• 한국사회정책
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.195-232
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• 2013

Child care cash benefit policy in Korea started in 2009 limited to the those under 2 years old in the poverty group entitled to National Basic Living Security Act and the near poor group (100,000 won a month). However, in 2013 the coverage has been expanded to everyone under 5 (200,000 won for those between babies in their first year, 150,000 won for the second year and 100,000 won for those between 2 to 5 years old) regardless of the household income level. The policy change between year 2012 and year 2013 requires a rapid increase in child care budget - 760% increase. This paper examines this exceptional expansion in child care cash benefit using policy network analysis. We found that local election as well as general election immediately effect the interaction between policy actors and the types of networks. This suggest that policy actors recognize child care cash benefit to be more directly related to the election result compared with child care services. Also conflictive interaction between the parties and government bodies with budget restraint also facilitated the diversification on the child care cash benefit discussion. The policy making process of child care cash benefit was led to policy adoption immediately after the presidential election suggesting that policy formation process and the policy adoption had an close relationship in the Korean child care cash benefit policy process.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.479-492
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• 2020

Background: As the prevalence of hypertension is increasing in Korea, the government is seeking policy actions to manage patients with hypertension more efficiently. In this paper, we aimed to identify factors associated with the use of medical care at hospitals among outpatients with hypertension. Methods: We analyzed a total of 15,040 cases of 3,877 outpatients with hypertension obtained from the Korea Medical Panel database from 2010 to 2016. The dependent variable was whether a patient with hypertension visited a hospital or not; and independent variables were the patient's various socio-demographic, health-related, and heath-status characteristics. We conducted a generalized linear mixed model analysis with logit link for all the cases and then conducted it stratified by gender. Results: As a result of a multivariable analysis, women were less likely than to visit at a hospital (odds ratio [OR], 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.61) and people aged 65 years and older than those aged less than 65 years (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.57-0.89). Residents in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam were more likely than those in than Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Jeju to visit a hospital (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.05-1.86). The likelihood of visiting a hospital was high in people belonging to a group of: the highest level of annual household income (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.30-2.29); Medical care aid recipients (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.34-2.83); people having three or more complex chronic diseases (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.19-2.11); people having diabetes (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.41-2.32); or people having ischemic heart disease or cerebrovascular disease (OR, 6.80; 95% CI, 5.28-8.76). Also, we found that factors associated with the use of medical care at hospitals among outpatients with hypertension differed between genders. Conclusion: A variety of factors seem to be associated with the use of medical care at hospitals among outpatients with hypertension. Future research needs to find a way to help patients with hypertension visit an appropriate medical institution between clinics and hospitals.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.47-52
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to identify the risk level of Chinese commercial banks' loan assets and to analyze what factors affect the stability of Chinese commercial banks. In addition, Chinese commercial banks are classified based on the asset size of 200 billion yuan, and the difference in stability according to size is investigated. The analysis results are as follows. First, it was estimated that as the proportion of household and corporate loans of commercial banks in China increased, the stability of banks decreased. Although the Chinese financial authorities are currently restricting the conservative management of loan assets, it will be necessary to preemptively manage risk on loan assets by setting an appropriate standard for loan-to-deposit ratio in the future. Second, as a result of analyzing the stability of large banks based on 200 billion yuan of bank assets, it was estimated that the stability of large banks was lower. As large banks are likely to conduct aggressive loan asset management, continuous management of non-performing assets is required in the future. This study will serve as a measure for improving the stability of commercial banks in China by estimating the effect of loan asset management of Chinese commercial banks on financial stability. In particular, by examining the stability of large banks, a strategy for sustainable development of the financial industry is required by diagnosing the weaknesses of large banks.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.406-421
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the blood biochemical characteristics, comorbidities, dietary intake, and other risk factors leading to poor glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) control in elderly Korean diabetes patients over 65 years of age. Methods: Data from the 4^th (2007-2009) and the 7^th (2016-2018) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) were used. Socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, region, household income, education level, marital status, nutrition education, diabetes duration and diabetes treatment), lifestyle characteristics (drinking, smoking, regular walking, and subjective health perception), anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, and waist circumference), blood biochemical characteristics (HbA1c, high- density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, and blood creatinine), co-morbidities (obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and anemia), energy and nutrients intake, food group intake, and HbA1c control-related risk factors were compared. Results: Compared to the 4^th survey, the 7^th survey showed an increase in diabetes prevalence among men, an increase in the prevalence of diabetes in the older patients, and an increase in the duration of diabetes. The energy ratio from carbohydrate consumption in the 7^th survey was lower than in the 4^th. Compared to the 4^th survey, thiamine and riboflavin intake had improved, and the intakes of vitamin A, vitamin C, and niacin had worsened in the 7^th. A comparison of food group intakes showed that there was a decrease in the consumption of whole grains, potatoes, and milk and an increase in the intake of beverages and alcoholic beverages. The risk factors for poor control of HbA1c were the duration of diabetes and co-morbid hypertriglyceridemia in the 4^th survey, whereas subjective health perception, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia as co-morbidities were found to be risk factors in the 7^th in addition to the risk factors highlighted in the 4^th survey. Conclusions: For the future management of elderly Korean diabetes patients, greater care is indicated for men over 75 years, and those with low levels of education. It is necessary to increase the intake of milk and vegetables, and reduce the intake of beverages and alcoholic beverages. In addition, it is necessary to reduce the incidence of obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia for proper control of blood sugar.

