• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.617-624
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• 2004

Purpose. Korean American women have twice the rate of cervical cancer than white women and demonstrate low rates in participation in cervical cancer screening. This study was to describe the perceptions about cervical cancer and factors related to cervical cancer screening among Korean American women. Method. Focus group methods. Results. Five themes emerged. First, knowledge about cervical cancer; misconceptions about cervical cancer, its causes, reproductive anatomy and the treatment Second, perceived meanings of having cervical cancer; most of the women felt that cervical cancer represented a loss of femininity and existential value of woman-hood. Third, knowledge about cervical cancer screening; regular medical check-ups were necessary for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Forth, experiences and perceived meanings of cervical cancer screening; the participants expressed their feelings; embarrassment, fear, shame and shyness. Fifth, practices of cervical cancer screening; various intervals in participating in cervical cancer screening. But they mentioned several deterrents, language, insurance, time constraint, embarrassment, fear of the screening results, misbelief about susceptibility, lack of health prevention behavior, and lack of information written in Korean. Conclusion: Results emphasize the critical need for culturally appropriate health education to encourage participation of Korean American women in cervical cancer screening.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.215-221
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• 2000

A 69-year-old male pateint was admitted for discomfort on right temporomandibular joint during opening, closing and chewing that started few months ago. The patient had no special medical history except for lung tuberculosis approximately 30 years ago and nothing specific appeared on a physical exam taken 2 months ago. Clinical tests show that mouth opening of 53mm which was normal and no joint sound, deviation, pain during opening. But tenderness to palpation on Rt masseter muscle and pain existed on Rt temporomandibular joint during loading test on the right joint. No pain existed during resistance test and protrusion and range of lateral movement was normal. Rt temporomandibular joint was not swollen and no palpable mass was observed. No previous trauma history to the face existed. On X-ray calcific material existed in the joint cavity and on CT image, approximately 2mm sized calcific material appeared on the Rt temporomandibular joint but no change in bone appeared on the condyle nor the temporal bone. The patient was diagnosed as loose body, and the symptoms were relived after 2 physical therapies and is under regular check ups. The purpose of this case is to review disease that cause loose bodies.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.119-128
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• 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of breastfeeding on the occurrence of early childhood caries in Korean infants and toddlers. Methods: Data on oral examinations of infants and toddlers of the National Health Insurance Service were analyzed. The study subjects were children who participated in both the first, second, and third oral examinations and the first general health examination in 2008-2017 (n=142,185). Based on the responses to the questionnaire, the subjects were classified into breastfeeding, formula feeding, and mixed feeding groups. The participants were monitored for the development of early childhood caries in three sequential oral examinations. Results: Based on the oral examination results conducted at 54-65 months old, the decayed-filled teeth index of the breastfeeding group was the highest (2.03±3.08), followed by the mixed (1.96±3.03) and the formula feeding groups (1.82±2.91). The Cox proportional hazard regression model including all the variables showed that the risk of developing dental caries was significantly lower in the formula (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85) and mixed feeding groups (HR, 0.91) than in the breastfeeding group. Conclusions: Breastfeeding children have a higher risk of early childhood caries; therefore, oral hygiene education and regular dental check-ups are necessary.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.59 no.1
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• pp.30-34
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• 2016

Purpose: Although Bednar's aphthae are common and regress spontaneously, these lesions may lead to feeding intolerance and are often misdiagnosed, rendering examinations useless. This study sheds new light on the clinical features of Bednar's aphthae. Methods: Sixteen neonates and infants were newly diagnosed with Bednar's aphthae via routine health check-ups in an outpatient clinic. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and the following parameters were analyzed; sex, gestational age, birth weight, mode of delivery, and perinatal problems. A physical examination was carried out during the next outpatient visit to examine the healing process and check for the existence of scars or complications. Results: Initial presentation included changes in feeding habits (n=10), longer feeding time, reduced intake, and increased irritability. In 6 patients, Bednar's aphthae were discovered incidentally, without prior symptoms. Feeding posture and method of feeding are important causes of Bednar's aphthae. Eleven patients were fed in a horizontal position, whereas 5 patients were fed in a semiseated position. Fifteen patients were bottle-fed, whereas 1 patient was exclusively breastfed. After correcting the feeding position, the ulcerative lesions disappeared within 1 month of diagnosis. During the follow-up period, lesions did not recur in any of the patients. Conclusion: This study suggests that Bednar's aphthae are caused by mechanical pressure. A diagnosis of Bednar's aphthae should be considered when lesions are found on the palate of infants and when symptoms seem to be feeding related. Proper education of parents can both treat Bednar's aphthae and easily prevent its recurrence.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.1251-1254
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• 2015

