• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.402-411
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The role of a school's nutrition environment in explaining students' eating behaviors and weight status has not been examined in an Asian setting. The purpose of this study was to create a school nutrition environment index and to pilot test the index in elementary and middle schools in urban South Korea. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study used a mixed-methods approach. Environment assessment tools were developed based on formative research, which comprised literature reviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Key elements from the formative research were included in the assessment tool, which consisted of a structured survey questionnaire for school dietitians. Fifteen school dietitians from 7 elementary and 8 middle schools in Seoul completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: The formative research revealed four main sections that guided a summary index to assess a school's nutrition environment: resource availability, education and programs, dietitians' perceptions and characteristics, and school lunch menu. Based on the literature reviews and interviews, an index scoring system was developed. The total possible score from the combined four index sections was 40 points. From the 15 schools participating in the pilot survey, the mean school nutrition-environment index was 22.5 (standard deviation ${\pm}3.2$; range 17-28). The majority of the schools did not offer classroom-based nutrition education or nutrition counseling for students and parents. The popular modes of nutrition education were school websites, posters, and newsletters. CONCLUSIONS: This paper illustrates the process used to develop an instrument to assess a school's nutrition environment. Moreover, it presents the steps used to develop a scoring system for creation of a school nutrition environment index. As pilot testing indicated the total index score has some variation across schools, we suggest applying this instrument in future studies involving a larger number of schools. Future studies with larger samples will allow investigation of the validity and reliability of this newly developed tool.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.125-155
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• 1999

The objectives of this study were (1) an investigation of the current status of the hazardous substances, (2) a comparative analysis of classification system of hazardous substances between Korea and other countries, (3) a development of the new classification system in Korea, finally a review of prerequisites for effective enforcement of the new system. The results are summarized as follows : 1) The backbone of classification system of hazardous substances in Korea is based on Japanese classification system and EC(European Committee) guideline of hazardous substance. There are many problems in managing and handling of hazardous substances due to discordant of Japanese and EC system. It is desirable to revise the classification system to be harmonized with international guideline for example, guideline of IFCS(The Inter-governmental Forum on Chemical Safety) and EC guideline. 2) There are several problems in definitions of corrosive, sensitizing and irritation in MSDS Code of Ministry of Labour. It is desirable to reform those definitions. 3) Among the hazardous substances under the current system, there are several substances such as, beta-propiolactone, methyl bromide, ethyleneimine, etc that are not used and produced in Korea. It is desirable to exclude the substances from the list of controlled substances. 4) The section 39, about 'substance that designated to attach warning label' in Korea Occupational Safety and Health Act(OSHAct) should be eliminated, because above section is unnecessary under the MSDS system. 5) The researchers recommend to establish a new list of hazardous substance which are controlled by OSHAct. It is desirable that the new list is consist of two types. The first type is 'a list of the specially controlled substances' and the other is 'the generally controlled substances'. 6) It is recommended that the specially controlled substances should include hazardous substances that are highly toxic and widely used in Korea. And the generally controlled substances should include hazardous substances that can be analysed by instrument and carry threshold. limit values(TLV's).

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.214-222
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Glutathione S-transferase (GST) forms a multigene family of phase II detoxification enzymes which are involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics by conjugating substances with glutathione. The aim of this study is to assess the antioxidative status and the degree of DNA damage in the subclinical hypertensive patients in Korea using glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We examined whether DNA damage and antioxidative status show a difference between GSTM1 or GSTT1 genotype in 227 newly diagnosed, untreated (systolic blood pressure $(BP){\geq}130mmHg$ or diastolic $BP{\geq}85mmHg$) subclinical hypertensive patients and 130 normotensive subjects (systolic BP < 120 mmHg and diastolic BP < 80 mmHg). From the blood of the subjects, the degree of the DNA damage in lymphocyte, the activities of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, the catalase, and the glutathione peroxidase, the level of glutathione, plasma total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), anti-oxidative vitamins, as well as plasma lipid profiles and conjugated diene (CD) were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 227 subjects studied, 68.3% were GSTM1 null genotype and 66.5% were GSTT1 null genotype. GSTM1 null genotype had an increased risk of hypertension (OR: 2.104, CI: 1.38-3.35), but no significant association in GSTT1 null genotype (OR 0.982, CI: 0.62-1.55). No difference in erythrocyte activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, or glutathione peroxidase, and plasma TRAP, CD, lipid profiles, and GSH levels were observed between GSTM1 or GSTT1 genotype. Plasma levels of ${\alpha}-tocopherol$ increased significantly in GSTT1 wild genotype (P < 0.05); however, plasma level of ${\beta}-carotene$ increased significantly in GSTT1 null genotype (P < 0.01). DNA damage assessed by the Comet assay was significantly higher in GSTM1 null genotype than wild genotype (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the association between GSTM1 null genotype and risk of hypertension as they suggest that GSTM1 null genotype leads to an increased oxidative stress compared with wild genotype.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.91-99
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• 2017

