• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.128-139
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to translate the Perinatal Infant Care Social Support (PICSS) instrument into Chinese and to verify the reliability and validity of the translated version. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design to examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the PICSS (C-PICSS). A cohort of 150 first-time mothers in China participated, attending hospital follow-up care at 6 weeks postpartum. Data were collected after obtaining informed consent from the mothers. Results: The majority of mothers were aged between 20 and 29 years, with a mean age of 26.25 (±3.90) years. An item analysis of the 19 items in the C-PICSS showed that all items had an item-total score correlation above 0.2. This resulted in a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of 0.92 and a significant Bartlett's test of sphericity (χ²=1,778.65, p<.001), confirming the suitability of the data for factor analysis. Correlation analyses revealed a strong positive relationship between infant care social support and general social support (r=.62, p<.001), and a negative relationship between infant care social support and postpartum depression (r=-. 38, p<.001). Higher scores for infant care social support were associated with reporting positive relationships with their husbands (t=3.72, p<.001) and high levels of spousal involvement (t=4.09, p<.001). In terms of structural support, spouses were identified as the primary source. Conclusion: The research results indicate that C-PICSS is reliable and valid as an indicator of social support for infant care among Chinese mothers.

• Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.12-24
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• 2024

Purpose : This study aimed to identify factors influencing the quality of life of family caregivers of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods : We conducted a study using a cross-sectional design. The study involved 109 family caregivers of ICU patients at a university-affiliated hospital in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires between July 2020 and April 2021 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. Results : The study revealed significant differences in quality of life based on economic status (F=11.63, p<.001), cohabitation with patients (t=-2.04, p=.044), sleep duration after patient's admission to the ICU (t=-2.48, p =.025), and subjective health status (F=30.06, p<.001). There were significant negative correlations observed between quality of life and post-traumatic stress symptoms (r=-.38, p<.001) as well as caregiver burden (r=-.46, p<.001). Factors affecting quality of life were subjective health status, economic status, and caregiver burden (adj. R²=0.52, F=15.64, p<.001). Conclusion : These findings underscore the need to develop and implement intervention programs tailored to the health conditions and economic status of family caregivers, with a focus on alleviating caregiver burden. Such initiatives are essential to ultimately improve the quality of life for family caregivers of ICU patients.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.173-188
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• 2024

Objectives: The study aim was to analyze the regional differences in dietary protein intake and protein sources of Korean older adults and their association with metabolic syndrome. Methods: Study participants were 1,721 older adults aged 65 and over who participated in 2016-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Using 24-hour recall dietary intake data, protein intake and their food sources were examined. The association between protein intake and metabolic syndrome, obesity, and abdominal obesity were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. Results: Total protein and animal protein intakes were higher in urban area (60.0 g, 24.4 g, respectively) than in rural area (54.6 g, 19.6 g, respectively). With increase of protein intake level, animal to total protein proportion was increased in both areas. Total protein and plant protein intake was negatively associated with the risk of obesity, abdominal obesity in both areas. Animal protein intake was negatively associated with the risk of obesity in both areas, and with abdominal obesity only in urban area. In urban area, plant protein intake was also negatively associated with the risks of metabolic syndrome, elevated triglyceride, and reduced high density lipoprotein-cholesterol. In urban area, the risk of metabolic syndrome was decreased when their protein intake was more than 0.91 g/kg and was lowest when their protein intake was more than 1.5 g/kg (P for trend < 0.001). Conclusions: Korean older adults showed inadequate protein intake and those in rural area showed lower animal protein intake than in urban area. The risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome was decreased with the increase of protein intake level. These findings may help develop effective nutrition support strategy for older adults to reduce regional health disparity.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.189-198
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• 2024

Objectives: The sodium index is an index that converts the estimated sodium intake calculated using a verified and reliable sodium estimation formula. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the sodium index and obesity indicators and the potential impact of excessive sodium consumption on obesity. Methods: Obesity indicators, such as body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and visceral fat levels, were analyzed in 120 university students (60 men and 60 women). The sodium index was calculated by indexing the estimated sodium intake according to age, sex, BMI, salt-eating habits, and salt-eating behaviors. The relationship between sodium index and obesity indicators was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results: The estimated sodium intake was 3,907.1 mg, with 76.7% of the participants categorized under the "careful" level of sodium index and 10.8% under the "moderate" level. As the sodium index increased, the BMI, body fat percentage, WHR, and visceral fat levels significantly increased. All obesity indicators significantly increased in patients with a "severe" sodium index than in those with a "moderate" sodium index. In addition, a strong positive correlation was identified between obesity indicators and sodium index. When the "severe" sodium index was compared with the "moderate" sodium index, the risk of obesity based on body fat percentage increased by 2.181 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.526-3.118), while the risk of obesity based on visceral fat level increased by 4.073 times (95% CI, 2.097-7.911). Conclusions: Our findings suggest a correlation between excessive sodium intake and obesity. Moreover, the sodium index can be used to determine sodium intake.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.52-62
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• 2024

