• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.512-517
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• 2019

Background: Rest breaks at work are reported to reduce fatigue and job stress. Apartment janitors in Korea who perform night shift work and work long hours can be exposed to various health problems (HPs). However, few studies have evaluated relationships between their rest breaks and HPs. This study was conducted to examine the relationships between long working hours, shift work, and insufficient rest breaks and HPs among Korean apartment janitors. Methods: Data on 1,212 selected male apartment janitors were obtained from the 3rd and 4th Korean Working Conditions Surveys. Demographic and occupational characteristics were collected using self-reported questionnaires. Rest breaks at work were classified as "sufficient" or "insufficient." Long working hours were considered as working more than 60 hours per week. Zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression was performed to investigate the effects of shift work and long working hours on HPs and the effects of rest breaks on relationships between HPs and long working hours and shift work. Results: Among those with insufficient rest breaks at work, significant associations were found between long working hours and the risk of HPs [odds ratio (OR) = 1.489; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.038-2.136] and work-related HPs (WRHPs) [OR 1.621; 95% CI = 1.156-2.272], and between shift work and HPs [OR = 1.603; 95% CI = 1.084-2.372]. These relationships became nonsignificant when sufficient rest breaks were provided. Conclusion: It is important to provide breaks at work to reduce HPs because of long working hours and shift work among aged workers such as apartment janitors.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.13-24
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• 2004

The purpose of this study is to reveal the effect of electrical stimulation of body composition in obese person. Subjects were 30s to 40s aged healthy workers(2004. 3. 8~4. 17) in the S general Hospital in Suwon and they were brought to manage obesity. Subjects were divided into control group(Female<0.85, Male<0.90) and study group(Female>0.85, Male>0.90) by WHR(waist-hip ratio) that is measured by Automatic body composition analyzer(InBody 3.0). And we divided the study group with randomized methods into group A(n=8) and group B(n=8). Then we compared and analyzed the change of muscle mass, body fat, abdominal girth, WHR, BMI(body mass index) after application of electrical stimulation, three times a week, for 30 minutes in each session with 50 Hz of pulse frequency, $20\;{\mu}s$ or $250\;{\mu}s$ of pulse duration. There was statistically meaningful decrement of body fat(p<0.05) and abdominal girth(p<0.05) but not of body weight, muscle mass, WHR and BMI in the control group after application of electrical stimulation with 50 Hz, $20\;{\mu}s$. There were meaningful change of abdominal girth(p<0.05), WHR(p<0.05) and BMI(p<0.05), but not of body weight, muscle mass and body fat after application of electrical stimulation with 50 Hz, $20\;{\mu}s$ in group A. We applied electrical stimulation with 50 Hz, $250\;{\mu}s$ in group B, then there were meaningful change of body weight(p<0.05), body fat(p<0.01), abdominal girth(p<0.01), WHR(p<0.05) and BMI(p<0.01) but not of muscle mass only. Consequently, the pulse duration is the main parameter of electrical stimulation that affect the body composition of obese person in this study and if we combined the diet control to reduce blood components we could have better result. So it would be more effective to manage localized obesity(in abdomen, thigh, upper arm, etc.) if you apply electrical stimulation considering the pulse duration.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.12
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• pp.1600-1605
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• 2000