Objectives: As in many low-income and middle-income countries, out-of-pocket (OOP) payments by patients or their families are a key healthcare financing mechanism in Bangladesh that leads to economic burdens for households. The objective of this study was to identify whether and to what extent socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioral factors of the population had an impact on OOP expenditures in Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 12 400 patients who had paid to receive any type of healthcare services within the previous 30 days were analyzed from the Bangladesh Household Income and Expenditure Survey data, 2010. We employed regression analysis for identify factors influencing OOP health expenditures using the ordinary least square method. Results: The mean total OOP healthcare expenditures was US dollar (USD) 27.66; while, the cost of medicines (USD 16.98) was the highest cost driver (61% of total OOP healthcare expenditure). In addition, this study identified age, sex, marital status, place of residence, and family wealth as significant factors associated with higher OOP healthcare expenditures. In contrary, unemployment and not receiving financial social benefits were inversely associated with OOP expenditures. Conclusions: The findings of this study can help decision-makers by clarifying the determinants of OOP, discussing the mechanisms driving these determinants, and there by underscoring the need to develop policy options for building stronger financial protection mechanisms. The government should consider devoting more resources to providing free or subsidized care. In parallel with government action, the development of other prudential and sustainable risk-pooling mechanisms may help attract enthusiastic subscribers to community-based health insurance schemes.

• The Korean Journal of Health Service Management
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.1-15
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• 2018

Objectives: We analyzed the importance and performance of hospital social responsibility (HSR) according to the characteristics of hospitals, and presented strategies for HSR activities. Methods: An online HSR questionnaire was sent to hospitals nationwide from October 12 to 26, 2018. The 206 responses received were analyzed in accordance with the IPA to assess the performance and importance of HSR. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the employees and hospitals regarding the importance and performance of HSR activities. In the area of "sustained maintenance", items related to consumer issues such as "compliance with personal information processing policy", "patient confidentiality", "fair information provision", and "system for patient safety and infection prevention" were derived. In the area of "'high priority for improvement", there were three common items between hospitals and general hospitals: "regular donations and support from local communities", "active cooperation with related institutions", and "compliance with process-related laws and regulations". In the area of "low priority", four items were derived: "support for employee participation in community activities", "efforts to hire local residents", "education and cultural programs for local communities", and "transparent support for political activities". In the area of "sublation of excessive efforts", two items of "employee welfare efforts" and "efforts to improve labor relations", were commonly found in hospitals and general hospitals. Conclusions: It is necessary to improve the management efficiency of hospitals by the systematic allocation of manpower and resources through the establishment of four regional strategies based on the results of IPA analysis.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.1013-1023
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate dental hygiene students' recognition of safety management and phantom practice in dental radiology. Methods: The study subjects were 409 students in six regions who completed a dental radiology practice course and had on-job experience more than once. After understanding the study purpose and contents, they answered a questionnaire. The main jobs in dental radiology were analyzed. Results: As a result, regarding the most difficult aspects of dental radiology practice, "it is impossible to irradiate the mouth directly with X-rays" was the most common response (29.1%). Regarding the question "what is the main role of students in dental radiology practice?", the answer "it is shooting simulations using phantoms" accounted for 59.7% of responses. The most difficult regions in bisecting and paralleling radiography with a phantom were found to be the maxillary & mandibular molars and premolars. The most difficult technique was reported to be locating XCP maintenance to fit inside the mouth for both molars and premolars. The most difficult region to perform bitewing radiography using the phantom was the molar region (2.87), and the most difficult to perform occlusal radiography approaches were maxillary anterior general occlusal radiography (2.92) and mandibular cross-sectional occlusal radiography (3.00). Conclusions: The most technically difficult point in bitewing and occlusal radiography was the correct positioning of the vertical and horizontal angles. Radiography practice was considered to be more effective than previous mutual practice in terms of analysis of anatomical structures and patient treatment methods. Therefore, it will be necessary to improve policy regarding dental radiography practice at the department of dental hygienics and revise the necessary laws and regulations.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.13-26
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• 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that influence aerobic physical activity among Korean adults, including sociodemographic characteristics, health behavior, health status, social relationships, community satisfaction, and to find ways to increase aerobic physical activity among adults. Methods: In 2019, 191,152 adults in the Community Health Survey were analyzed, and complex sample frequency analysis, Rao-Scott test and complex sample logistic regression analysis were conducted by dividing them into the presence or absence of aerobic physical activity practice. Results: The rate of aerobic physical activity among adults was 36.0%, and males were higher than females. Among individual factors, gender, age, income level, smoking, drinking, weight control attempt, frequency of breakfast, obesity, quality of life, and subjective health status were factors that had a significant effect. Among social relationship factors, leisure activities and contact with neighbors at least once a week were significant factors, and only overall safety level satisfaction was a factor that had a significant effect on physical activity practice in community satisfaction factors. Conclusion: Programs focused on personal factors, social relationships, and networks should be strategically developed to improve the participation rate of adult aerobic physical activities, indicating the importance of these factors over community infrastructure. To development of community-centered professional integrated health education will be necessary in the future.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.1-16
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• 2018

