• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.53-67
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• 1996

A total health state evaluation of Korean female elderlies was made by using the questionary scheme measuring the physical, mental and social functions of the elderlies, in order to investigate the critical factors for the health maintenance of female elderlies and to develop their preventive nursing program. A total of 280 subjects over 65 years old living in Seoul and the suburban area were selected and interviewed during the period of September and October in 1995. The materials collected were analyzed statistically by using SAS data processing program, and the results and recommendations are summarized as follows. 1. The physical health state of Korean elderly women was evaluated to be satisfactory by showing an average score of 3.722 in 5.0 full-score scale. But this score was lower than those evaluated for the elderlies combined both sexes(4.054). The mental health state of the subjects was also evaluated as high scoring 3.484, possibly due to the fact that 78% of the subjects lived together with their children's family. On the other hand, the social health state of the subjects was relatively low scoring 2.585, mainly due to that 80% of them was widows which was resulted by the 6-7 years longer life-expectancy of Korean women. 2. A significant differences in the physical health state scores between different age groups was observed, indicating the rapid ageing process occurring in this age group. The family structure was appeared to be an important factor influencing the physical health state of the female elderlies ; the physical health score of the women with her husband only was higher than that of those living with children's families, and the lowest score was obtained from those living alone. 3. The age was the most important factor determining the mental health state of the subjects, while the religion, educational status, marriage state and family structure did not significantly influenced the mental health state of the aged women. 4. The social health state of the subject was deeply influenced by the marriage state and family structure, showing significantly lower scores with widowers compared to the married couples. Those living with their married spouse only obtained the highest social health score, while those living along showed the lowest score. The parent and grandparentship of those living with their children and the religion, especially Catholic and Protestant, had positive influence on the social health state of the aged women. 5. The mental health state of aged women showed significant correlation with the factors determining the physical health, except for digestive system related ability and sexual ability and the highest extra home ability. 6. The mental health state of aged women showed significant correlation with the factors determining social health, especially with the parent and grandparentship and the family relative's role. From these results, the following recommendations are made. 1. Since the physical, mental and social health states of aged people are deeply influenced by the sex and the average values of the both sex can create misleading figures, the health evaluation of the elderlies should be made separately by sex. 2. Since the health state of aged women is highly influenced by their family structure, the spouse's role and living with married couple only should be emphasized in respect of preventive health care. 3. The social activity programs and grandparentship teaching programs should be prepared in the nursing care program for aged people.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.58-72
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• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the food and nutrient intake of Korean elderly according to the anxiety and depressive condition using the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) from 2013 to 2015. Methods: The participants were 3,504 elderly people over 65 years of age (1,523 in men and, 1,981 in women). The dietary information was analyzed using the 24-hour recall data. The anxiety and depressive state was assessed using the self-reported scale EQ-5D in the quality of life dimension. The subjects were divided into the anxiety depression group (AD) and non-anxiety depression group (NAD) according to their anxiety and depressive conditions. Results: In the male elderly, the AD group had a significantly lower education and economic level and higher proportion in living alone than the NAD group. The percentage of eating lunch and dinner alone in the male AD group was higher than that of the NAD group. The female AD group showed less a lower frequency of dinner than the NAD group. The male AD group had a lower consumption of total foods, fish and shellfishes, seaweeds, mushrooms, oils and fats, and seasonings than the NAD group. With regard to the nutrient intake, the male elderly NAD group had more sufficient nutrient intakes than the AD group. In particular, the daily intakes of dietary fiber, riboflavin, niacin, potassium and iron were significantly lower in the AD group. To compare with the nutrient density of the two groups, the vitamin C and niacin intakes were lower in the AD group than in the NAD group. Overall, the nutritional status of the male AD group was significantly lower than that of the NAD group. Meanwhile, the female elderly had showed a smaller difference in nutrient intake according to their anxiety and depressive condition. Conclusion: These results of this study show that more nutritional education and emotional support are needed to improve the nutritional status and health of the male elderly with anxiety or depression.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.291-298
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• 2023

