• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.575-587
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• 2002

Objective : To investigate the understanding of breast-feeding in pregnant woman and the proper way of encouraging breast-feeding. Methods : Each questionnaire included items about demographic characteristics and the understanding of breast-feeding. The questionnaires were filled up by pregnant women visiting obstetric clinics in Seoul and its vicinities, Busan, Choongjoo and Chungjoo from July 2001 to August 2001. One thousand, two hundred ninety questionnaires were analysed by Chi square tests and multiple logistic regressions. Results : The majority of pregnant women(87.4%) planned breast-feeding. Forty three percent of them had plans to breast-feed for 4-6 months. There were no differences in the level of education, the family size and the source of information about breast-feeding in planning to breast-feed (P>0.05). The main reasons for not choosing to breast-feed were returns to work(41.3%), previous failures of breast-feeding(17.4%), concerns about insufficient amount of breast milk(10.9%), breast and nipple problems(10.3%) and maternal illness(9.4%). The average score on the test of the understanding about breast-feeding was 59.7/100. The average scores on the understanding about the methods and advantages of breast-feeding were 45.3/100 and 86.1/100, respectively. The maternal status of employment, previous history of breast-feeding, the time of decision to breastfeed, person advocating breast-feeding and the understanding on the advantages of breast-feeding were significant determinant factors in planning to breast-feed(P<0.05). Conclusion : Pediatricians should take steps to make an effort to increase the breast-feeding rate and to encourage breast-feeding by timely education. Beyond the medical field, political and social supports for breast-feeding are urgently needed.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.307-313
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• 2010

Purpose : Results of the Korea National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children, which was launched in November 2007, were evaluated for future research and policy development. Methods : Data from a total of 2,729,340 cases were analyzed. Five visiting ages, such as 4, 9, 18, 30, and 60 months, were included. Several parameters such as stunting, obesity, and positive rate of developmental screening were also analyzed. Telephone survey was performed in 1,035 users. For the provider survey, 262 doctors participated in our study. Results : The overall participation rate of users was 35.3%. This participation rate showed a decrement tendency to old age and low income. Only 6.9% of users participated in oral screening. Health screening was performed mainly in private clinics (82.6%). The recall rate of 4 months program users at the age of 9 months was 57.3%. The positive rate of screening was 3.1%, and was higher in the low-income group. By telephone survey, users reported that questionnaires were not difficult (94%) and overall satisfaction was good (73%). Longer duration of counseling was related with more satisfied users. Counseling and health education were helpful to users (73.2%). Doctors agreed that this program was helpful to children (98.5%). Conclusion : Korea National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children was launched successfully. Participation rate should be improved, and a quality control program needs to be developed. More intensive support following this program for children of low-income families may lead to effective interventions in controlling health inequality. Periodic update of guidelines is also needed.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.171-187
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• 2001