Objective : World Health Organization and International Labour Organization, in June 8, 1999, requested that working conditions should be reformed ethically right and economically solid for 2.7 billion world labour force. The purpose of this study is to request compensable surgical therapeutic options and to suggest the renewal in cognizance criteria for worker's compensation, especially in spondylolisthesis. Methods : Regarding spondylolisthesis, we obtained data from Korea Labor Welfare Corporation(KLWC). Spinal disease occurrence incidences and medical fees of National Federation of Medical Insurance(NFMI) were analysed. The compensated 122 spinal instrumented cases included 117 male and 5 female patients, aged from 23 to 72 years old(mean : $45{\pm}9.85$). We compared Korean and Foreign Workers Compensation Law. Results : Numbers of herniated nucleus pulpus(78 cases), spinal fractures(34 cases) and dislocations(4 cases) were claimed after spinal interbody fusion operation and were compensated. These compensated degenerative diseases, work related illness, occurred in the course of work. A case of 52-year old spondylolisthesis patient with Disability Grade 8 was compensated by KLWC, according to its occurrence at work by accident. With exception of trauma at work by accident, current cognizance criteria were too narrow to be compensable, especially in surgical therapeutic option, for worker's spondylolisthesis. Conclusion : Considering both worker's compensation law and clinical pathologic progress, we believe that spondylolisthesis should be regarded as a compensable occupation related disease if and when aggravates rapidly in the course of work. We suggest a new cognizance standard to KLWC for labour welfare and proper worker's compensation.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.93-106
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• 2005

A survey was performed for 2 weeks in October 2004 in order to examine the effects and changes of far infrared and anion of office workers aged 40 and older before and after wearing the underwear. In the survey, questionnaires and photoplethysmography were used to measure the difference between the two tests conducted with one week interval. The findings could be summed up as follows: 1. There was no statistically significant difference in changes of vascular aging points and photoplethysmogram wave form before and after wearing the far infrared and anion underwear but the points showed the increasing tendency(p>0.05). 2. A statistically significant difference was confirmed since the total points of each item in the questionnaires increased after wearing the underwear(p<0.001). 3. In connection with the systemic symptoms, a significant difference was found with increased points in all items except for no. 6 after wearing the underwear(p<0.05). 4. With regard to the difference before and after wearing the underwear depending on the Kidney symptoms, there was a significant difference with increased points in all items except for item no. 1 after wearing the underwear(p<0.05). In conclusion, to put on the underwear with effect of far infrared and anion is believed to smooth metabolism and blood circulation, contributing by thus to promoting health and preventing disease. Further studies with wider sampling of subjects are requested to diversify and refine the findings from this sectional study.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.454-463
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• 2016

This study examined the degree of climacteric symptoms, hardiness and middle-life crises. The survey period was from 25 May to 10 September, 2013 with workers in small business workplaces in Jeonnam. The data was collected by a self-questionnaire and SPSS Win 18.0 was used for data analysis. As an accounting hierarchical analysis result, middle-life crisis was affected by exercise, and the relationship with the spouse and child with an explanatory power of 25.1%. Additional input climacteric symptoms showed more explanatory power (21.1%). In addition, exercise, education, relationship with the spouse, relationship with child, income, and climacteric symptoms were predictors of a mid-life crisis with explanatory power of 42.7%. Therefore, to successfully overcome mid-life crises, a range of nursing interventions should be provided to make a positive self-control and intimate relationship with the spouse of middle-aged men.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.297-303
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oral health status of the disabled people in Ulsan. Methods : Two dentists taken a calibration training for national oral health survey examined the Oral health status on 110 disabled people in Ulsan, in 2009. The surveyed disabled people, 6 to 19 years old, have been supplied with the oral health care services by dentists, oral hygienists and volunteers at dental clinics of schools and a dental clinic supported from Ulsan Metropolitan City Nam-Gu Health Center since 1997. The obtained data from these surveys were analyzed with the SPSS statistical package. Results : Among subjects aged 12-14 years, DMF rate was 38.2%; Active D rate, 17.6%; DMFT index, 1.15; DT rate, 33.33%; MT rate, 0.00%; FT rate, 66.67%. Oral heath status of disabled people in Ulsan were evaluated to be a similar level to the Ulsan non-disabled citizens from 2010 Korean National Survey. Conclusions : The oral health care programs for disabled people using voluntary dentists, oral hygienists and other workers in Ulsan are evaluated to be effective for the disabled people.