Purpose : Although Korea's health insurance system and access to medical care are well established compared to other countries, the rate of non-fulfillment of dental treatment is high. Medical use rates can be affected by economic characteristics, individual heatlh condtions, health concerns, and health behaviors. This study was implemented to investigate the effect of the middle-aged elderly people's family living together on the dental examination rate and to use it as basic data for program development, research, and poicies to promote oral health. Methods : Raw data from the 7th national health and nutrition survey conducted by the Korea centers for disease control and prevention (2016~2018) were used and analyzed using SPSS 21.0 Version (IBM, United States). Results : As a result of the study family types accroding to general characteristics, the more women are (p<.001), the higther the age (p<.001), the lower the hosehold income level (p<.001), the lower the educational background (p<.001), the more people who live in Eup-Myeon (p<.001) It was fouend that the rate of living alone was high. The dental examination rate according to general characteristics was related to age (p<.001), income (p<.001), and educational background (p<.001), and the higher the examination rate was in the same (p<.001), and the higher the family living together (p<.001). Factors influencing whether or not dental treatment was not performed were in the following order: household income (p<.001), age (p=.001), and family type (p=.017). Conclusion : The above results confirmed the relationship between family membership and dental examination rates, and measures such as the development and operation of participatory programs to improve public oral health by resolving medical inequality and enhancing health equity, and it is believed that the development of professional manpower and the operation of education and programs for professionals are necessary.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.4668-4678
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• 2015

This study was conducted to determine the correlation between breakfast consumption and health-related quality of life in elderly adults. It analyzed the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2010 to 2012, using a sample of 4,035 people aged 65 or above. Analysis followed the SAS SURVEY procedure, considering the complex sample design. A t-test, a chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were performed using SAS version 9.3. The rate of skipping breakfast by elderly adults was 4.7%, and it was higher in women and elderly adults living alone. It also significantly differed by drinking status and BMI. Elderly adults consuming breakfast had slightly higher scores on the health-related quality of life measure than those who did not (0.85 vs 0.81). Results revealed that health-related quality of life increased with meal frequency, and that elderly adults who ate breakfast tended to score better on the pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression domains of the health-related quality of life measure. It was found that breakfast consumption associated with health-related quality of life in elderly adults. Accordingly, it is necessary to increase awareness among elderly adults regarding the importance of breakfast, and to improve their health-related quality of life by developing and implementing interventions to improve dietary habits.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.138-147
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• 2015

Purpose: The study was conducted to identify factors influence suicidal ideation among older adults with osteoarthritis. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with secondary analysis of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Data for 174 men and 939 women who aged${\geq}65$, and were diagnosed osteoarthritis from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010~2012 were included. Suicidal idea, age, sex, education, marital status, living alone, income, body mass index, smoking and alcohol use, exercise, perceived health status, activity limitation, joint pain and stiffness, depressive mood, and perceived stress were measured. Influencing factors and odds ratios were analyzed using complex sample multivariate logistic regression. Results: In the results, 29.9% of the elderly with osteoporosis had suicidal idea. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of suicidal ideation were significantly higher among those over 80 years older (OR=2.88, 95% CI=1.49~5.58), those with depression (OR=4.01, 95% CI=2.66~6.04), and those with high levels of stress (OR=2.76, 95% CI=1.79~4.24). Conclusion: Therefore, older adults with osteoarthritis should be screened for depression and stress to decrease suicidal ideation and prevent suicide attempt.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.24-32
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• 2007

Purpose: This study was done to provide statistical data for developing client-needs based welfare services in community welfare facilities. Method: The participants were 270 senior citizens, who visited a community welfare center in Gyunggi province, during the month of October 2005. They were asked to answer a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, $X^2$ test and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze the data from 221 of the elders. Results: 1. More than 50% of the respondents were women aged between 60 and 75, who had education levels above high school and who lived in apartments. Among the respondents, 54.3% lived separately from their children. 2. 70.0% of the respondents considered their health status as "good", even though they had more than one disease. Also 41% of the respondents were supported by their children, and 76.8% wanted jobs. 3. The respondents pointed out several programs such as languages, computer, singing class, physical activities (dances, billiards, Tai-chi and table tennis), needed to be included in the welfare center programs. Conclusions: Elders aged 60-75, educated above high school, living in an apartments, live alone or with spouse, and having frequent contact with children, were the most frequent utilizers of the welfare center. They want the welfare center programs in variety, including languages, computer, singing class, and physical activities.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2001