Objectives: This study aimed to examine systems behavior of urban walking by analyzing a dynamic structure in Seoul, South Korea. Methods: As a systems thinking approach to urban walking and health promotion, we developed a Casual Loop Diagram based on literature review and expert consultation. The reviewed literature included: 1) qualitative studies that explores the experiences of urban walkers in Seoul; 2) a systematic review study on the built environmental factors related to walking; 3) policy research reports related to urban walking in Seoul. Results: The feedback structure for urban walking was related to the three urban environments (safety & walking environment, socioeconomic environment, and public transportation environment), and was characterized by a trade-off consisting of eight reinforcing loops and four balancing loops. Conclusions: The policies for a walkable city require multi-sectoral cooperation in order to change the causal loop structure related to the decline of walking. Therefore, it is necessary to establish legal and institutional conditions so that multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary approaches are possible.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.75-85
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• 2017

Objectives : The new health technology assessment (nHTA) involves evaluating the safety and efficacy of the new health technology under the Medical Services Act by the New Health Technology Assessment Project Division from 2007. The purpose of this study is to understand the status of applications and recent trends of the results, and suggest strategies for the development of new health technologies in Korean Medicine. Methods : We investigated and analyzed the results of evaluation of new health technology of whole conventional medical and the list of new health technologies in Korean Medicine provided by the New Health Technology Assessment Project Division from 2007 to 2016. Results : The number of applications for new health technology of Korean medicine was low as 41 items in the whole number of 2,013 items. The evaluation method of new health technologies in both, the whole medical and Korean medicine fields was the same, but the tendency in results was very different. Most of the new health technology items in Korean medicine were classified as existing technology (20 items), early stage technology (7 items), and Only 2 items were evaluated as research stage technology. Conclusions : In order to develop new health technology in the Korean medical field, we have made suggestions about the health technology assessment systems, R&D infrastructures, and corporation with conventional medicines.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.165-190
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• 2010

Objectives : This study was supposed to investigate factors which influence to preference of medical tourism products of Japanese tourists in Seoul, Korea. Methods : Data were collected from 228 Japanese tourists who visited' Seoul Center for Culture & Tourism' in Myeong-dong, Seoul, Korea. We measured factors which influence to preference for medical tourism. The data were analyzed by T-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. Results : The major findings were as follows ; Japanese tourists preferred medical products in the order of skin care, oriental medicine treatment, health screening, and scaling & teeth whitening. They considered technical level of medical staff most importantly, followed by safety of medical products, communication during diagnosis and treatment, follow-up service, modernization of medical facilities and equipment, and the reasonable medical expenses. Japanese tourists' preferred medical institutions in the order of a university hospital, a specialty clinic, a special hospital, They said they intend to pay 50,000 to 150,000 yen for medical tourism. The preference to medical tourism products are that single women group in their twenties and thirties for skin care, married people group aged over thirties preferred oriental medicine treatment, and married men aged over forties and high income earners favored health screening. Conclusions : It should be considered carefully that the preference exists on some factors especially for Japanese tourist. Further research about preference on medical tourism products for tourists from the other countries is required appropriately to fulfill the needs.