• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.389-397
• /
• 2018

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and related risk factors of problem drinking in the Korean adult population. Participants (n=7,867) aged 19 years or older were selected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [KNHANES] of 2007-2008. Sociodemographic characteristics and AUDIT score were obtained from the KNHANES dataset. AUDIT scores were categorized into three groups, including low risk, intermediate risk, and high-risk alcohol drinking according to WHO guidelines. In this study, the prevalence of high-risk and intermediate-risk alcohol drinking were 12.2% and 21.0%, respectively. Adjusted mean AUDIT score was higher in men, younger individuals, as well as those with lower education levels and those that smoked. Results revealed that demographic variables, including sex, age, education level, and smoking, were important factors affected high-risk drinking. In particular, since smoking was the most significant risk factor, the adjusted odds ratio for high-risk drinking among participants that smoked was 4.78 [(95% confidence interval (CI)=3.75-6.10, p<.0001)]. This study suggests that men, younger age, low educational level, and smoking are the risk factors for a high-risk alcohol drinking.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.72-78
• /
• 2018

Objectives The high suicide rate has risen as a main concern in South Korea. Given the complexity of the mechanism resulting in complete suicide, studies targeting various populations are needed for broader understanding of its risk factors. This study aims to analyze the factors affecting the suicidal tendency in the population of the elderly living alone in Seoul depending on basic elderly-care services. Methods A total number of 415 people participated in the study. Home-visit interviews were administered by trained interviewers. Suicidal tendency was measured by the Korean version of mini international neuropsychiatric interview (K-MINI). Health-related quality of life was measured by a brief version of the World Health Organization Quality-of-life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). Alcohol problem was assessed by the Korean version of the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT-K). Among total subjects of 415 interviewees, the actual responses of 408 people were used for the final analysis. Results The result showed that the suicide risk was high in persons isolated from social support [odds ratio (OR) = 4.49], having depression (OR = 14.85), and having low quality of life (OR = 4.39). Conclusions We found that social support, depression and health-related quality of life are associated with suicidal tendency in the elderly living alone on basic services. Our evidence will contribute to suicide prevention policy for the elderly living alone on care services.

• Anxiety and mood
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.86-92
• /
• 2012

Objective : This study investigated the relationship between the resilience and posttraumatic stress symptoms, as well as comorbid symptoms in firefighters. Methods : We collected 764 firefighters, who worked at six fire department stations in Gangwon-do. We investigated the impact of event scale-revised (IES-R), the life events checklists (LEC), Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC), Beck depression inventory (BDI), state trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT). Full PTSD groups, partial PTSD groups and non-PTSD groups, which were classified by IES-R scores, were compared in the LEC, CD-RISC, BDI, STAI and AUDIT, ; multiple linear regression analyses were done for independent predictors of variables. Results : Of the 764 firefighters, there were significant differences in LEC (p<0.001), CD-RISC (p<0.001), BDI (p<0.001), and AUDIT (p=0.001) among the full PTSD groups, partial PTSD groups and non-PTSD groups. However, STAI did not show significant difference among three groups. In multiple regression analysis, CD-RISC (${\beta}=-0.168$, p<0.001), LEC (${\beta}=0.211$, p<0.001) and AUDIT (${\beta}=0.115$, p=0.001) were significant predictors for IES-R. Conclusion : The results of the present study suggested that resilience might be a protective factor in PTSD and comorbid symptoms of PTSD.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.51 no.3
• /
• pp.265-279
• /
• 2021

Purpose: This study examined the impact of a drinking reduction program on drinking motivation, drinking refusal self-efficacy, and problematic drinking behaviors in college students with problematic drinking habits. Methods: This study incorporated a non-equivalent control group prepost-test design. Study participants included 58 college students who scored 12 or more in the AUDIT-K test (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Korean version) (experimental group: 30; control group: 28). The intervention consisted of eight sessions and was conducted once a week. It was designed to promote autonomy, competence, and relatedness-the three elements of basic psychological needs in self-determination theory. The participants were assessed before the intervention, immediately after, and four weeks post intervention. Data were collected from October 12 to December 31, 2017. The analysis employed the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS/WIN 22.0. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.8 years. There were 30 men (51.7%) and 28 women (48.3%). The differences in drinking motivation, drinking refusal self-efficacy, and problematic drinking behaviors were statistically significant for the group by time interaction (F = 42.56, p < .001; F = 54.96, p < .001; F = 39.90, p < .001, respectively). Conclusion: The findings indicate that the intervention effectively decreases drinking motivation, increases drinking refusal self-efficacy, and decreases problematic drinking behaviors. It can be an efficient strategy for college students with problematic drinking habits to enhance their self-determination ability.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.10-15
• /
• 2007