• 한국노년학
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.511-530
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• 2020

The present study aimed to examine the moderating effects of marital satisfaction (MS) on the association between the number of chronic disease (CD) and depressive symptoms (DS) among ol der men and women. The 6th wave of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing was utilized and the sample was married men (N=585) and women (N=460) aged 65 and over. Multiple regression analysis using SPSS WIN 25.0 and Process Macro was used to test moderating effects of MS. Control variables were age, education, household income, parent-child relationship satisfaction, self-rated health, cognitive function, current smoking status and CD of spouse. Resul ts from elderly men showed the moderating effect of MS was significant. Specifically, those with more CD were more likely to report higher level of DS in the low MS group. However, the effect of CD on DS was not significant in the high MS group. Results from elderly women showed the moderating effect of MS was not significant. This study showed the moderating effect of MS on the association between CD and DS differed by gender in later life. It suggests practical intervention to utilize the resources of spouses is in need to promote mentally healthy aging even though having chronically ill in later life.

• 한국노년학
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.91-109
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• 2020

This study aims to investigate the interdependence of Korean middle and old-aged couples in the association between exercise and life satisfaction through grip strength trajectory. Data were drawn from the nationally representative Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) collected from 2006 to 2016. The sample included couples over 45 years of age in the first wave and participated in all six waves of the survey (Ncouple=1,997). There were three steps for analyses: correlation, parallel latent growth curve model, tests of indirect effects of the mediation paths. Covariates included in the models were husbands and wives' characteristics (age, education, work status, chronic diseases, marital satisfaction, contact frequency with friends or neighbors) and couple's household income. Results showed husbands' and wives' life satisfaction and grip strength were interdependent upon each other. Also, exercise participation of both husbands and wives was associated with both husbands' and wives' life satisfaction via the initial level of grip strength of husbands. Moreover, exercise participation of only husbands was associated with wives' life satisfaction through the initial grip strength of husbands. These results suggest the aging processes of middle and old-aged couples need to be understood in the context of gender dynamics and couple interdependence.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.108-114
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• 2022

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had major effects worldwide, including sudden and forceful setbacks to the healthcare system. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to changes in the plastic and reconstructive management of emergency cases, including those due to road traffic accidents. This study analyzed changes in patterns of plastic surgery emergencies and modifications in consultation policies to minimize the exposure of healthcare workers. Methods: Data on plastic surgery emergency calls received from the trauma and emergency department were collected for a period of 2 months before and during lockdown. The data were then analyzed with respect to the cause, mechanism, and site of the injury, as well as other variables. Results: During lockdown, there was a 40.4% overall decrease in the plastic surgery emergency case volume (168 vs. 100). The average daily number of consultations before lockdown was 2.8 as compared to 1.6 during lockdown. Road traffic accidents remained the most common mechanism of injury in both groups (45.8% vs. 39.0%) but decreased in number during the lockdown (77 vs. 39). Household accidents, including burns, were the second most common cause of injury in both phases (7.7% vs. 20.0%), but their proportion increased significantly from 7.7.% to 20.0% in the lockdown phase (P=0.003). The percentage of minor procedures done in the emergency department increased from 53.5% to 72.0% during lockdown (P=0.002). Procedures in the operating room decreased by 73.1% during lockdown (67 vs. 18, P=0.001). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown orders in India greatly influenced trends in traumatic emergencies as observed by the plastic surgery team at our tertiary care center. Amidst all the chaos and limitations of the pandemic period, providing safe and prompt care to the patients presenting to the emergency room was our foremost priority.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.1-12
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• 2022

