• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.60 no.4
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• pp.261-271
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• 2022

This study provides an overview of the current status of clonorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and their relationship in Korea during 2012-2020. Data were obtained from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service of Korea. Cluster, trend, and correlation analyses were performed. Gyeongsangnam-do and Seoul had the highest average number of cases (1,026 and 4,208) and adjusted rate (306 and 424) for clonorchiasis and CCA, respectively. The most likely clusters (MLC) for clonorchiasis and CCA were Busan/Gyeongsangnam-do/Ulsan/Daegu/Gyeongsangbuk-do (Relative Risk; RR=4.55, Likelihood Ratio; LLR=9,131.115) joint cluster and Seoul (RR=2.29, LLR=7,602.472), respectively. The MLC for clonorchiasis was in the southeastern part of Korea, while that for CCA was in the southern part. Clonorchiasis showed a decreasing trend in the southeastern districts, while increased in the southwestern districts. Cities in the central region had a decreasing trend, while the western districts had an increasing trend. In most adults (30-59), infection rate of clonorchiasis showed a significant decrease until 2018, while thereafter increased, although not significant. CCA showed a sharply decreasing tendency. The incidence of clonorchiasis and CCA were positively correlated. In general, the correlation was weak (r=0.39, P<0.001), but it was strongly positive around the 4 river basins (r=0.74, P<0.001). This study might provide an analytic basis for developing an effective system against clonorchiasis and CCA.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.145-158
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• 2022

Objectives: To identify changes in the subjects and methods of Herbal Medicine Consumption Survey, and analyze trend of the key results Methods: The population, methods, and items of the basic reports of all Surveys on Consumption of Herbal Medicine(HM) were organized in a time-series manner. The analysis items were trend in the purchase of standardized HM; consumption value share, and price of prepared HM; type of herbal dispensary; and awareness of HM policy in Koran Medicine(KM) institutions. Results: The price of HM preparations showed an upward trend in 2011, 2014, and 2017 surveys, and decreased in the 2020 survey. However, despite this recent decrease, the 2021 survey also saw the highest proportion of HM users reporting that price of herbal decoction is expensive. Furthermore, the demand for expanded coverage of herbal decoction was the greatest for the expansion of health insurance benefits. Efforts such as adjusting the number of covered diseases and the cost of health insurance coverage would be necessary. Regarding decoction dispensaries the proportion of HM hospitals using only extramural herbal dispensaries increased. Finally, the consumption of HM and the size of the HM industry has continued to expand due to the large-scale branding of KM institutions and the expansion of health insurance coverage. Conclusion: Future surveys must standardize and unify the items for the time-series continuity and compare the results with government statistics reports on HM to increase reliability. Moreover, specialized survey items may be developed for KM, to establish a better and efficient distribution system for domestic HMs.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.969-983
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We investigated the association of plant and animal protein intake with grip strength in Koreans aged ≥ 50 yrs. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The data was collected from 3,610 men and 4,691 women (≥ 50 yrs) from the 2016-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We calculated the total energy intake, and the intake of animal and plant protein and collected dietary data using 1-day 24-h dietary recalls. Low grip strength (LGS) was defined as the lowest quintile (men: up to 26.8 kg, women: up to 15.7 kg). The association of protein intake with grip strength was examined using Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The results proved that participants with LGS had lower daily energy, protein and fat intake, and percent energy from protein than those with normal or high grip strength (P < 0.0001). Total energy intake, animal protein, and plant protein were positively associated with grip strength. A higher intake of total plant protein (P for trend = 0.004 for men, 0.05 for women) and legumes, nuts, and seeds (LNS) protein (P for trend = 0.01 for men, 0.02 for women) was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of LGS. However, non-LNS plant protein intake was not associated with LGS (P for trend = 0.10 for men, 0.15 for women). In women, a higher total animal protein intake was significantly associated with decreased LGS (P for trend = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Higher total plant protein and LNS protein intake are negatively associated with LGS.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.85-95
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• 2004