Background: To compare prevalence of anxiety in ovarian cancer patients following primary treatment to that of normal women and to examine predicting factor. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 56 ovarian cancer patients who had primary surgical treatment within the past five years (cancer group) and 56 age-matched women who attended an outpatient clinic for check-ups (non-cancer group) were recruited from June 2013 to January 2014. The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), was used to determine anxiety level of the participants with the score of ${\geq}11$ suggestive of anxiety. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms and mean HADS scores for anxiety were compared between the study groups. For those with ovarian cancer, associations of demographic and clinical factors with anxiety was examined. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Participants in the non-cancer group had higher rate of medical comorbidity, higher salary, and more frequent university education. The prevalence of anxiety was not different between the groups, at 7.1% each. The mean HADS scores for anxiety subscale were not significantly different between the groups, 5.0 in the cancer group vs 6.1 in the non-cancer group (p=0.09). On multivariable analysis, no demographic or clinical factors significantly associated with anxiety were identified. For the cancer group, no association between any particular factors and anxiety was demonstrated. Conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety in women with ovarian cancer following primary treatment was comparable to that of normal women seeking routine check-up.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.2901-2907
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• 2016

Background: Despite increasing debate about overdiagnosis and overtreatment of thyroid cancer in Korea, information to guide decisions on whether or not to undergo screening for and treatment of abnormal lesions of the thyroid is lacking. Moreover, studies have yet to outline what lay people know and want to know about thyroid cancer. The primary aim of this study was to explore general awareness of thyroid cancer among Korean women, their sources of information, and their satisfaction with the information they are provided. The secondary aim was to investigate information needs about thyroid cancer. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study using focus group interviews was conducted. Twenty-nine women were divided into four groups: (1) participants who had never undergone thyroid ultrasound screening; (2) those who had undergone screening, (3) those who continued to undergo regular check-ups with ultrasonography for benign nodules of the thyroid; and (4) participants who had undergone surgery for thyroid cancer. Results: A widespread lack of awareness of information on thyroid cancer was noted among participants in groups 1 and 2 who were not well aware of thyroid cancer and generally recognized it as a 'good cancer'. Surprisingly, instead of doctors and medical personnel, most participants reported obtaining information from acquaintances and media outlets. Moreover, most participants described dissatisfaction with their experience with screening and a lack of explanation on treatment and test results from medical personnel. Conclusions: Women in Korea seek reliable information on thyroid cancer that could help them to better understand the disease and make informed decisions regarding screening and treatment. More effort is needed from medical personnel to communicate the implications of thyroid cancer, screening results, and treatments thereof to lay people.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.398-406
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• 2012

Objectives: In order to investigate the relation between environmental pollution and its effect on human health in large-scale industrial complex regions, monitoring studies have been conducted since 2003. The main purpose of this Gangneung study is to produce background data which can be compared with several large-scale industrial complex regions such as Ulsan, Sihwa, Banwol, Gwangyang, Yeosu, Pohang and Cheongju Daesan industrial complexes. Methods: In this Gangneung study, 1,007 local residents were recruited and the framework of this study was designed to evaluate and monitor health effects associated with low-level but long-term exposure to environmental pollutants. A survey was performed based on personal questionnaires, medical check-ups, and allergy skin prick tests for twelve common allergens. The authors reviewed the prevalence rate of skin allergens in Gangneung compared with in large-scale industrial areas. The results are summarized as follows. Results: The diagnosis prevalence and medical treatment prevalence of asthma were lower than in industrial complex regions, but allergic rhinitis was higher. The allergy skin test prevalence was 26.0% and the most common allergens were dust mites (D. pteronysinus 16.7% and D. farinae 16.3%). Conclusions: The positive findings of the skin prick test were similar with large-scale industrial complex regions in Korea. Further study is required to find the cause of the regional differences in skin prick prevalence.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.117-126
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• 1994