Background: This study was to investigate effects of narrow squat exercise according to ankle angle of Toe in 10° and Toe out 10° on women with genu varum. Design: Randomized Controlled Trial or Cross-sectional Study. Methods: 30 adult women with genu varum participated in this study. All subjects were randomly assigned to 15 people of narrow squat exercise in ankle angle of Toe in 10° group (TI) and 15 people of narrow squat exercise in ankle angle of Toe out 10° group (TO). The narrow squat exercise program was conducted three times a week for six weeks. The distance between the knees was measured by using Digital Vernier Caliper. The quadriceps angle (Q-angle) was measured by using Goniometer. The stride length and propulsion were measured through G-Walk Results: Both TI and TO groups showed effective significant differences in distance between the knees, Q-angle, and propulsion (p<.05). There was no significant difference in stride length (p>.05). Left leg propulsion was found to be significantly more effective in TI group than in TO group (p<.05). Conclusion: These results suggested that narrow squat exercise according to ankle angle of toe in 10° and toe out 10° was effective for genu varum. However, compared to TO group, TI group was more effective in gait propulsion. It is considered that narrow squat exercise in ankle angle of Toe in 10° can be suggested as an effective intervention method for women with genu varum.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.222-233
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• 2024

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the status of total sugar intake and contributing foods in Korea according to age groups. Methods: This study used 24-hour dietary recall data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2021) to investigate the nutritional and total sugar intake status among Koreans. A total of 18,338 research participants (≥3 years old) were included in this study. To analyze the types of foods contributing to total sugar intake, these foods were categorized into 15 types. Moreover, we examined the total sugar intake and ranked the most consumed foods by age groups (3-11 years, 12-18 years, 19-34 years, 35-49 years, 50-64 years, over 65 years). A survey procedure was employed for statistical analysis. Results: The energy intake ratio from total sugars was approximately 12%-15%, which was within the recommended range. However, the proportion of individuals consuming total sugar exceeding 20% of their total caloric intake is nearly 20%, raising concerns about excessive sugar consumption. Furthermore, the percentage of participants whose intake of sugar from processed foods exceeded 10% of their total calories was highest in the 12-18 age group at 37.1%, followed by the 3-11 age group at 35.2%, and the 19-34 age group at 34.0%. Carbonated drinks, cola, and cider were the primary foods consumed by children and adolescents (3-18 years old) and young adults (19-34 years old). For middle-aged and older adults, mixed coffee with sugar and cream was a prominent contributor to sugar intake. Conclusions: This study investigated sugar consumption patterns among Koreans, finding the principal foods contributing to this intake. Identifying these contributors is pivotal, given their potential impact on public health.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.215-223
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• 2024

Purpose: Patients who receive frequent blood transfusions are at an elevated risk of developing hepatic fibrosis due to iron overload in the liver. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of transient elastography (TE) (FibroScan^®) for assessing liver fibrosis in patients with pediatric cancer. Methods: We enrolled 106 consecutive cases of acute leukemia in individuals under 21 years of age. The participants were followed for 2 years. Based on their serum ferritin (SF) levels, the patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (SF≥300 ng/mL) and group 2 (SF<300 ng/mL). A liver FibroScan^® was performed, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the various parameters in the liver function test (LFT), alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in a subgroup of patients aged 5-8 years in group 2 compared to those in group 1. The indices of liver fibrosis determined by TE, including the FibroScan score, controlled attenuation parameter score, steatosis percentage, and meta-analysis of histological data in viral hepatitis score, as well as indirect serum markers of liver fibrosis such as the aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, Fibrosis 4 score, and AST to platelet ratio index, did not differ significantly between the two groups. The association between the TE results and LFT parameters was only significant for ALT. Conclusion: Transfusion-associated iron overload does not have a significant correlation with severe liver fibrosis. FibroScan^® is not a sensitive tool for detecting early stages of fibrosis in survivors of pediatric leukemia.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.87 no.2
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• pp.165-175
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• 2024

