• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.325-327
• /
• 2013

Objective: To differentiate between benign and malignant hyperparathyroidism on the basis of excretion of HCG and its malignant isoforms in urine. Materials and Methods: This hospital based study was carried out using data retrieved from the register maintained in Manipal Teaching Hospital from $1^{st}$ January, 2008 and $31^{st}$ August, 2012. The variables collected were urinary HCG and HCG malignant isoform, calcium and parathyroid hormone. Preceding the study, approval was obtained from the institutional research ethical committee. Analysis was by descriptive statistics and testing of hypothesis. A p-value of <0.05 (two-tailed) was used to establish statistical significance. Results: Out of the 20 cases, 10 were primary hyperparathyroidism and the remainder were parathyroid carcinomas. The urinary HCG $6.1{\pm}0.6$ fmol/mgCr was with in normal range in benign hyperthyroidism but was markedly elevated in three cases of malignant hyperparathyroidism (maximum value of excretion in urine for HCG was 2323 fmol/mgCr). The excretion of malignant isoform of HCG in urine was 0 in benign hyperparathyroidsm and in four cases of malignant hyperparathyroidism which fell into the category of persistantly low HCG. The maximum excretion of the malignant isoform of HCG in urine was 1.8, in the category of very high HCG. Calcium and parathyroid hormone were mildly raised in benign parathyroidism, while parathyroid hormone was markedly elevated in cases of malignant hyperparathyroidism falling into the category of very high HCG. Conclusions: The excretion of urinary HCG in urine has the ability to distinguish between parathyroid adenomas and carcinomas and thus has potential to become a marker of disease progression in malignant parathyroid disease.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.291-302
• /
• 2010

Purpose: This study was a secondary data analysis aimed at identifying the predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the home-dwelling disabled person by using EQ-5D which is a standardized instrument used as a measure of health outcome. Methods: Data were drawn from the 3rd Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). Subjects were 1,021 home-dwelling disabled persons over 19 years of age. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson's correlation, one-way ANOVA, Scheff$\acute{e}$ test, and Stepwise multiple regression. Results: HRQoL (Health Related Quality of Life) is differentiated within age, genders, educational level, employment status, economic status, types and grades of disability, health problems associated with limited mobility, and the limited duration of time. HRQoL is correlated with age, number of cohabiters, educational level, grades of disability, activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental ADL (IADL). HRQoL is significantly associated with ADL, health problems in connection with limited mobility, employment status, types of disability, marital status, grades of disability, and the limited duration of time. These factors explained 63.7% of variance in HRQoL. Conclusion: HRQoL among the disabled is related to their characteristics, ADL, and IADL. For this reason, it is necessary to develop health programs to promote those variables required to improve HRQoL.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
• /
• v.8 no.4
• /
• pp.26-58
• /
• 2003

This research first finds out the resources, activities, and effectiveness of quality management effort and the resulting customer satisfaction when the total quality management is lacking in most Korean medical agencies today. Then, it analyzes the relationship among the factors mentioned earlier. This paper utilizes actual data and presents a theoretical model which explains that the resources of quality management affect the activities and that the fruit of the quality management effort benefits the customers in the end. In addition, this study conducts a corroborative analysis through executing a survey, getting a descriptive statistical result on the subjects' characteristics and the research variables using SPSS 9.0 WIN PROGRAM, and the model is approved through analyzing its make-up using LISREL 8.12 WIN PROGRAM. The study's finding is the following: First, the management leadership affects the worker's, educational training, the quality of medical service, and the survey of customer satisfaction positively. However, it does not affect the quality of work positively. Second, the internal customer satisfaction affects the worker's participation, educational training, the quality of medical service, and the survey of customer satisfaction positively. Third, the quality of medical service and the survey of customer satisfaction affects the result of quality management positively, but the worker's participation, educational training, and the quality of work do not affect the result of quality management positively. Fourth, the management leadership does not appear to affect the result of quality management positively. Fifth, the internal quality management appears to affect the result of quality management positively. Sixth, the external customer satisfaction appears to affect the result of quality management positively. In conclusion, the findings in this study indicate that medical agencies need to utilize the active variables of quality management in order to successfully establish a total quality management.

