• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.248-258
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was done to develop a reproductive health program to improve reproductive health of women immigrants. Methods: The participants in the study were 58 immigrant women who lived in Vietnam, China, Philippines, or Cambodia before marriage. They were assigned to the experiment group (n=29) or the control group (n=29). The reproductive health program for this study consisted of reproductive health education, health counseling, phone monitoring, and emotional support based on Cox (1982)'s Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior and was implemented for four weeks. Results: There were significant differences in reproductive health knowledge (t=9.78, p<.001), reproductive health attitude (t=6.59, p<.001), and reproductive health behavior (t=5.11, p<.001) within and between groups after the reproductive health program. But there were no significant differences in clinical indicators between the two groups. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the that reproductive health program for the women immigrants is effective in terms of reproductive health knowledge, reproductive health attitude and reproductive health behaviors. Therefore, nurses in public and private facilities, such as multicultural centers and public health centers in each community, should develop strategies to expand and provide reproductive health programs for women immigrants.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.286-295
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• 2022

Purpose: Based on the World Health Organization framework on reproductive health, this descriptive correlational study investigated the factors affecting reproductive health-promoting behaviors of married women, with a focus on family values and reproductive health knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 170 married women between the ages of 25 and 49 years living in Daegu, Korea. The general and reproductive health characteristics, family values, and reproductive health knowledge of married women were identified, as well as factors affecting reproductive health-promoting behaviors. A questionnaire survey was administered to investigate the impact of various factors on reproductive health-promoting behaviors. Results: Positive correlations were shown for family values (r=.78, p<.001) and reproductive health knowledge (r=.55, p<.001). Family values (β=.35, p<.001) and reproductive health knowledge (β=.24, p<.001) were identified as factors influencing reproductive health-promoting behaviors. According to the regression model, the explanatory power of factors affecting reproductive health-promoting behaviors among married women was 51.2%. Conclusion: A history of reproductive diseases, family values, and reproductive health knowledge were identified as factors influencing reproductive health-promoting behaviors. These results will provide basic data for the development of a reproductive health-promoting program, including a positive approach to reproductive health among married women, and will serve as a basis for further research on intervention strategies.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.47-60
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the sexual knowledge, sexual attitude and sexual autonomy related to reproductive health of female college student and affecting factors on reproductive health promoting behavior. Methods: The sample included 329 females students S university in D city. Data were collected from 24th to 28th of october, 2016 by using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using a T-test, ANOVA, pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis with SPSS 22.0. Results: The subjects' reproductive health promoting behavior differed according to the age, sexual experience, dating experience, form of high school. The subjects' reproductive health promoting behavior had positive correlations with sexual knowledge and sexual autonomy, and negative correlation with sexual attitude. Sexual knowledge was influencing factors on reproductive health promoting behavior accounting for 79.0%. Conclusions: Therefore, this result suggest that the developing reproductive health education programs based on the findings and providing the programs on their demands.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.353-361
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• 2020

Objectives: An inadequate understanding of infertility can affect individuals' self-efficacy and ability to perform self-care; thus, reproductive health education is an important part of infertility treatment. The present qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences and educational needs of infertile women with regard to reproductive health. Methods: In this qualitative study, we utilized a content analysis approach. Purposive sampling was performed to ensure maximum diversity. In total, 23 individual interviews were conducted with 20 Iranian women with infertility and 3 key informants between July 2018 and February 2019 in northern Iran. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using a conventional content analysis approach. Results: Reproductive health education needs were identified by analyzing interview data from 4 main categories: familiarity with the fertility process and preparation for pregnancy, recognition of infertility and expectations around seeking treatment, recognition of preventive actions associated with reproductive health, and correction of false beliefs. Recognizing the causes of infertility and understanding the different approaches to infertility treatment are among the most important educational needs of infertile women. The potential for neglect of health-related issues due to concerns about fertility and the maternal experience necessitates education about preventive measures for cervical cancer, breast cancer, and sexually transmitted infections. Correcting misconceptions, including those related to contraceptives and traditional medicine, can also help promote reproductive health. Conclusions: In infertile women, the educational needs associated with reproductive health are multifaceted. Satisfying these needs can help achieve optimal treatment results and promote reproductive health.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.468-481
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing the reproductive health behavior of married immigrant women (MIW). Methods: A cross-sectional based survey was conducted. The data were collected using a self-reporting questionnaire of MIW who lived in cities and provinces. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results: A total of 141 subjects participated in the study (mean age, $34.23{\pm}6.53$). Of the participants, 45.4% were Vietnamese. The reproductive health behavior score of the subjects was $4.09{\pm}0.51$. The reproductive health behavior showed positive correlations with attitude (r=.37, p<.001), perceived behavioral control (r=.35, p<.001) and intent (r=.33, p<.001). The factors influencing the reproductive health behavior were attitude toward the reproductive health behavior (${\beta}=.24$, p=.005), perceived behavioral control (${\beta}=.18$ p=.046), experience of breast feeding (${\beta}=.20$, p=.014), and the self-evaluated Korean listening ability (${\beta}=.18$, p=.019). These variables explained 29% of the variance in the reproductive health behavior. Conclusion: According to the above results, a specific educational program for MIW is needed to increase their reproductive health behavior.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.22-31
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• 2020