Background: The prevalence of small airway dysfunction (SAD) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) across different ethnicities is poorly understood. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of SAD in stable COPD patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 196 consecutive stable COPD patients. We measured pre- and post-bronchodilator (BD) lung function and respiratory impedance. The severity of COPD and lung function abnormalities was graded in accordance with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. SAD was defined as either difference in whole-breath resistance at 5 and 19 Hz > upper limit of normal or respiratory system reactance at 5 Hz < lower limit of normal. Results: The cohort consisted of 95.9% men, with an average age of 66.3 years. The mean forced expiratory volume 1 second (FEV₁) % predicted was 56.4%. The median COPD assessment test (CAT) scores were 14. The prevalence of post-BD SAD across the GOLD grades 1 to 4 was 14.3%, 51.1%, 91%, and 100%, respectively. The post-BD SAD and expiratory flow limitation at tidal breath (EFL_T) were present in 62.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56.1 to 69.9) and 28.1% (95% CI, 21.9 to 34.2), respectively. COPD patients with SAD had higher CAT scores (15.5 vs. 12.8, p<0.01); poor lung function (FEV₁% predicted 46.6% vs. 72.8%, p<0.01); lower diffusion capacity for CO (4.8 mmol/min/kPa vs. 5.6 mmol/min/kPa, p<0.01); hyperinflation (ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity % predicted: 159.7% vs. 129%, p<0.01), and shorter 6-minute walk distance (367.5 m vs. 390 m, p=0.02). Conclusion: SAD is present across all severities of COPD. The prevalence of SAD increases with disease severity. SAD is associated with poor lung function and higher symptom burden. Severe SAD is indicated by the presence of EFL_T.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.534-543
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Studies on the impact of dietary fiber intake on kidney stones are few, and their results were controversial. This study aimed to explore the association between dietary fiber intake and kidney stones in the nationally representative population of the USA. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This cross-sectional research included 8,588 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011 to 2018. Information regarding dietary fiber intake was obtained from a 24-h recall survey. Participants were categorized into different dietary fiber intake tertiles according to the average of 2 days of dietary recall data. The outcome was self-reported kidney stones. After adjusting for the traditional risk factors, a multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine the association between dietary fiber intake and kidney stones. RESULTS: Eight hundred seventy-two participants had kidney stones. The weighted prevalence (SE) of kidney stones in the lowest tertile, medium tertile, and highest tertile of dietary fiber intake was 11.8% (0.8%), 10.3% (0.8%), and 9.1% (0.8%), respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, daily water intake, chronic kidney disease stage 3-5, and total energy intake, participants with the highest tertile of fiber intake had a significantly lower risk of kidney stones (odds ratio [OR], 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48-0.95) compared to those in the lowest tertile. Every 5 g/day increment in dietary fiber intake was associated with a significant decrease in risk of kidney stones (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83-0.98). CONCLUSION: An increase in dietary fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of kidney stones, suggesting adults should be encouraged to maintain an adequate dietary fiber intake to prevent the development of kidney stones. Our results provide evidence to formulate nutrition management strategies for the prevention of kidney stones.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.554-566
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Urban-rural inequities in health and mortality exist in Korea, a highly centralized developed country. The potential impact of multiple health-related lifestyle behaviors on mortality and difference between urban and rural areas is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-risk health behaviors on all-cause mortality among residents living in urban and rural in Korea. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted on 8,298 adults aged 40 yrs and older from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2015. High-risk behaviors were defined as having poor diet quality, current smoking, high-risk drinking, or insufficient physical activity. Mortality status was linked to the Cause of Death data followed up to December 31, 2019. The associations between all-cause mortality and high-risk behaviors were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, income, and survey year. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated, and effect modification analysis was conducted. Participants were stratified by residential area (urban or rural). RESULTS: During the follow-up (median: 5.4 yrs), 313 deaths occurred. A higher proportion of rural residents than urban residents engaged in multiple high-risk behaviors (28.9% vs. 22.6%; P < 0.0001). As individual factors, a greater risk of mortality was associated with poor diet quality, current smoking, and inadequate physical activity, and these tendencies persisted in rural residents, especially for diet quality. Multiple high-risk behaviors were positively associated with a higher risk of mortality in Koreans living in urban and rural areas. PAF (95% confidence interval) was 18.5% (7.35-27.9%) and 29.8% (16.1-40.2%) in urban and rural residents, respectively. No additive or multiplicative effect of the region was observed. CONCLUSION: The higher prevalence of multiple high-risk lifestyle behaviors in rural residents may explain the higher mortality in rural areas compared to urban areas. Comprehensive public health policies to improve health-related behaviors in rural populations may be needed.