• International Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.133-146
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• 2011

This study evaluates common activity and quality of life in Swedish cohousing units to examine whether Swedish cohousing functions properly or not. A questionnaire survey was fulfilled during the autumn of 2010 in G$\ddot{o}$teborg Sweden. The subjects of study were 12 of 44 cohousing units in Sweden that included 4 of the +40 cohousing and 8 of the mixed-age cohousing. A total of 242 of 353 distributed questionnaires were collected (68.6%) and analyzed by SPSS statistical program. The findings are as follow: 1) General characteristics of the respondents are that they are mostly healthy, evenly aged from age 50s to 70s and highly educated with significant proportions of academics and civil workers. There are more females than males and more singles than cohabitants. 2) The most frequent and preferred common activity is a common meal followed by a coffee meeting. A common dinner, the 'hub of living together' is held almost every day or at least a few times a week. A common meal is considered one of the most important activities because of practical and social advantages in that residents can save time and cooking costs as well as engage in social contact. Referring to evaluation of frequency and content of common activity, more than a half of the respondents prefer the current situation. 3) All of the variables (except health conditions and education level) affect participation in common activity with statistical significance. 4) Most of the respondents indicate a high level of life satisfaction and are willing to recommend others move to cohousing. They agree that there is more mutual support among residents in cohousing units than in a conventional community. In conclusion, Swedish cohousing units function successfully as they have pursued intentional community ideology and most of the residents are proud of their current living situations.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2014

Background: In Japan, more than 60% of employees are reported to suffer from anxiety and stress. Consequently, Japanese society has begun to address such important issues as psychogenic disability and job-related suicide. Furthermore, given the aging of society and the surge in the number of elderly people requiring care, it is necessary to adequately and proactively support employees who care for their elderly relatives. The purpose of the present study was to investigate caregiver burden in caring for elderly relatives and work-related stress factors associated with mental health among employees. Methods: We studied 722 men and women aged 18-83 years in a cross-sectional study. The K10 questionnaire was used to examine mental health status. Results: The proportion of participants with a high K10 score was 15% (n = 106). Having little conversation with their supervisor and/or coworkers significantly increased the risk of depression [odds ratio (OR) 1.8], as did high job overload (OR 2.7) and job dissatisfaction (OR 3.8), compared with employees who frequently conversed with their supervisor and/or coworkers. Caring for elderly relatives as a prominent characteristic of an employee was a significant risk factor for depression (OR 2.1). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that employees who were caring for elderly relatives were significantly associated with an increased risk of depression. To prevent depressive disorders, it may be important to focus on reducing the work-caregiving role conflict, as well as enhancing employees' job control and better rewarding their efforts in the workplace.

• Korea journal of population studies
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.23-44
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• 2007

The primary aim of this study is to examine difference in psychological well-being (PWB) and family support and explore its factors by the types of productive activity: paid labor, voluntary activity, or caregiving for their grandchildren. Three hundred females aged over 60 currently participating in productive activities were interviewed. The main results are as follow. First, PWB of volunteers is higher than any other group. Second, level of support provided by family members is highest for the group of grandchildren caregiving. Third, the variables affecting PWB for paid workers are educational level and material reward. As for the volunteers, PWB is explained by satisfaction with the given activity and instrumental support of their family members on it. PWB of grandchildren caregivers is explained by their marital status, income, material reward, emotional and instrumental support.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.435-442
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• 1995

This study is to investigate the eating habits of 420 businessmen living in urban areas (Taegu, Gumi, Youngchon and Changwon) in Kyungbuk and Kyungnam provinces. This survey was carried out by questionnaires. The results are summarized as the following in the association of demographic variables and eating habits, occupation (p<0.001), age (p<0.01), spouse's occupation, dwelling state, and monthly income (p<0.05) had statistically significant relationships. Middle aged adults placed more attention on eating habits than young adults. High-class professionals, managers and salesmen had a high frequency of 'good' eating habits, while office-workers had a high frequency of 'bad' eating habits. In the association of eating behavior, health status variables and eating habits, the frequency of meals, exercise, sleep, degree of fatigue, life styles, digestibility, and health status (p<0.001) had significant relationships. It seems that eating behavior and health conditions have direct effects on eating habits.