Objectives : The aim of this study was to identify the trend of school health research by analyzing articles related to school health for the last 10 years. this information can be used to guide research direction for the future. Methods : This study is a descriptive study that analyzed annual data. using an objective frame of evaluation about the methodology and research domain in each paper, all the papers included in the journals concerning school health from January 1993 to December 2000 were analyzed. The data was processed statistically by frequency and percentage. Results : 455 papers in 9 journals related to school health were published. The Journal of the Korean Society of School Health had 204 articles, the highest number of any journal. most of the articles were descriptive, but the number of experimental studies increased over time. the most common research subjects were students were the greatest ones, but the trend to study both parents and teachers increased near the end of the sampling period. the most common selection of subjects appeared to be based on convenience, but probability sampling gradually increasing annually. the most common research instrument was the questionnaire and the reliability and the validity of instruments were described in approximately half of the studies. The survey was the most commonly used method of data collection. The papers that met ethical issue in data collection were less than those that did not. In addition, the papers that provided the rationale for the calculation of sample size were less than those that did not. parametric statistics were the main methods of data analysis, but some advanced statistics were used more often than simple descriptive statistics in the latter part of the sampling period. In general, limit of the studies were not frequently mentioned but more recommendations were made. regarding the characteristics of the research area, the assesment domain was remarkable. The rate of school health problem assesment was the highest among research subjects. Sex- related subjects were the highest in detail research subjects. Conclusions : The research of school health has increased quantitatively, but it is difficult to ascertain its qualitative development. Therefore, on the basis of the research completed up until now, more school-based intervention studies and longitudinal studies need to be another target for the evaluation of the effects of the school health service. as well, policy suggestion through international and cross-sectional comparison studies are needed to assist in the establishment of the long term direction of school health.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.161-165
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• 2016

Background: Despite the declining trend of workplace accidents in Republic of Korea, its level is still quite high compared with that in other developed countries. Factors that are responsible for high workplace accidents have not been well documented in Republic of Korea. The main purpose of this paper is to estimate the effects of unions and health and safety committees on workplace accidents in Korean manufacturing firms. We also allow for the interactions between unions and health and safety committees in the analysis. The results obtained in this paper will not only contribute to the literature in this field, but might also be useful for employers and worker representatives who are trying to find an effective way to reduce workplace accidents. Methods: This paper utilizes the 2012 Occupational Safety and Health Trend Survey data, which is a unique data set providing information on workplace injuries and illness as well as other characteristics of participatory firms, representative of the manufacturing industry in Republic of Korea. Results: In estimating the effects of unions and health and safety committees, we build a negative binomial regression model in which the interactions between unions and health and safety committees are permissible in reducing workplace accidents. Conclusion: Health and safety committees were found to reduce the incidence of accidents whereas unionized establishments have higher incidence of accidents than nonunionized establishments. We also found that health and safety committees can more effectively reduce accidents in nonunionized establishments. By contrast, nonexclusive joint committees can more effectively reduce accidents in unionized establishments.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.208-212
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• 2024

Background: Traffic accidents involving professional drivers have serious societal repercussions. Unique occupational stressors and health risks exacerbate the likelihood of traffic accidents among professional drivers. This study explores the association between presenteeism-impaired work performance due to working while unwell-and traffic accident risk among professional taxi drivers in Japan. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from June 2022 to February 2023, involving taxi drivers from a single company in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Presenteeism was assessed using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun). Primary outcome involved the number of self-reported minor traffic accidents. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of minor traffic accident occurrences was estimated using a Poisson regression analysis, adjusted for confounders including sex, age, and driving experience. Results: Of 838 targeted drivers, 435 were included in the analysis. Higher baseline work functioning impairment was associated with a significant trend of increasing IRR of minor traffic accidents (p for trend = 0.045). A dose-response relationship was seen between the degree of presenteeism and incidence rate of minor traffic accidents. Conclusion: Higher levels of presenteeism were associated with an increased risk of traffic accidents among taxi drivers. The findings underscore the need for socio-economic support and prioritized health management to mitigate traffic accident risk among professional drivers. This study highlights the importance of managing non-critical health issues alongside serious health conditions for safer driving practices among professional drivers in Japan.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.75-84
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• 2018