Objective : Moxibustion has been proved efficacious for many diseases, but isn't widespread in the clinics due to a danger of skin burning, the smoke produced while burning a moxa combustion and so on. Therefore, another type of moxa that can be resolved these troubles is required. To improve the effect of moxibustion and develop the new thermal stimulating treatment, the performance of commercial moxibustion widely used are studied systematically and found out quantitatively. Methods : We have selected two types (small-size moxa A(sMA), small-size moxa B (sMB)) among small-size moxaes used widely in the clinic. We examined combustion time, various temperatures, temperature gradient in each period during a combustion of moxa. Results : 1. The combustion time in the preheating period appeared somewhat longer in sMA than in sMB. 2, The combustion time in the heating period appeared longer in sMA by 26% than in sMB. 3. The average temperature in the heating period was $37.6{\sim}37.8^{\circ}C\;in\;sMA\;and\;36.2{\sim}36.8^{\circ}C$ in sMB and the maximum temperature measured at a center of contact surface in sMA was $48.6^{\circ}C$, higher by over $2.8^{\circ}C$ than that of sMB moxibustion. 4. The average ascending temperature gradient in the heating period was $0.08{\sim}0.1^{\circ}C/sec$ in both moxaes, and the average ascending temperature gradient of heating period in sMB appeared larger. The maximum ascending temperature gradient appeared higher in sMB, and the time reaching maximum ascending temperature gradient appeared much earlier in sMA than in sMB. 5. The combustion time in the retaining period was around 100 sec in sMA and around 275 sec in sMB. 6. The average temperature in the retaining period was $42.2{\sim}46.0^{\circ}C\;in\;sMA\;and\;39.3{\sim}41.4^{\circ}C/sec$ in sMB. The minimum temperature in the retaining period was over $38.80^{\circ}C$ in sMA but just $34.7^{\circ}C$ in sMB. 7. The average descending temperature gradient in sMA was $-0.050{\sim}0.067^{\circ}C/sec$ and in sMB was $-0.030{\sim}0.037^{\circ}C/sec$ 8. The combustion time in the cooling period appeared longer over two times in sMA than in sMB, and the time which the cooling period (minimum temperature) finished at appeared later in sMB by 55 sec. 9. We classified the combustion process that the measured temperature rose over body heat($37^{\circ}C$) into the effective combustion period. The effective combustion time was 233.3 sec in sMA and 300.4 sec in sMB respectively, and was longer by about 29% in sMB. The average temperature and maximum temperature in the effective combustion time appeared higher in sMA. The time taken until the maximum temperature was reached was 225.1 sec in sMA and 244.5 sec in sMB, faster by about 20 sec in sMA. The maximum ascending temperature gradient during the effective combustion period appeared larger about 1.4 times in sMB, but the time when the maximum ascending temperature gradient happened was faster in sMA. Conclusion : It appears that sMB, compared with sMA, is proper if necessary to apply the long time and weak stimulus, because of the gentle stimulus during the relatively longer time. In contrast, sMA that the symmetrical combustion happened is proper if necessary to apply the short time and strong stimulus.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.161-173
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to develope and test the structural model for quality of life in women having hysterectomies. A hypothetical model was constructed on the basis of previous studies and a review of literature. The conceptual framework was built around eight constructs. Exogenous variables included in this model were marital intimacy, importance of uterus, professional support, positive coping behavior and pre-operative symptoms. Endogenous variables were spouse's support, sense of loss and quality of life. Empirical data for testing the hypothetical model was collected using a self-report questionnare from 203 women having hysterectomies at the outpatient clinics of four general hospitals and a mail survey in Pusan City. The Data was collected from December, 1997 to January, 1998. Reliability of the eight instruments was tested with Cronbach's alpha which ranged from 0.639-0.915. For the data analysis, SPSS 7.5 WIN Program and LISREL 8.12 WIN Program were used for descriptive statistics and covariance structural analysis. The results of covariance structure analysis were as follows : 1. Hypothetical model showed a good fit with the empirical data. ［$\chi$$^2$＝6.93(df＝5, P＝.23), GFI＝.99, AGFI＝.94, RMSR＝.019, NNFI＝.97, NFI＝.98, CN＝440, standardized residuals(-2.14-2.10)］ 2. For the parsimony of model, a modified model was constructed by deleting 3 paths and adding 1 path according to the criteria of statistical significance and meaning. 3. The modified model also showed a good fit with the data. ［$\chi$$^2$＝5.26(df＝7, P＝.63), GFI＝.99, AGFI＝.97, RMSR＝.014, NNFI＝1.02, NFI＝.99, CN＝710, standardized residuals(-1.46-1.70)］ Results of the testing of the hypothesis were as follows : 1. Marital intimacy(${\gamma}$11＝.78, t＝14.37) and professional support(${\gamma}$13＝.12, t＝2.12) had a significant direct effect on the spouse's support. 2. Pre-operative symptoms(${\gamma}$25＝.32, t＝3.12), importance of uterus(${\gamma}$22＝.20, t＝2.61) and spouse's support($\beta$2l＝-.19, t＝-2.43) had a significant direct effect on the sense of loss. 3. Sense of loss($\beta$32＝-.66, t＝-9.83) had a direct effect on the quality of life. Marital intimacy had a direct(${\gamma}$31＝.19, t＝3.33), indirect(${\gamma}$31＝.14, t＝2.52) and total effect(${\gamma}$31＝.25, t＝4.41) on the quality of life. Professional support had a direct effect(${\gamma}$33＝.11, t＝2.07) and total effect(${\gamma}$33＝.13, t＝2.31) on the quality of life. The direct effect of pre-operative symptoms(${\gamma}$35＝-.36, t＝4.02) and positive coping behavior(${\gamma}$34＝.15, t＝2.06) had the insignificant effect on the quality of life while, due to the idirect effect these variables had overall significant effect on the quality of life. The results of this study showed that the sense of loss had the most significant direct effect on the quality of life. Marital intimacy, pre -operative symptoms and spouse's support had a significant direct effect on this sense of loss. These four variables, the sense of loss, marital intimacy, pre-operative symptoms and spouse's support, were identified as relatively important variables. The results of this study suggested that there is needed to determine if nursing intervention would alleviate this sense of loss and promote a greater quality of life in women who have had hysterectomies.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.14-20
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• 2014