COVID-19 led to an increased need for mountainous urban parks in the city that can be enjoyed while moving rather than staying put. However, studies on the economic value of mountainous urban parks have been insufficient. As a result, this study investigates the economic value of Gyeyangsan, a mountainous urban park located in the city, by quantifying the value of natural resources provided to residents and analyzing the factors affecting these values. The results are summarized below. First, according to the economic value assessment of Gyeyangsan, the use value was 2,210 won per person or 4.42 billion won per year, and the preservation value was 6,182 won per household, or 129.37 billion won. Gyeyangsan's total assets value was assessed as 3.68 trillion won. Second, according to the estimates of the willingness to pay and the determinants for the use-value, the frequency of visits, age, and use satisfaction significantly impacted the intention to pay for the use-value. Third, according to the estimates of the willingness to pay and the determinants for the preservation value, the intention to revisit, volunteer participation, educational level, gender, and residence significantly influenced the intention to pay for the preservation value. According to the findings of this study, it will be possible to make crucial policy implications when setting a direction for future park management by presenting a practical policy plan for the maintenance of mountain parks in downtown areas and will broaden the scope of research.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.48-60
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• 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the sex-associated differences in the dietary intake of gastric cancer patients in Korea. Methods: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) the 7^th (2016-2018) were analyzed in the present study. The subjects included 122 gastric cancer patients aged over 40 years (75 male, 47 female). General characteristics (age, marital status, household income, education, food security, comorbidities, alcohol drinking, and smoking), anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, body mass index, and blood pressure), blood biochemical characteristics [fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol)], and quantity and quality of dietary intake were compared between male and female participants. Results: Males had higher rates of having a spouse, prevalence of hypertension, alcohol drinking, and smoking than females. The proportion of males with a normal range of FPG, BUN, and HDL-cholesterol was lower than that in females. The total cholesterol levels above the normal range were higher in females than in males. We also found that females had a higher percentage of intakes below the estimated energy requirement (EER) and intakes below the estimated average requirement (EAR) for carbohydrates, niacin, phosphorus, and iron than males. The index of nutritional quality (INQ) for phosphorus and folate, nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) for vitamin C, thiamine, niacin, folate, calcium, and phosphorus, and the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) were lower in females than males. Conclusions: In Korean gastric cancer patients, management of comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia, lowering FPG, and raising HDL-cholesterol level management is required for males, whereas management of lowering total cholesterol and raising hematocrit is required for females. The quantitative and qualitative nutritional intakes were poor in gastric cancer patients, especially in females, who had a lower nutritional intake than males. We suggest that nutritional interventions are needed to improve the overall nutritional intake in both male and female gastric cancer patients. In particular, we propose that support is urgently needed for females whose nutritional intake is lower than that of males. In addition, family, social, and national support for nutritional management of female gastric cancer patients is highly necessary.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.717-734
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify preschool children's eating behaviors associated with early childhood obesity and its multi-level, socio-ecological determinants. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of 364 mothers of preschool children aged 3-5 years, these children's healthy eating behaviors were assessed using a validated preschool nutrition quotient (NQ-P) questionnaire. The children's overweight or obesity statuses were determined based on body mass index percentiles from the 2017 Korean National Growth Chart. The associations between the NQ-P score and risk of overweight or obesity were examined using multivariable logistic regression. The associations of individual, maternal, physical, and media environmental factors with the NQ-P score were also examined using multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: Preschool children with greater NQ-P scores were at a significantly lower risk of overweight or obesity (P < 0.01). The NQ-P score had a significantly positive association with maternal body mass index and an inverse association with household income (all P < 0.05). Maternal parenting and feeding practices exhibited associations with the NQ-P score. Positive associations were observed with "warm," "structured," and "autonomy-supportive" parenting as well as monitoring feeding practices (all P < 0.05). In addition, the NQ-P score had a significantly positive association with the childcare center's anti-obesogenic environment, such as the provision of nutritional and physical-activity support and vicinity of the built food environment to the home, including access to good-quality food, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat foods (all P < 0.05). Regarding media environments, the NQ-P score demonstrated more significant associations with viewing and eating and/or cooking content displayed on online video platforms (all P < 0.05) than with that on television. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm the significance of healthy eating behaviors in early-childhood-obesity prevention and underscore the importance of multilevel maternal, physical, and media environmental interventions that effectively guide eating behaviors in preschool children.