• Journal of odor and indoor environment
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.322-329
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• 2018

The objective of this study is to identify the research trend in the field of indoor environment in Korea. We collected 419 papers published in the Journal of the Korean Society for indoor environment between 2004 and 2018, and attempted to produce datasets using a topic modeling technique, Latent Dirichlet Allocation(LDA). The result of topic modeling showed that 8 topics ("VOCs investigation", "Subway environment", "Building thermal environment", "School health", "Building particulate matter", "Asbestos risk", "Radon risk", "Air cleaner and treatment") could be extracted using Gibbs sampling method. In terms of topic trends, investigation of volatile organic compounds, subway environment, school health, and building particulate matter showed a decreasing tendency, while the building thermal environment, asbestos risk, radon risk, air cleaners, and air treatment showed an increasing tendency. The results of this topic modeling could help us to understand current trends related indoor environment, and provide valuable information in developing future research and policy frameworks.

• Advances in environmental research
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.17-41
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• 2021

Kazakhstan's cities experience high concentrations levels of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), which is well-known for its highly detrimental effect on the human health. A further increase in PM concentrations in the future could lead to a higher air pollution-caused morbidity and mortality, causing an increase in healthcare expenditures by the government. However, to prevent elevated PM concentrations in the future, more stringent standards could be implemented by lowering current maximum allowable PM concentration limit to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)'s limits. Therefore, this study aims to find out what impact this change in environmental policy towards PM has on state economy in the long run. Future PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were estimated using multiple linear regression based on gross regional product (GRP) and population growth parameters. Dose-response model was based on World Health Organization's approach for the identification of mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs due to air pollution. Analysis of concentrations revealed that only 6 out of 21 cities of Kazakhstan did not exceed the EU limit on PM10 concentration. Changing environmental standards resulted in the 71.7% decrease in mortality and 77% decrease in morbidity cases in all cities compared to the case without changes in environmental policy. Moreover, the cost of morbidity and mortality associated with air pollution decreased by $669 million in 2030 and $2183 million in 2050 in case of implementation of OECD standards. Thus, changing environmental regulations will be beneficial in terms of both of mortality reduction and state budget saving.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.272-283
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• 2007

This study was performed to delineate the relationship between lifestyle and nutritional risk factors associated with hypertension in representative middle-aged Korean population. Hypertension in this study is defined as hypertensive ($SBP{\geq}140mmHg\;or\;DBP{\geq}90mmHg$) adults without recognition of a disease state before a health exam. With data from the 1998 and 2001 National Health and Nutritional Survey, nutrient intakes of 6,112 adults, 40-64 years of age were calculated using food composition database and matched with health examination records by individual ID. After excluding those with extreme intake values, the number of final subjects included in the analysis was 5,200 (male 2,458, female 2,742). Using logistic regression method, socio-demographic data, lifestyle factors, and nutrient intakes were analyzed. Risky factors for hypertension revealed in this study were age, sex, BMI over 23, waist circumference, alcohol intake of more than 16g (male) or 8g (female). Regarding nutrient intakes, the intakes of highest quartile for energy (${\geq}2363.0kcal$) and protein (${\geq}90.2g$) were significantly associated with higher risk of hypertension after adjusting for age, sex, and other socio-demographic factors (OR=1.312(1.046-1.711), OR=1.488(1.194-1.854), respectively)). Although high intakes of sodium (${\geq}6604.0mg$) and phosphorus seemed to be risk factors of hypertension also before energy adjustment (OR=1.278(1.034-1.581), OR=1.280(1.024-1.600), respectively), only high intakes of energy and protein remained significant after adjustment. This study revealed that modifying risky lifestyles and dietary patterns, especially high energy intake, high protein intake, and high alcohol drinking, in middle-aged Korean adults could result in a prevalence decrease and/or prevention of hypertension.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.376-384
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• 2014

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the health status of residents who were exposed to sources of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) in the living environment and those who were not exposed to such a source of ELF-EMFs through a survey designed to appraise the residents' health levels. Method: Aimed at 251 residents exposed to a source of ELF-EMFs and 278 residents not exposed to a source, the survey was conducted to investigate the health status of the residents on the basis of questionnaire SF-36. Result: The health status scores of residents exposed to ELF-EMFs turned out to be lower than those of their counterparts. In terms of self-reported symptoms related to health and sleep quality, residents exposed to ELF-EMFs were found to have a higher complaint rate of self-reported symptoms such as dizziness, depression, and fatigue. Regarding sleep disorders, residents exposed to ELF-EMFs appeared to have a slightly higher complaint rate of sleep disorders compared to non-exposed residents. Conclusion: If a region is to be exposed to a source of ELF-EMFs, a more proactive policy for reducing such exposure is advised. In addition, it is necessary to better understand problems of residents by emplacing an ELF-EMFs risk information delivery system and building an efficient communication system for voluntary participation during the construction phase.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.12-23
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• 2016

