• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.69-75
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• 2016

Objectives : The aim of this study is to introduce the Korean medicine respiratory management program in public health center and to analyze the effects of that program. Methods : The respiratory management program was targeted on 22 soldiers during March 2016. The interventions of this program were herbal medicines (Gilgyung-tang and so on), aromatherapy, peppermint tea, fine dust mask, and health education. Data were collected by retrospective reviewing medical chart and analyzed using SPSS 18.0. Results : Total symptoms scores were measured by 4-point likert scale. Total score was $5.50{\pm}4.848$ at 1st week and $3.27{\pm}3.058$ at 4th week (p=0.008). The severity of respiratory discomfort reduced by $-1.14{\pm}2.46$ compared with last year. The satisfaction score was $7.82{\pm}4.16$. The most hoping program was muscular skeletal disease management program. Conclusions : This study suggests that Korean medical world should prepare countermeasures to cope with diseases caused by air pollution.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.89-112
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• 2000

Although dental laboratory technicians are prone to be exposed to various work-related health hazardous materials such as dusts, chemicals, etc., the prevalence and nature of work-related health problems of them have not been a matter of great concern in the field of occupational health service in Korea. The purpose of the present investigation was to describe a collected profile of subjective health symptoms and their attributable factors in Korean dental laboratory technicians. A questionnaire listing five groups of health symptoms and five health symptom-related factors was mailed to randomly selected 1,900 dental laboratory technicians. Among them, 1,344 dental laboratory technicians filled out the questionnaires and returnde them. Five groups of health symptoms included musculoskeletal symptom, dermal symptoms, respiratory symptoms, eys symptoms, and ear symptoms. Five health symptom-related factors were occupational environment-related health risk factors, work history, health related habits and status, use of personal protective equipment and general characteristics. Detailed parameters of health risk factors were work posture, vibration, and chemical or physical hazards such as dust, fume, vapor, solvent, light, and noise for occupational environment-related factors; work place, area, number of employees, work hours, career, work part, and work load for work history; Broca's index, hours of sleep, eating, smoking, alcohol, exercise, health examination, and self assessed health status for health habits and status; face masks, goggles, and so on for use of personal protective equipment, and; age, sex, marital status, and education for general characteristics. Before the start of main survey, a pilot survey was carried out for validity and reliability tests of the questionnaire. All the data obtained were coded and analyzed with PC/SAS 6.12 program. The prevalence of health symptoms was the highest in musculoskelton (87.3%), and followde by eyes (78.9%), respiratory organs (64.3%), ears (57.8%), and skin (52.2%) in descending order. Statistically significant risk factors by multiple logistic regression analyses were sex, health examination, self assessed health status, and hand/finger posture in musculoskeletal symptoms; sex, self assessed health status, career, acid gas, and hand contact with resin mixture in deraml symptoms; Broka's smoking, exercise, self assessed health status, and face mask in respiratory symptoms; sex, hours of sleep, self assessed health status, work hours, work load, plaster dust, inadequate lighting, and goggle in eys symptoms, and eating, smoking, self assessed health status, and work load in ear symptoms. With the above considerations in mind, prevalence of subjective symptoms among Korean dental laboratory technicians was relatively high, and they were attributable to most of the occupational environment-related factors, work history, use of personal protective equipment, health habits and status, and general characteristics. Particularly, it is suggested that health promotion programs for promoting self- assessed health status and smoking cessation, preventive measures for protection of the female technicians’health, and reducing work load be necessary, since those factors were associated with more than one subjective symptom.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.360-369
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• 2020

This study examined and compared the droplet infection prevention activity and cough etiquette knowledge among nursing hospital workers. Data were collected from March 4 to 29, 2019, through personal interviews using a questionnaire in 177 nursing hospital workers (health care provider: n=61, non-health care provider: n=116). The data were analyzed using a x²-test, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, and ANOVA. The general characteristics were statistically significant between the two groups in terms of sex and age. The prevention activities of droplet infection showed statistically significant differences between the two groups in usually carrying a tissue, usually carrying a handkerchief, usually carrying a mask, carrying a handkerchief at respiratory symptoms, hand washing frequency, and cough etiquette compliance. Knowledge of cough etiquette showed significant differences between the two groups. The knowledge of cough etiquette, according to the non-health provider's prevention activities of droplet infection, was statistically significant in usually carrying a mask and cough etiquette education. Therefore, it is necessary to raise the knowledge about cough etiquette and develop strategies for habitual cough etiquette for each nursing hospital worker.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.368-377
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• 1994