Objectives: Several studies suggest that nocturia may be related to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The mechanism by which OSAS develops nocturia has not been determined. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of nocturia among adults with OSAS and to identify factors that may be predictive in this regard. Methods: Retrospective review of clinical and polysomnographic data obtained from patients evaluated at the sleep clinics of the St. Paul's Hospital between 2009 and 2012. The urinary symptoms were assessed on the basis of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Pathologic nocturia was defined as two or more urination events per night. OSAS was defined as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ${\geq}5$. A multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed to examine the relationship between polysomnographic variables and the presence of pathologic nocturia, while controlling for confounding factor. Results: A total of 161 men >18 years of age (mean age $46.7{\pm}14.1$), who had been referred to a sleep laboratory, were included in the present study. Among these, 27 patients with primary snoring and 134 patients with obstructive sleep apnea were confirmed by polysomnography. Nocturia was found in 53 patients with OSAS (39.6%) and 8 patients with primary snoring (29.6%). The AHI was higher in patients with nocturia than in those without nocturia (p=0.001). OSAS patients with nocturia had higher arousal index (p=0.044), and lower nadir oxyhemoglobin saturation (p=0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that age (${\beta}$=0.227, p=0.003), and AHI (${\beta}$=0.258, p=0.001) were associated with nocturia, and that the presence of pathologic nocturia was predicted by age (OR 1.04 ; p=0.004) and AHI (OR 1.02 ; p=0.001). Conclusion: Nocturia is common among patients with OSAS. The strongest predictors of nocturia are age and AHI in patients with OSAS.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.1-17
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• 2017

Purposes: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that requires continuous care in order to prevent complications, as it can impose a critical burden on families and society due to various complications, including terminal renal failure, non-traumatic lower extremity amputation, and adult blindness. The usual sources of care are "specified private clinics, public health centers, or other facilities to visit when ill or when health-related advice is needed". These usual sources of care offer preventative services, have a high overall satisfaction rate in terms of public health care, and decrease the inpatient rates and medical costs of medical aid recipients. This study analyzed the current status of diabetic patients over 20 years of age based on their possession of a usual source of care, and the effects of this possession on the frequency of their medical service usage and its costs. Methodology: Based on data from the 7th Korea Health Panel, a Tobit analysis was used to analyze the different factors that can affect the frequency of medical service usage and its costs for diabetic patients with and without a usual source of care. Findings: The medical costs of diabetic patients with a usual source of care decreased in terms of inpatient, and the outpatient visits and inpatient costs of the group with a usual source of care in the form of a mainly-visiting doctor decreased more than those of the group with a mainly-visiting medical institution only. Practical Implications: Having a usual source of care can increase the treatment continuity, leading to reduced inpatient, and having a mainly-visiting doctor as the usual source of care further increases the treatment continuity. Based on these results, a new policy is needed to increase and strengthen diabetic patients? possession of a usual source of care.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.11-17
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to help prevent the turnover of competent dental hygienists in a bid to boost the efficiency of personnel management for dental health care workers and provide higher-quality oral health services. After relevant literature and data were reviewed, a survey was conducted on dental hygienists, who worked at dental institutes, for approximately four months from September to December 2004 to identify what affected their turnover. The findings of the study were as below: 1. Regarding turnover experience, 39.7 percent of the dental hygienists investigated had such an experience. As to turnover frequency, those who took up another employment once made up the largest group(28.2%), followed by twice(8.0%) and three times(2.9%). The most dominant turnover reason was working conditions(66.7%), followed by seeking being hired by larger institutes(36.2%), pay(21.7%), relationship with dentists(11.6%) and commuting distance(11.6%). 2. As for their hope for turnover, 82.8 percent hoped to take up another employment, and working conditions were cited as the most common reason(44.4%), followed by pay(33.3%), commuting distance(18.1%), marriage(13.2%), health/use of leisure time(11.8%), and commuting time(10.4%). 3. Concerning preference for future workplace, 38.5 percent, the largest group, wanted to work at public health clinics. As to a preferred term of working as dental hygienists, 50.0 percent, the greatest group, hoped to serve as dental hygienists until they are financially secure. 34.5 percent, the second largest group, intended to keep working until they reach the age limit. In regard to their responsibility for family economy, 47.7 percent, the greatest percentage, shouldered the partial responsibility for that, and 31.6 percent assumed no responsibility. 4. As to their intention to quit working as dental hygienists, 61.5 percent were willing to do that, and marriage(29.0%) was singled out as the most frequent reason, followed by working conditions(27.1%), child birth(22.4%), health/housework(18.7%), pay(15.9%) and learning/use of free time(15.0%).