Background: Many studies have explained regional disparities in health by socioeconomic status and healthcare resources, focusing on differences between urban and rural area. However some cities in Korea have the highest cardiovascular mortality, even though they have sufficient healthcare resources. So this study aims to confirm three hypotheses. (1) There are also regional health disparities between cities not only between urban and rural area. (2) It has different regional risk factors affecting cardiovascular mortality whether it is urban or rural area. (3) Besides socioeconomic and healthcare resources factors, there are remnant factors that affect regional cardiovascular mortality such as health behavior and physical environment. Methods: The subject of this study is 227 local authorities (si, gun, and gu). They were categorized into city (gu and si consisting of urban area) and non-city (gun consisting of rural area), and the city group was subdivided into 3 parts to reflect relative different city status: city 1 (Seoul, Gyeonggi cities), city 2 (Gwangyeoksi cities), and city 3 (other cities). We compared their mortalities among four groups by using analysis of variance analysis. And we explored what had contributed to it in whole authorities, city and non-city group by using multiple regression analysis. Results: Cardiovascular mortality is highest in city 2 group, lowest in city 1 group and middle in non-city group. Socioeconomic status and current smoking significantly increase mortality regardless of group. Other than those things, in city, there are some factors associated with cardiovascular mortality: walking practice(-), weight control attempt(-), deficiency of sports facilities(+), and high rate of factory lot(+). In non-city, there are other factors different from those of city: obesity prevalence(+), self-perceiving obesity(-), number of public health institutions(-), and road ratio(-). Conclusion: To reduce cardiovascular mortality and it's regional disparities, we need to consider differentiated approach, respecting regional character and different risk factors. Also, it is crucial to strengthen local government's capacity for practicing community health policy.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.35-45
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• 2020

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify patients' dissatisfaction with health care through a content analysis of newspaper articles published between 1990 and 2015. It focused on developing a systematic coding scheme for content analysis as well as exploring changes over time. Methods: Among articles published by 8 major national newspapers, our content analysis used those that specifically covered the dissatisfaction of patients. Coding taxonomy was developed in two domains: (1) contents of dissatisfaction and (2) special circumstances and groups where complaints were filed. All articles were then coded according to this coding taxonomy to conduct descriptive analysis. Results: A total of 794 complaints were discovered in 338 articles. Contents of dissatisfaction were classified into 7 categories and 50 subcategories. Complaints regarding accessibility, technical care, and administration were noticeable in special circumstances, including strikes and spread of epidemic diseases, whereas complaints on interpersonal care and cost were prominent in general population and circumstances. When comparing the proportion of articles covering patient dissatisfaction in general population/circumstances between 1990-2000 and 2001-2015, complaints on administration and physical environment diminished over time, whereas complaints on outcome of health care increased. Conclusion: This study offers a rare window to view the responsiveness of the Korean health care system on a long time horizon.

• The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.1243-1255
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• 2014

This study is aimed at developing an index and indicator in the light of social factors by analyzing the basic materials on Korean working conditions survey to make it possible to grasp various working environment factors consequent on business type and to judge the industrial safety & health policy of the related area. For the purpose of developing an index, this study was conducted by benchmarking the OECD-suggested index development guidelines and overseas cases of index development. This study suggested indexes related to health by benchmarking OECD's press-state-response model. The press-state health-related indexes specified in Korean working condtions survey were found to consist of physical risk environment, working hours, business environment, and social environment, and its consequent 'state' items were comprised of mental health, physical health, absence from work due to health problems and work satisfaction as health-related items. As a result, it was found that the 'press-state index' for wage worker, regular employee, manager, clerks, expert & related personnel involved, and workers aged under 50 was relatively good; in contrast, the 'press-state index' for people aged over 50, owner-operator, daily job, skilled position in agriculture & fisheries, simple labor service, and apparatus & machines assembly worker was found to be relatively vulnerable.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.35-46
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• 2016

Objectives: The purposes of this study are to refer existing and past domestic and foreign policies and to establish a comprehensive plan to reduce sugar consumption and utilize it as fundamental data to establish and implement relevant policies. Methods: Korean government analyzed domestic and foreign policies and average sugar intake to develop draft of sugar intake reduction plan. Based on the plan, objectives, sections and agendas of the plan were set after taking into account of their feasibility. Results: The policy has three directions: to help sugar intake reduction in all population groups, to create an environment which helps people to make informed decision on lower sugar choices and to lay scientific and statistical foundation for sugar intake reduction plan. The goal is to restrict average sugar intake from processed food to less than 10% of total energy intake per day. Three core strategies are to help reduce intakes of sugar in all population groups, to create an environment which helps people to make informed decision on lower sugar choices and to lay a foundation for sugar intake reduction plan. Each strategies has 2~4 projects. Conclusions: This study is expected to serve as a catalyst for carrying out the first phase of sugar intake reduction plan to help reduce sugar consumption.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Building Construction Conference
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• 2023.11a
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• pp.61-62
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• 2023

Promoting energy-efficient retrofit of existing buildings to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is critically vital and challenging. The bulk of outdated educational buildings in particular are of grave concern since they are not only have a significant negative impact on the environment but also dangerous to inhabitants'health. This study laid the groundwork for understanding the connection between occupant health and energy efficiency. This study proposes a prioritized strategic GR framework in South Korea's aging preschools. The possible prospects and levels of development in the GR plan are identified by this evaluation. Policy markers, educators, and other key stakeholders may help to create a more sustainable and healthy environment by putting the recommended framework into practice.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.273-280
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• 2014

Objectives: To evaluate the occurrence of patient adverse events in Korean hospitals as perceived by nurses and examine the correlation between patient adverse events with the nurse practice environment at nurse and hospital level. Methods: In total, 3096 nurses working in 60 general inpatient hospital units were included. A two-level logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: At the hospital level, patient adverse events included patient falls (60.5%), nosocomial infections (51.7%), pressure sores (42.6%) and medication errors (33.3%). Among the hospital-level explanatory variables associated with the nursing practice environment, 'physician-nurse relationship' correlated with medication errors while 'education for improving quality of care' affected patient falls. Conclusions: The doctor-nurse relationship and access to education that can improve the quality of care at the hospital level may help decrease the occurrence of patient adverse events.