In order to investigate the oral health status including dental erosion, the authors had surveyed and oral examined 510 male workers, among whom 199 workers were exposed to acids and 311 were not exposed to acids, in a factory using acids during the period from November, 26 to 27 in 1992. The obtained results were as follows ; 1. The positive rate of dental erosion between the acid exposed and non-exposed group didn't show statistical difference. But the positive rate of degree 1 dental erosion by degree was statistically high in the acid exposed group(P<0.05). 2. The acid exposed group showed the higher positive rate of degree 1 dental erosion in lower incisors by site(P<0.01). 3. To the average number of eroded teeth, the acid exposed group showed more degree 1 eroded teeth in lower incisors than the non-exposed(P<0.05). 4. Although the rate of dental erosion was increased according to the increase in tenure in both exposed and non-exposed group(P<0.05), there was no difference in rate of the dental erosion by site among the same tenure group. 5. In the acid exposed group, the rate of dental erosion between protective mask wearer group and non-wearer group was not statistically different, but upper incisors of the protective mask wearer group showed lower rate of dental erosion by site(P<0.05). 6. The positive rate of periodontal diseases was higher in the acid exposed group(P<0.01).

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.115-122
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• 2017

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the changes in the particle filtration efficiencies of five cloth masks (4 plate types, 1 cup type) with an increasing number of machine washings and the degree of cloth expansion. Methods: NaCl aerosols were generated using an atomizer and passed through cloth masks in a dynamic aerosol chamber. Particle concentrations were measured both before and after for the cloth masks using an optical particle counter (OPC) in the size range of $0.3{\sim}10{\mu}m$. Results: In the original condition, the filtration efficiencies of the five cloth masks were A: 20.1%, B:30.9%, C: 25.0%, D: 26.5%, and E: 40.9%. As the number of washings increased in the order of one, two, and four times, the filtration efficiencies of cloth mask C increased. The filtration efficiency of A, D, and E increased after the first washing. With the exception of B, the filtration efficiency of cloth masks increased after the second washing and those of all cloth masks increased after the fourth washing. This might be caused by the fibers untangling from the yarn and being freed at one end. In this status, the packing density of the textile will not change, but the distances between fibers will increase, which might bring about an increase in filtration efficiency. When the cloth masks were extended by 10% and 20% in one direction, the filtration efficiencies of cloth masks B, D, and E decreased at 10% extension, and those of all cloth masks decreased at 20% extension. When the cloth masks were expanded by 10% and 20% in two directions, the filtration efficiencies of all cloth masks decreased by at least 34.7% at 10% extension, and by at least 60.9% at 20% extension Conclusions: The filtration efficiency of cloth masks could decrease after one to two machine washings, but will increase after four washings in comparison with their original performances. The filtration efficiency of cloth masks will decrease when they are expanded, such as when stretching over the nose during wearing status.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.163-171
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• 2022

Objectives: Fit performance may vary depending on the ambient aerosol number and ratio in respective test environment. Although several instrument can measure it, they differ with respect to the measurement principle and the range of ambient aerosols collected to calculate the fit factor. Methods: In this study, the fit performance between a condensation nuclei counter(CNC) and an optical particle counter(OPC) was compared according to ambient aerosol number concentration, and evaluated consistency. One type respirators(N95 masks) was worn by 50 participants PortaCount®(Pro+ 8038) and MT®(05U) were connected with one probe to one mask, and Fit Factors(FFs) were measured simultaneously. Results: The interclass correlation coefficient of the fit factor and ambient aerosol number, as measured by the two instrument, was 0.82 and 0.79, respectively, indicating a high consistency level. On the other hand there was a significant correlation between the successful test performance of the OPC instrument and the ambient aerosol number. Conclusions: The test was passed with the CNC and OPC instruments when the ambient aerosol number was 635-3,332 particles/cm³ and 368-1,976 particles/cm³, respectively. Thus, the ideal ambient aerosol number of particles differed between the two instrument.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.268-277
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• 2012