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.219-225
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the patients' knowledge and expectation of dental implants and to provide effective consulting and accurate information on implants to them. To that end, between March 23, 2008 and June 5, 2008, patients who were visiting dental clinics (hospitals) in Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, and Incheon areas were surveyed. 84.7% of subjects said that they recognized implants, and the largest number of them (26.7%) of subjects came to know via friends. According to an analysis of subjects' knowledge of the dental implant operation, the maximum value was 4.06, and the minimum value was 3.05. The opinion value on the need to have regular examination after the implant operation was highest at 4.06. Regarding expectation over the implant operation, the maximum value was 4.42, and the minimum value was 1.78. The opinion value on considering the implant operation capability the most important was the highest at 4.42. The relationship between the knowledge of and expectation over implants was significant. By gender, females had a significantly higher level of knowledge than males. Regarding preference, females scored 3.27 points, and males scored 3.23 points. By occupation, professionals earned the highest score of 3.55 in knowledge, and professionals earned the highest score of 3.31 in expectation. According to an analysis of the relation between variables of knowledge of and variables of expectation over implants, the correlation coefficient (r) between the two factors was 0.362, indicating a positive relevancy(+)(p<.01).

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.142-149
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• 2017

This study targeted 123 dental hygienists working at the university and dental hospital as well as the dental clinic in Busan. The study ran for 5 months beginning July 23, 2016. The purpose of the study was to understand the relationship between core competencies and job performance for dental hygienists. The major core competencies of dental hygienists were interpersonal relation competency (3.61) was the highest, followed by management and educational competency (3.59), organizational relation competency (3.57), and basic dental hygiene management competency (3.56). Regarding the subjects' job performance, 'the task requested by a boss could be finished by the deadline' (3.93) was the highest, followed by 'there has been no case where others were harmed owing to carelessness' (3.76). 'The performance exceeding the targets set by the boss' (3.11) was relatively low. The group working for dental hospitals showed higher job performance than the group working for dental clinics (p=0.009) while there were high correlations between core competencies and job performance (p=0.733). Also, analysis for understanding relevant variables of core competencies that affected job performance revealed that the interpersonal relation competency (p=0.25), self-control competency (p=0.32), and basic dental hygiene competency (p=0.15) were significant. In summary, reinforcement of the dental hygienists' core competencies has a positive effect on job performance. Improved job performance in turn should improve patient care as well as the performance of the healthcare organization overall which will be eventually helpful to the provision of high-quality medical service to patients, and helpful for the hospital organization Helpful in making their performance better. Therefore, it would be necessary to establish administrative/educational support to facilitate dental hygiene education to develop major competencies and vocational basic abilities, as well as reinforce diverse competency educational programs for the current dental hygienists.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 2006

Automated analysis software was developed to measure the magnitude of the intrafractional and interfractional errors during breast radiation treatments. Error analysis results are important for determining suitable planning target volumes (PTV) prior to Implementing breast-conserving 3-D conformal radiation treatment (CRT). The electrical portal imaging device (EPID) used for this study was a Portal Vision LC250 liquid-filled ionization detector (fast frame-averaging mode, 1.4 frames per second, 256X256 pixels). Twelve patients were imaged for a minimum of 7 treatment days. During each treatment day, an average of 8 to 9 images per field were acquired (dose rate of 400 MU/minute). We developed automated image analysis software to quantitatively analyze 2,931 images (encompassing 720 measurements). Standard deviations ($\sigma$) of intrafractional (breathing motion) and intefractional (setup uncertainty) errors were calculated. The PTV margin to include the clinical target volume (CTV) with 95% confidence level was calculated as $2\;(1.96\;{\sigma})$. To compensate for intra-fractional error (mainly due to breathing motion) the required PTV margin ranged from 2 mm to 4 mm. However, PTV margins compensating for intefractional error ranged from 7 mm to 31 mm. The total average error observed for 12 patients was 17 mm. The intefractional setup error ranged from 2 to 15 times larger than intrafractional errors associated with breathing motion. Prior to 3-D conformal radiation treatment or IMRT breast treatment, the magnitude of setup errors must be measured and properly incorporated into the PTV. To reduce large PTVs for breast IMRT or 3-D CRT, an image-guided system would be extremely valuable, if not required. EPID systems should incorporate automated analysis software as described in this report to process and take advantage of the large numbers of EPID images available for error analysis which will help Individual clinics arrive at an appropriate PTV for their practice. Such systems can also provide valuable patient monitoring information with minimal effort.