• Journal of The Korean Dental Society of Anesthesiology
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.9-16
• /
• 2009

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the cooperative levels of dental patients requiring general anesthesia during dental treatments. Anesthetic induction methods for patients were also recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Methods: Total 566 patients who visited Seoul National University Dental Hospital Clinic for Persons with Disabilities were reviewed on pre-anesthetic review and anesthesia records. The cooperative levels of patients were graded by 4 levels and induction methods used for the patients during general anesthesia application were analyzed. Results: More than half of patients(55.8%) were willing to receive the anesthetic induction(cooperative level 1), 18.6% were minimally cooperative(level 2), 20.8% needed physical restraint prior to induction(level 3), and 4.8% was poorly cooperative and induction procedure was performed under an unconscious condition after ketamine intramuscular injection(level 4). There was no gender difference in cooperative levels(P=0.11). Patients over 30 years revealed better cooperation levels compared to other age groups(P<0.05). For patients of level 1, 53.5% were anesthetized in a way of intravenous induction, while 77.1% out of patients of level 3 were anesthetically induced through inhalation method. Conclusion: Many dental patients with special needs were not cooperative to receive anesthetic induction. Additional behavioral support may be applied to poorly cooperative patients for the safe and successful clinical outcome.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
• /
• v.4 no.2
• /
• pp.151-166
• /
• 2002

This study was conducted for the evaluation of the effect of Dementia prevention nursing program on Urinary 17-KS, 17-OHCS, and Blood Na, Cl, K, Ca, P, cholesterol. The sample for the present study was composed of 16 demented elderly in D care center for the elderly in K city. The Dementia prevention nursing program consisted of concept memory training, music therapy, and art therapy. The program was performed twice a week and about ninety minutes was consumed for one session. The program had been administered for 8 weeks. We checked Urinary 17-KS, 17-OHCS, and Blood Na, Cl, K, Ca, P, cholesterol before and after the program. Statistical analysis was performed by using descriptive statistics and Wlicoxon signed rank test of SAS system for window 6.12. The result were follows : 1. Urinary 17-KS 17-KS score increased significantly after intervention(p=0.005). 2. Urinary 17-OHCS 17-OHCS score increased significantly after intervention(p=0.001). 3. Blood Na, Cl, K, Ca, P, cholesterol Na(p=0.0002), Cl(p=0.0001), K(p=0.0001), Ca(p=0.0028), decreased significantly after intervention. The results show that Dementia prevention nursing program increases Urinary 17-KS, 17-OHCS, and decreases Blood Na, Cl, K, Ca, P, cholesterol. In conclusion, the Dementia prevention nursing program can be used for the effective measure to decrease stress of the Demented elderly.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.8
• /
• pp.3983-3987
• /
• 2012

In Malaysia, colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in males and the third most common in females. Mortality due to colorectal cancer can be effectively reduced with early diagnosis. This study was designed to look into colorectal cancer screening participation and its barriers among average risk individuals in Malaysia. A cross sectional study was conducted from August 2009 till April 2010 involving average risk individuals from 44 primary care clinics in West Malaysia. Each individual was asked whether they have performed any of the colorectal cancer screening methods in the past five years. The barrier questions had three domains: patient factors, test factors and health care provider factors. Descriptive analysis was achieved using Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 12.0. A total of 1,905 average risk individuals responded making a response rate of 93.8%. Only 13 (0.7%) respondents had undergone any of the colorectal cancer screening methods in the past five years. The main patient and test factors for not participating were embarrassment (35.2%) and feeling uncomfortable (30.0%), respectively. There were 11.2% of respondents who never received any advice to do screening. The main reason for them to undergo screening was being advised by health care providers (84.6%). The study showed that participation in colorectal cancer screening in Malaysia is extremely low and multiple factors contribute to this situation. Given the importance of the disease, efforts should be made to increase colorectal cancer screening activities in Malaysia.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.147-152
• /
• 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate the musculo-skeletal symptomatic features of municipal sanitation workers and to compare differences of the musculo-skeletal symptoms by work types. We conducted descriptive cross-sectional survey concerning the musculo-skeletal symptomatic features of 315 street cleaners in Seoul and GyeongGi Province, Korea, during 2 weeks of September 2006. Questionnaires were consisted of general characteristics, occupational characteristics and musculo-skeletal symptoms. And we observed their works and evaluated their movement and posture by REBA. For work types, tools and subjective physical work loading, there were statistical difference whether or not NIOSH symptom positive on upper limb. Musculo-skeletal symptoms on upper limb were claimed from 43.2% of street cleaners, more than in 32.4% of cleaners. Musculo-skeletal symptoms on upper limb were reported higher in the group who felt their subjective physical work loading severe than in the otherwise group. The REBA results were over 'high risk stage' in street cleaners. Street cleaners had more repetitive motions than solid waste collectors on upper limbs. Works according to the criteria of musculoskeletal burdened work by the Ministry of Labor results were over 'high risk stage' of No. 2 and No. 4 in street cleaners. We found that street cleaners complained musculo-skeletal symptoms on upper limb more than solid waste collectors. This study suggests that it is necessary for street cleaners to carry out the prevention program of musculo-skeletal diseases. For street cleaner, the measure plans such as job rotation, automatic street sweepers, reducing work hours are helpful in preventing musculoskeletal symptoms on the upper limb.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
• /
• v.33 no.11
• /
• pp.1683-1695
• /
• 2009