Some of the important and vital roles performed by the Health Care Center of Pohang Iron & Steel Co., Ltd.(POSCO) are the periodic monitoring of the work sites as well as regular medical check-ups for each workers to ensure both pleasant and safe working conditions and to protect employees' health. Pohang Steel Works, which has 42 plants, 26 facilities and 12,000 employees, has an annual crude steel production capacity of 9,670,000 using 24,500,000 ton of raw materials. We have measured lots of areal and personal working environment according to Occupational Safety and Health Law semiannually. All data collected on industrial hygiene is stored and managed by personal computer. The developed of a computerized industrial hygiene control system linked to the company's main computer system will provide efficient evaluation of the working environment as well as critical informations on employees' health. Development of this system had begun in May, 1992 and was completed in March, 1994. The computerized industrial hygiene control system can; 1. store industrial hygiene data, providing key pertinent to the diagnosis of occupational related illnesses, and if necessary, the basis for improving the working environment, 2. decide type and time of medical examination of each work for exposure to specific agents, and supply proper protection periodically, 3. prevent occupational related illnesses through evaluation of environmental and biological monitoring, and performance of epidemiological surveillance, 4. facilitate proper job placement through linking of industrial hygiene control and personnel information systems, 5. monitor job processes. levels of chemical agents used, and new agents introduced, 6. and increase productivity by saving time resulting from the implementation of the computerized sysyte,

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.67-87
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• 2006

Objective: In order to provide basic data required to evaluate the knowledge and behavior of old people towards health promotion and primary factors that influence them, to develop a health educational program. Method: A survey was conducted from March 6th 2004 to June 10th 2004. A total of 949 senior citizens over 60 participated in the survey. Results: The old people was the lower the educational level they had, the lower the level of health education experience they had and the lower the frequency of regular health check-ups they had. In regards to health education and health promotion, seniors citizens were neglected because of a lack of health awareness and knowledge, wrong habits related to healthy living, low access to medical examination, poor economic state, and low educational level. In addition to social atmosphere and systematic efforts by the government, senior citizens tried to find their own ways to have healthy living by improving their educational level, health awareness, and level of health knowledge, and lifestyle. Conclusion: Therefore, not only their family members, but local communities, public organizations, and the whole nation should make every effort to provide a effective health education system by using health educators for senior citizens. There is also a need to prepare a practical and systematic health education program for senior citizens so that they can enjoy comfortable and healthy living in their old age.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2020

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to analyze and report status of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology patients who did funduscopy examination. Through this, we hope that the development of our diagnosis and treatment. Methods : From June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2019, Based on the electronic medical records of patients who had funduscopy examination at Korean Medicine Ophthalmology, Busan University Korean Medicine Hospital, the gender, age, visiting motives and paths, diagnosis, examination number of years, other eye examinations and treatments method were summarized and analyzed. Results : 463 patients were able to check the electronic medical records. They were 283 females and 180 males. The mean age of the patients was 51.5 years and elderly patients who 50s and 60s were 49.3% of whole patients. The most common motives for Korean Medicine Ophthalmology visitation was 'combination treatment with other department in Korean Medicine Hospital'. Outer eye diseases were 283 cases, inner eye diseases were 198 cases. Dry eye syndrome, asthenopia, visual discomfort, conjunctivitis, and eye discomfort were most common in the outer eye diseases. Cataracts, Vitreous floater, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma and Ocular Pain were most common in the inner eye disease. The most common parts of outer eye diseases were Conjunctival, lacrimal gland, paralytic, corneal, eyelid and front uveal, scleral disease and then in inner eye diseases parts, Retinal, lens, vitreous, glaucoma, optic nerve, behind uveal, choroid disease were most common. The number of funduscopy examination was ups and downs. Herbal medicine was the most common used. Conclusions : The funduscopy examination is essential for diagnosis and treatment of eye disease. We hope that the use of fundus examination and other ophthalmologic examination will be expanded soon in Korean Medicine Ophthalmology.