Probably the three most important components to a comprehensive evaluation of patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are the clinical interview, the medical examination, and the completion and scoring or behavior rating scales. Teachers and other school personnel are often the first to recognize that a child or adolescent might have ADHD, and often play an important role in the help-seeking/referral process. A diagnostic evaluation for ADHD should include questions about ADHD symptoms, other problems including alcohol and drug use, family history of ADHD, prior evaluation and treatment for ADHD. Screening interview or rating scales as well as interviews should be used. When it is feasible, clinicians may wish to supplement these components of the evaluation with objective assessments of the ADHD symptoms, such as psychological tests. These tests are not essential to reaching a diagnosis, however, or to treatment planning, but they may yield further information about the presence and severity of cognitive impairments that could be associated with some cases of ADHD. Screening for intellectual ability and academic achievement skills is also important in determining the presence of comorbid developmental delay or loaming disabilities. The number and type of symptoms required for a diagnosis of ADHD vary depending on the specific subtype. To receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the person must be experiencing significant distress or impairment in daily functioning, and must not meet criteria for other mental disorders which might better account for the observed symptoms such as mental retardation, autism or other pervasive developmental disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders. This report aims to suggest a practice guideline of assessment and diagnosis for children and adolescents with ADHD in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.78-88
• /
• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to construct a structural equation model (SEM) that would describe the binge drinking among Korean undergraduate students. Methods: Model construction was based on the theory of planned behavior and prototype/willingness model, using the variables; intention, attitude, descriptive norm, and prototype perception of binge drinking, alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT), and binge drinking behavior. The analysis of data was done with both SPSS 20.0 for descriptive statistics and AMOS 20.0 for SEM. Results: The binge drinking intention was found to have a significantly direct effect in influencing binge drinking behavior. In addition, attitude, descriptive norm, and prototype perception of binge drinking were found to have a significantly direct effect in influencing binge drinking intention. The final modified model yielded $x^2$=374.2 (p<.001), df=174, $x^2/df$=2.15, GFI=.87, AGFI=.82, NFI=.89, PNFI=.73 RMSEA=.07, and CFI=.94. Conclusion: This study constructed a model that addressed the factors related to binge drinking and described the relationship of these factors in influencing binge drinking among Korean undergraduate students. Findings from this study can contribute to designing appropriate prevention strategies to reduce problem related binge drinking in undergraduate students.

• Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine
• /
• v.5 no.4
• /
• pp.240-248
• /
• 2018

Objective Determine differences between faculty, residents, and nurses regarding night shift preparation, performance, recovery, and perception of emotional and physical health effects. Methods Survey study performed at an urban university medical center emergency department with an accredited residency program in emergency medicine. Results Forty-seven faculty, 37 residents, and 90 nurses completed the survey. There was no difference in use of physical sleep aids between groups, except nurses utilized blackout curtains more (69%) than residents (60%) and faculty (45%). Bedroom temperature preference was similar. The routine use of pharmacologic sleep aids differed: nurses and residents (both 38%) compared to faculty (13%). Residents routinely used melatonin more (79%) than did faculty (33%) and nurses (38%). Faculty preferred not to eat (45%), whereas residents (24%) preferred a full meal. The majority (>72%) in all groups drank coffee before their night shift and reported feeling tired despite their routine, with 4:00 a.m. as median nadir. Faculty reported a higher rate (41%) of falling asleep while driving compared to residents (14%) and nurses (32%), but the accident rate (3% to 6%) did not differ significantly. All had similar opinions regarding night shift-associated health effects. However, faculty reported lower level of satisfaction working night shifts, whereas nurses agreed less than the other groups regarding increased risk of drug and alcohol dependence. Conclusion Faculty, residents, and nurses shared many characteristics. Faculty tended to not use pharmacologic sleep aids, not eat before their shift, fall asleep at a higher rate while driving home, and enjoy night shift work less.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.219-224
• /
• 2019