Objectives: 1) To determine mercury levels in urine samples from garbage workers in Southern Thailand, and 2) to describe the association between work characteristics, work positions, behavioral factors, and acute symptoms; and levels of mercury in urine samples. Methods: A case-control study was conducted by interviewing 60 workers in 5 hazardous-waste-management factories, and 60 matched non-exposed persons living in the same area of Southern Thailand. Urine samples were collected to determine mercury levels by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometer mercury analyzer. Results: The hazardous-waste workers' urinary mercury levels (10.07 ${\mu}g/g$ creatinine) were significantly higher than the control group (1.33 ${\mu}g/g$ creatinine) (p < 0.001). Work position, duration of work, personal protective equipment (PPE), and personal hygiene, were significantly associated with urinary mercury level (p < 0.001). The workers developed acute symptoms - of head-aches, nausea, chest tightness, fatigue, and loss of consciousness at least once a week - and those who developed symptoms had significantly higher urinary mercury levels than those who did not, at p < 0.05. A multiple regression model was constructed. Significant predictors of urinary mercury levels included hours worked per day, days worked per week, duration of work (years), work position, use of PPE (mask, trousers, and gloves), and personal hygiene behavior (ate snacks or drank water at work, washed hands before lunch, and washed hands after work). Conclusion: Changing garbage workers' hygiene habits can reduce urinary mercury levels. Personal hygiene is important, and should be stressed in education programs. Employers should institute engineering controls to reduce urinary mercury levels among garbage workers.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.431-437
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• 2017

Objectives: To protect the health and safety of residents during chemical accidents, the governmental authorities need to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to citizens who desire it. This study aims to investigate residents'awareness of PPE and perform an economic analysis on providing PPE to residents near chemical plants prior to the establishment of a related law. Methods: This study was carried out through a questionnaire completed by 600 residents composed of items such as residents'awareness of PPE, what type of PPE they need, and how to purchase PPE. Economic analysis (cost-benefit analysis) was conducted on providing PPE to residents near chemical plants on basis of the Gumi City hydrogen fluoride accident of 2012. Results: The results of the questionnaire showed that most residents recognized the need for PPE preparedness for chemical accidents, in particular, for respirators. The level of expense that respondents were prepared to shoulder to share the burden was $25. Except for chemicals of hazard level 2, the benefit of all kinds of chemical accident preparedness considerably exceeded costs in the cost-benefit analysis on providing PPE. An estimated government budget of $20 million per year would be required to provide PPE (hood-type mask) for all residents within a one-kilometer radius of chemical plants in Korea, but only $5.8 million when residents share the expenses. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that programs for providing PPE for residents near chemical plants should be established by law.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 2023

Objectives: To prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), behaviors such as mask-wearing, social distancing, decreasing mobility, and avoiding crowds have been suggested, especially in high-risk countries such as Indonesia. Unfortunately, the level of compliance with those practices has been low. This study was conducted to determine the predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors of COVID-19 prevention behavior in Indonesia. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a mixed-methods approach. The participants were 264 adults from 21 provinces in Indonesia recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a Google Form and in-depth interviews. Statistical analysis included univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression. Furthermore, qualitative data analysis was done through content analysis and qualitative data management using Atlas.ti software. Results: Overall, 44.32% of respondents were non-compliant with recommended COVID-19 prevention behaviors. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, low-to-medium education level, poor attitude, insufficient involvement of leaders, and insufficient regulation were also associated with decreased community compliance. Based on in-depth interviews with informants, the negligence of the Indonesian government in the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the unpreparedness of the community to face the pandemic, as people were not aware of the importance of preventive practices. Conclusions: Education level is not the only factor influencing community compliance with recommended COVID-19 prevention behaviors. Changing attitudes through health promotion to increase public awareness and encouraging voluntary community participation through active risk communication are necessary. Regulations and role leaders are also required to improve COVID-19 prevention behavior.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.104-109
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to compare the ventilatory volume and airway pressure of a facial mask, endotracheal intubation, King tube, and I-gel devices with an Oxylator EM-100 using a RespiTrainer. The data were obtained from July 20 to 21, 2015. Data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 18.0 software. The ventilatory volume for endotracheal intubation was 537 ml (95% CI 530~545 ml), that for the King tube was 502 ml (95% CI 499~506 ml), that for the I-gel was 88 ml (95% CI 485~491 ml), and that for the facial mask was 499 ml (95% CI 496~503 ml). The airway pressure for endotracheal intubation was $11.34cmH_2O$ (95% CI $11.21{\sim}11.41cmH_2O$), that for the King tube was $10.67cmH_2O$ (95% CI $10.60{\sim}10.75cmH_2O$), that for the I-gel was $10.42cmH_2O$ (95% CI $10.35{\sim}10.67cmH_2O$), and that for the facial mask was $10.61cmH_2O$ (95% CI $10.55{\sim}10.68cmH_2O$). As a result, we were able to identify the appropriate ventilatory volume using the Oxylator EM-100.