Objectives : To gather information about the factors which influence the interest and intention of admission into charging nursing hones for the elderly(CNH), as these homes represent an important method for resolving the problems related to the rapid population aging occurring in Korea. Methods : A face-to-face interview survey was carried out with 320(men 159, women 165) patients over 60 years old who were admitted at 2 university hospitals and 5 general hospitals in the Busan area between December 1998 and March 1999. Data were analyzed through t-test, ANOVA, correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results : The mean age and years of education of the study population was 67.0 and 7.7 years, and the types of chronic degenerative disease included musculoskeletal disorders(20.1%), cerebrovascular disease(17.1%), and diabetes(14.3%). The major forms of household living arrangement prior to admission were elderly alone(22.6%), and elderly couple(33.5%), while about half of them(55.5%) didn't want to live with their children id the future. Almost half were paying medication fees by themselves(46.6%). The level of actual intention of admission$(3.07{\pm}1.39)$ into a CNH was lower than that of interest$(3.22{\pm}1.33)$(p<0.01). Multiple analysis revealed that the intention of admission increased with decreasing number of future supportive persons$(\beta=-0.107)$, lower level of activity in daily life$(\beta=-0.447)$, and longer years of education$(\beta=-0.447)$ with 32.7% of $R^2$. As for the factors which determined the admission into a CNH, the fee and facilities were considered to be most important, and professional nursing and physician's care were the most desired services. In nomenclature, they preferred 'elderly hospital' or 'elderly health center' to CNH. Conclusions : Interest in CNH is increasing recently, but existing studies about patient experiences in CHN are still limited. This study may form a basis for future examinations of the needs and uses for CNH. Active financial support and public information are considered by the authors to be important factors for the induction of welfare services for the elderly, though CNH.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society for Industrial Systems Conference
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• 2007.02a
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• pp.87-96
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• 2007

Ubiquitous is a Latin-derived word meaning "to exist at any time and place" like water or air. In computing, the word "ubiquitous" indicates an environment in which users have access to networks without any limitation regarding computer networks or places. Important issues in building Ubiquitous Korea (U-Korea) are the social problems appearing with a rapid increase in the old age population. Nowadays, with the rise of the nuclear family, the increase in the number of elderly people living alone, and the change in the status of women, both wives and husbands are employed outside the home, and the relatives who would be responsible for supporting the elderly sometimes are on long or short business trips, and it happens that old people can't be looked after. Therefore the government developed a wireless paging system for the sick, disabled, old and weak so that when an emergency happens, by just simply dialing 119, an emergency aid center could take prompt action. However, the present wireless paging systems composing the under-layer of the emergency aid information system have some problems, such as, a lack of reliability, problems among terminals, mobile transmitters and receiving terminals, the users' refusal to admit the need for the system and poor operational skills, administrators' perfunctory management and checks, etc. On account of these problems, the system efficiency has degraded and therefore a system upgrade is necessary. In this paper, we attempt to evaluate the newly implemented SAFE119 system, a new wireless paging system seeking to correct the problems of the current system.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.30-40
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• 2015

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the associations of food security with socio-demographic characteristics, nutrient intakes and mental health status among older Korean adults. Methods: This study was conducted using data from the 2008-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Subjects were 4,451 adults aged 65~98 years. Food security was measured using a self-reported question on food sufficiency of subjects' household. Based on the answers, study subjects were classified into secure, mildly insecure, moderately insecure, and severely insecure groups. Dietary intake was estimated by 24-hour dietary recall. Nutrient intake was assessed by dietary reference intakes (DRI). As for mental health status, the data on mental stress, depression, and suicide ideation were used. Results: Rate of food insecurity in older adults was 14.3%. Old age, being female, low education, low income level, living alone, and discomfort in daily living were more related to food insecurity. Means of nutrient intakes were significantly different according to food security status. Intakes of calcium, potassium, and vitamin $B_2$ were lower than recommended intakes in all groups. Consumption amounts of soy and soybean products, vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, vegetable oils, meats, eggs, seafood, and dairy products were lower in food insecure groups. Mental stress, depression, and suicide ideation were higher in food insecure groups independent of the gender and income level. Conclusions: These present findings suggested that food security is related to mental health as well as nutrition status in older Korean adults. A national system that include food and psychosocial support programs for the elderly should be considered in order to improve the overall health of older Korean adults.

• 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.