Background: Korea has shown a rapid pace of aging and has become an aged society in a shorter period than Western countries. Therefore, it is important that middle-aged workers maintain their ability to work in the industrial field at the maximum level while maintaining their health. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors affecting work ability and to use this data to maintain the working ability of middle-aged workers in the future. Methods: From 2015 to 2017, we surveyed 371 street cleaners who visited a health center for health promotion in a metropolitan city. The relationship between the general characteristics of the survey subjects and the Work Ability Index (WAI) was confirmed by a univariate analysis. Statistically significant (p<0.2) factors were selected and a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted with WAI scores as a dependent variable. Results: Age, body mass index, body fat percentage, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Korea (AUDIT-K) scores, the Psychosocial Well-Being Index-Short Form (PWI-SF) scores, maximal oxygen consumption ($VO_{2max}$), and hypertension showed statistically significant correlations with the WAI in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, the $VO_{2max}$, AUDIT-K scores, and PWI-SF scores were included in the regression equation. $VO_{2max}$ had the greatest effect on the standardization coefficient indicating the relative contribution of independent variables, followed by the AUDIT-K scores and the PWI-SF scores. Conclusion: Programs to increase workers' physical work ability and alleviate psychosocial stress and drinking habits should be developed and implemented in the future.

• Anxiety and mood
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.109-114
• /
• 2019

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the satisfaction levels and mental health among North Korean defectors over two years. Methods : At the beginning of the study, the subjects were comprised of 300 North Korean defectors registered with a regional adaptation center (the Hana Center) in South Korea. Participants reported self-questionnaires including socio-demographic variables and self-rating scales for satisfaction levels, depression symptoms, trauma-related symptoms, resilience and alcohol use behavior. In the follow up study after two years, 189 North Korean defectors participated in an online survey, responding to the same questionnaires as at baseline. Results : The self-rated scores for satisfaction with one's overall life (p=0.008), sense of autonomy (p=0.001), sense of physical health (p<0.001), and expected life satisfaction five years later (p<0.001) had all decreased significantly at follow-up after two years. Depression symptoms (p<0.01) and trauma-related symptoms (p<0.001) increased significantly over two years, and the resilience score (p<0.01) decreased significantly during the same period. No significant differences in alcohol use behavior (p=0.059) were observed at follow-up. Conclusion : Satisfaction levels among North Korean defectors gradually decreased over the follow-up period, and this may be due to the difficulties encountered in the process of assimilating to daily life in South Korea. Economic, medical, and psychological support is needed for successful assimilation of North Korean defectors.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.51-57
• /
• 2018

Objectives: Previous studies have shown that periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) could be one of risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between PLMS and blood pressure changes during sleep. Methods: We analyzed data from 358 adults (176 men and 182 women) aged 18 years and older who were free from sleep apnea syndrome (Respiratory Disturbance Index < 5) and sleep disorders such as REM sleep behavior disorder or narcolepsy. Demographic characteristics, polysomnography records, and clinical variable data including blood pressure, body mass index, alcohol, smoking, and current medications were collected. In addition, self-report questionnaires including the Beck Depression Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were completed. Blood pressure change from bedtime to awakening was compared between the two periodic limb movement index (PLMI) groups [low PLMI ($PLMI{\leq}15$) and high PLMI (PLMI > 15)]. Blood pressure change patterns were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Systolic blood pressure in the high PLMI group was lower than that in the low PLMI group (p = 0.036). These results were also significant when adjusted for gender and age, but were not statistically significant when adjusted for BMI, alcohol, smoking, anti-hypertension medication use and sleep efficiency (p = 0.098). Systolic blood pressure dropped by 9.7 mm Hg in the low PLMI group, and systolic blood pressure in the high PLMI group dropped by 2.9 mm Hg. There was a significant difference in delta systolic blood pressure after sleep between the two groups in women when adjusted for age, BMI, alcohol, smoking, antihypertensive medication use and sleep efficiency (p = 0.023). Conclusion: PLMS was significantly associated with a decreasing pattern in nocturnal BP during sleep, and this association remained significant in women when adjusted for age, BMI, alcohol, smoking, antihypertension medication use and sleep efficiency related to blood pressure. We suggest that PLMS may be associated with cardiovascular morbidity.