Background : In order to recognize the problems of current Korean physical therapy which does not conform to the current trend of modern society and to suggest improvement directions, we will establish a law for exclusive use of physical therapy that can guarantee the health rights of the people and contribute to the development of Korean physical. Methods : Korea's current physiotherapy system is compared with OECD member countries and WCPT member countries, and considering the expected effects and necessities that arise when the sole law is enacted, the sole law for the global trend is presented. Result : If the sole law is enacted and the physical therapist is treated solely, the effect is as follows. 1. Provision of high-quality physiotherapy services through establishment of physical therapy expertise 2. Convenient service provision 3. Reduced treatment costs due to reduced National Health Insurance fiscal expenditure 4. contributing to the improvement of medical welfare for the elderly and the disabled 5. Decreased unemployment rate due to job creation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.99-113
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• 2014

Objectives: To provide theoretical basis for the classification of medicinal moxibustion(藥灸劑) in Health Insurance Medical Benefit in Korea through investigating trend of judicial precedents on indirect moxibustion and usage of medicinal moxibustion in "Donguibogam". Methods: We analyzed statistical data of moxibustion from Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service and National Health Insurance Statistical Yearbook. We investigated major judicial precedents on indirect moxibustion to find out some trend and we searched the usages of medicinal moxibustion in "ZhenJiuDaCheng" and "Donguibogam". Results: According to recent judicial precedents, indirect moxibustion with equipment is no loner regarded as Korean Medical Procedure. In composition of 'Oriental Health Treatment', amount for acupuncture has gradually decreased instead, amount for moxibustion has increased steadily for 5 years. Medicinal moxibustion(藥灸劑) is often used as a form of indirect medicinal moxibustion with moxa in "Donguibogam". Argyi Folium, Moschus, Natrii Chloridium, Radix Preparata, Realgar and Olibanum are most frequently used for medicinal moxibustion in "Donguibogam". Medicinal moxibustions are composed of simple prescription or herb-pair or multiple prescription in "Donguibogam". Conclusions: In Health Insurance Medical Benefit in Korea, under the division of moxibustion, direct medicinal moxibustion and indirect medicinal moxibustion should be classified in addition.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.21-35
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• 2010

This study examined the changes in the service mix of Korean hospitals in 6 metropolitan cities between 2003 and 2005, and assessed whether the sample hospitals exhibit consistent trend or chance variation in multiple years. Three measures of hospital service mix, focusing on the specialization of services, were applied: information theory index, internal Herfindahl index, and number of distinct diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) treated. National Health Insurance claims were used to calculate the indexes. Specialization indexes were calculated in each year, and then examined to identify the pattern over time. Kappa analysis was applied to assess the agreements of specialization score between two years after hospitals were categorized into 4 groups with quartiles. Kappa score showed that the service mix of hospitals were changed during the study years. Specialization scores were increased given the market structure for three years. Hospitals which showed higher or lower specialization scores than the average of the scores consistently classified into the same group. Specialization indexes showed relatively consistent pattern over 3 years, and such consistencies were evident for hospitals regardless of the specialization status. Policy makers can identify the degree of specialization with the indexes, and it could provide a picture of how hospital services were mixed and changed over time.

• Food Science and Industry
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.382-389
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• 2020

"Eating cosmetic" market comes to prominence worldwide. Inner Beauty has established itself as the top trend nowadays and is leading the health functional food market. Another noticeable trend other than beauty-from-within is that products using "plant-based" natural botanical raw material are increasing. Based on these trends above, we have developed a plant extract named Agatri® for skin health using Agastache rugosa. By ingesting Agatri®, it is expected that the formation of skin wrinkles is suppressed, and skin elasticity is increased by suppressing the decrease in collagen content caused by ultraviolet rays. At the same time, it is possible to prevent skin aging by improving skin hydration and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). The studies show that it significantly increased production of hyaluronic acid and collagen, and decreased production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). And Agatri® has been approved as an "Individually recognized functional ingredient for skin health by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Korea in 2020. As a result, Agatri® is a good solution for those who are in need of skin protection from exposure to UV and aging.