This study analyzes the production process of eight domestic companies that manufacture scuba diving suits for men with an emphasis on the level of consumer satisfaction in scuba diving suits purchases. One hundred fifty questionnaires were distributed and a total of 140 usable data were coded for further statistical analysis that includes descriptive statistics (frequency and ${\chi}^2$ test) through SPSSWIN 17.0. The results show that a majority of the domestic scuba diving suit companies were either small, manufactured products under original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brands, or were involved in the import business. Many of these companies have developed a local sizing system derived from a company database of customer sizing. As a result, different companies have different sizes that lead to confusion and complication among consumers in selecting the correct size for scuba diving suits. The results indicate that most high-priced diving suits are made of imported fabrics because they had superior quality, fitness, and thickness compared to domestic brands. The degree of consumer satisfaction with scuba diving suits was found to be low in comfort, stuffiness, and activity. Respondents indicated that they felt a little tightness in circumstances such as bust, wrist, and thigh in measurements of circumstances. On the other hand, the respondents showed a high degree of satisfaction with body fitness in scuba diving suits. Further research will clarify a standardized sizing system and develop patterns suitable for Korean men's scuba diving suit body sizes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.15
• /
• pp.6029-6033
• /
• 2014

The burden and severity of a cancer can be reflected by patterns of survival. Breast cancer prognosis between two countries with a different socioeconomic status and cultural beliefs may exhibit wide variation. This study aimed to describe survival in patients with breast cancer in China and Thailand in relation to demographic and clinical prognostic information. Materials and Methods: We compared the survival of 1,504 Chinese women in Yunnan province and 929 Thai women in Songkhla with breast cancer from 2006 to 2010. Descriptive prognostic comparisons between the Chinese and Thai women were performed by relative survival analysis. A Cox regression model was used to calculate the hazard ratios of death, taking into account the age, disease stage, period of diagnosis and country. Results: The overall 5-year survival proportion for patients diagnosed with breast cancer for Yunnan province (0.72) appeared slightly better than Songkhla (0.70) without statistical significance. Thai women diagnosed with distant and regional breast cancer had poorer survival than Chinese women. Disease stage was the most important determinant of survival from the results of Cox regression model. Conclusions: Breast cancer patients in Kunming had slightly greater five-year survival rate than patients in Songkhla. Both Chinese and Thai women need improvement in prognosis, which could conceivably be attained through increased public education and awareness regarding early detection and compliance to treatment protocols.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.15
• /
• pp.6059-6064
• /
• 2014

Background: Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cancer in Malaysia. Nevertheless, there is little information on treatment and outcomes nationally. We aimed to determine the demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics of colorectal cancer patients treated at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) as part of a larger project on survival and quality of life outcomes. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 1,212 patients undergoing treatment in UMMC between January 2001 and December 2010 were reviewed. A retrospective-prospective cohort study design was used. Research tools included the National Cancer Patient Registration form. Statistical analysis included means, standard deviations (SD), proportions, chi square, t-test/ANOVA. P-value significance was set at 0.05. Results: The male: female ratio was 1.2:1. The mean age was 62.1 (SD12.4) years. Patients were predominantly Chinese (67%), then Malays (18%), Indians (13%) and others (2%). Malays were younger than Chinese and Indians (mean age 57 versus 62 versus 62 years, p<0.001). More females (56%) had colon cancers compared to males (44%) (p=0.022). Malays (57%) had more rectal cancer compared to Chinese (45%) and Indians (49%) (p=0.004). Dukes' stage data weres available in 67%, with Dukes' C and D accounting for 64%. Stage was not affected by age, gender, ethnicity or tumor site. Treatment modalities included surgery alone (40%), surgery and chemo/radiotherapy 32%, chemo and radiotherapy (8%) and others (20%). Conclusions: Significant ethnic differences in age and site distribution, if verified in population-based settings, would support implementation of preventive measures targeting those with the greatest need, at the right age.