There has been a growing concern and subsequent interest surrounding numerous reproductive toxic agents found in various working and non-working environments. Meanwhile, there have been many efforts in medical fields such as toxicology and epidemiology applying experimental studies to elucidate reproductive toxic agents' characterization and health effects. However, there remains insufficient research data and inadequate evidence in humans. Adverse reproductive outcomes vary from transient, moderate health effects to severely detrimental consequences, such as permanent infertility or childhood cancer of one's offspring. Furthermore, upon exposure to toxic agents, the latent period before reproductive health effects are observed is relatively short compared to other occupational diseases (e.g., occupational cancer); instant action is required once exposure to reproductive toxic agents is detected. Therefore, it is very important for workers and healthcare professionals to know about the reproductive toxic agents they are likely to be exposed to. In this review, we discuss the general epidemiology of reproductive health in Korea, and the information regarding these reproductive toxic agents.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.487-491
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• 2020

Objectives: Reproductive health education is essential for adolescents with hearing impairment. Since they communicate using specialized language (i.e., sign language), specialized reproductive health services in sign language is a necessity. This study aimed to describe the needs, availability, and expectations of reproductive health services among adolescents with hearing impairment. Methods: This study used a qualitative approach. It was carried out at a school for children with special needs in the city of Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. Data were collected by in-depth interviews. The informants were 6 adolescents with hearing impairment aged 16-17 years and 4 other key informants, including school staff and health officers. The data were then analyzed using the thematic method. Results: We found that the informants had insufficient knowledge regarding reproductive health. There was no specific subject in the curriculum regarding this issue. Teachers did not specifically provide reproductive health information. The health service unit in the school had not been utilized well for this purpose. Furthermore, no reproductive health services were provided due to the limited number of healthcare workers who could use sign language. Conclusions: The awareness and intentions of adolescents with hearing impairment regarding access to reproductive health services remain low. Health service units at schools should be optimized to enable schools to provide reproductive health information and services for these adolescents.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.446-458
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• 2019

Purpose: University students happen to be in a transitional period at the beginning of one's adult life and thereby establish the basis for their health care. The negative lifestyles followed by students during this period can also affect their reproductive health. The purpose of this study was to identify lifestyle, reproductive health, gender differences and relationships between lifestyle and reproductive health in university students. Methods: We used a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 300 subjects were enrolled. Data were collected using structured questionnaires between October 11 and 25, 2017 and analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Subjects agreed to undergo a face-to-face interview, including administration of the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) and reproductive health (knowledge, attitude, and behaviors). Results: The mean age of the subjects was 21.4 years. HPLP-II and reproductive health behaviors were significantly different between the genders. The scores of physical activity and nutrition in females were significantly lower than males. The scores of safe sex and sexual responsibility in females were significantly higher than males, and the score of genital health management was significantly lower in females than males. High HPLP-II score was observed to be in correlation with high reproductive health attitudes and behaviors. Conclusion: The result revealed differences in lifestyle and reproductive health between both the genders. For improvement of reproductive health of university students, provision of lifestyle intervention including healthy nutritional habits and physical activity is imperative.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.80-89
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• 2018

Purpose: To identify relationships among lifestyle, psychological distress, and reproductive health in female university students. Methods: We used a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 275 subjects were enrolled. Subjects agreed to undergo a face-to-face interview, including administration of structured questionnaires to determine health promotion lifestyle profile II (HPLP-II), depression anxiety stress scale for depression and anxiety (DASS-D, DASS-A), and reproductive health (knowledge, attitude, behavior, menstruation irregularity, dysmenorrhea, and gynecologic symptoms). Results: The mean age of subjects was 21.2 years. Those with low HPLP-II score showed significantly high menstruation irregularity. Those with high depression and anxiety had significantly high reproductive symptoms. In addition, high HPLP-II score was correlated with low depression, anxiety, and high reproductive health. Conclusion: The life style of female university students is associated with depression, anxiety, and reproductive health. To improve female university students' reproductive health, life style interventions including healthy nutritional habit, physical activity, and stress management are important.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.202-212
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• 2021

Objectives: The reproductive health of female workers has been extensively investigated in South Korea and other countries worldwide. However, few studies have discussed the reproductive health of male workers. In this study, we reviewed the recent literature that reports on the effects of occupational exposure on the reproductive health of male workers and the health of their children. Methods: In May 2020 we used the PubMed search engine to search the literature over the last 10 years and chose case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies and reviews. We selected epidemiological studies that investigated the association between pre-pregnant occupational exposure and the reproductive health of male workers and the health of their children. We excluded case reports, non-epidemiological studies (animal experiments, cellular-level experiments, and similar articles), and studies that described postnatal occupational exposure. Results: We eventually selected 23 studies. The studies that included exclusively male workers reported that those employed in the agricultural sector or those exposed to pesticides showed lower blood levels of reproductive hormones and a high risk of lympho-hematopoietic system cancer in their children. Male workers exposed to complex organic solvents and organic compounds showed a high risk of poor semen quality, increased time to pregnancy, decreased blood levels of reproductive hormones, and a high risk of lympho-hematopoietic system cancer in their children. Male workers employed in occupations that involved significant social contact, or in the leather and livestock industries, and in occupations with high levels of exposure to lead and organic solvents showed a high risk of malignancies, including lympho-hematopoietic system cancer, neuroblastoma, and central nervous system tumors in their children. Studies that investigated both male and female workers reported that children of male smelters showed a high risk of premature birth, and children of male workers exposed to metals showed a high risk of hypospadias and cryptorchidism. Children of male welders and workers employed in the glass, ceramic, and tile industries showed a high risk of premature birth. Conclusion: The findings of this study will serve as basic data for further research on male workers' reproductive health and provide a scientific basis for the development of strategies to protect the reproductive health of males employed in high-risk occupations. Moreover, the results of this study may provide guidelines to improve the understanding of and knowledge on male workers' reproductive health.