.263 in the amyloid-positive group and 1.187±0.100 in the amyloid-negative group. Time spent in slow-wave sleep (SWS) was significantly lower in the amyloid-positive group (39.4±13.1 minutes) than in the amyloid-negative group (49.5±13.1 minutes) (p=0.009). Conclusions: This study showed that SWS is different between the elderly SCD population with and without amyloid positivity. How SWS affects AD pathology requires further research.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.30-43
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• 2024

Background and Purpose: The SoUth Korea study to PrEvent cognitive impaiRment and protect BRAIN health through lifestyle intervention (SUPERBRAIN) proved the feasibility of multidomain intervention for elderly people. One-quarter of the Korean population over 65 years of age has mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Digital health interventions may be cost-effective and have fewer spatial constraints. We aim to examine the efficacy of a multidomain intervention through both face-to-face interactions and video communication platforms using a tablet personal computer (PC) application in MCI. Methods: Three hundred participants aged 60-85 years, with MCI and at least one modifiable dementia risk factor, will be recruited from 17 centers and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the multidomain intervention and the waiting-list control groups. Participants will receive the 24-week intervention through the tablet PC SUPERBRAIN application, which encompasses the following five elements: managing metabolic and vascular risk factors, cognitive training, physical exercise, nutritional guidance, and boosting motivation. Participants will attend the interventions at a facility every 1-2 weeks. They will also engage in one or two self-administered cognitive training sessions utilizing the tablet PC application at home each week. They will participate in twice or thrice weekly online exercise sessions at home via the ZOOM platform. The primary outcome will be the change in the total scale index score of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status from baseline to study end. Conclusions: This study will inform the effectiveness of a comprehensive multidomain intervention utilizing digital technologies in MCI.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.34
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• pp.30.1-30.13
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• 2022

Background: Although working hours have decreased in Korea, they are still high compared to that of other countries. In Korea, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) related to overwork in Korea continually occur, and the social burden from overwork is estimated to be high. This study investigated the amendment of regulations affecting the approval rate of occupational CCVDs. Methods: The change in approval rate of occupational CCVDs and related regulations were investigated using the Act and public notice on the standards for recognition of occupational CCVDs and the yearbooks of the Ministry of Employment and Labor. The CCVD mortality was estimated using data on the number of deaths according to the cause of death, the number of employed people, and resident registration population aged 15-64 years. The cumulative mortality of CCVDs was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Since the establishment of the standards for recognition in Korea in 1982, the scope of occupational diseases has been expanded to include intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, and aortic dissection. In 2013, the concept of working hours was introduced in chronic overwork. The approval rate of occupational CCVDs was 44.7% in 2006, which decreased to 12.9% in 2011. After the improvement of related regulations, the approval rate increased to 41.3% in 2018. From 2000 to 2017, the CCVD mortality of both the unemployed and employed tended to decrease, and their cumulative CCVD mortalities were 549.3 and 319.7 per 100,000 people, respectively. Conclusions: CCVDs are recognized as occupational diseases in Korea. The amendments to the standards for recognition, the introduction of the Occupational Disease Adjudication Committee, the principle of presumption, and the reduction of working hours have changed the approval rate of occupational CCVDs. A strategic approach is needed to further reduce the incidence of CCVDs.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.161-169
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• 1999

Purpose : The urinary mass screening program for the detection of proteinuria in school aged population has been performed in Seoul since 1981. Systematic evaluation in corporation with the Seoul School Health Center for students with proteinuria identified in the mass screening has been performed from 1987. The results of urinary mass screening up to 1994 was reported. I report here the results of urinary mass screening from 1995 to 1997 and compare them with previous results and attempt to reveal the significance of urinary mass screening. Objects and Methods : In the 3-year period between 1995 and 1997, annually about 460,000 students comprising 3 different age groups; 5th grade of elementary school, 2nd grade of middle school and 2nd grade of high school were chosen, corresponding to the approximate ages of 11, 14, and 17 years, respectively. These subjects accounted for 26% of total school aged children in Seoul. The screening program was carried out in 3 steps. The 1st test was performed with dipstick at school and the 2nd at the Seoul School Health Center. Those students who showed proteinuria in the 1st and 2nd tests were referred to the hospital. Laboratory examinations including renal biopsies were performed to those students with pathologic proteinuria to clarify the incipient renal diseases. Results : 1) The prevalence of asymptomatic proteinuria was 0.28% in the 1st test. It peaked at the group of 14 years old as 0.34%, compared with 0.26% at the group of 11 years old and 0.24% at the group of 17 years old. It reached to 0.26% in male and 0.30% in female. 2) 25 percent of those having proteinuria at the first test were positive at the second test. 3) The proportion of patients with proteinuria by 3rd test were as follows; 25% of transient proteinuria, 55% of orthostatic proteinuria, 6% of constant proteinuria, 12% of proteinuria with hematuria, and 2% of transient proteinuria with isolated hematuria. Pathologic proteinuria were totaled as 20%. The prevalence of renal diseases among the age group of 7-18 years old was estimated to be 1.4 per 10,000. 4) Renal biopsy performed on 38 children with proteinuria at the third test revealed IgA nephropathy in 17(44%), focal segmental glomerusclerosis in 5(13%), minimal change disease in 4(11%), membranoproliferative glomeronephritis in 3(8%), $Henoch-Sch\"{o}nlein$ purpura nephritis in 3(8%), and others in 6(16%). Therefore, the prevalence of IgA nephropathy among the age group of 7-18 years old was estimated to be 0.64 per 10,000. 5) The prevalence of chronic renal failure was estimated to be 5.7 per 1 million of 7 to 18 years age group. Conclusions : 1) The prevalence of proteinuria in the first screening test was 0.28% and finally only 5% of them showed the pathologic proteinuria at the third test. 2) The prevalence of IgA nephropathy and chronic renal failure were 0.63 per 10,000 and 5.7 per 1 million, respectively among school-aged children in Seoul.