• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.100-126
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure income differences in smoking prevalence at the district level and to investigate correlations among area deprivation, smoking prevalence, and income differences in smoking prevalence, stratified by urbanity. Methods: Data were pooled from the Community Health Survey data of South Korea between 2008 and 2014. The age-standardized prevalence of smoking and its interquintile income differences were calculated. We conducted correlation analyses to investigate the association of the deprivation index with smoking prevalence and interquintile differences in smoking prevalence. Results: Across 245 districts, the median prevalence of smoking in men was 45.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 43.4 to 48.5%), with an interquartile range (IQR) of 4.6% points. In women, the median prevalence was 3.0% (95% CI, 2.4 to 3.6%) and IQR was 1.6% points. The median interquintile difference in smoking prevalence was 7.4% points (95% CI, 1.6 to 13.2% points) in men and 2.7% points (95% CI, 0.5 to 4.9% points) in women. The correlation coefficients for the association between the deprivation index and smoking prevalence was 0.58, 0.15, -0.22 in metropolitan, urban, and rural areas, respectively, among men, and 0.54, -0.33, -0.43 among women. No meaningful correlation was found between area deprivation and interquintile difference in smoking prevalence. The correlation between smoking prevalence and interquintile difference in smoking prevalence was more evident in women than in men. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of geographical variations in smoking prevalence and interquintile difference in smoking prevalence. Neither smoking prevalence nor the deprivation index was closely correlated with interquintile income difference in smoking prevalence. Measuring inequalities in smoking prevalence is crucial to developing policies aimed at reducing inequalities in smoking.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.1251-1254
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• 2016

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common malignancy of the oral cavity, shows geographical variation with respect to the age, sex, site and habits of the population. The histolopathologic grade of the tumor is closely related to its tissue of origin. This study was conducted to establish the prevalence of OSCC in relation to patient sex, age, habits and sites of lesions. Materials and Methods: A total of 130 cases of histopathologically diagnosed OSCC were selected for the study, out of which 66, 38 and 26 were well (WD), moderately (MD)and poorly differentiated (PD), respectively. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and graded according to a modified Borders's system. Then statistically analyzed different grades of OSCC for correlations with other variables. Results: In our study the majority cases of OSCC were found in the 5th to 7th decades of life, males acconting for 53%. The most common site was the buccal mucosa and most cases had habit of tobacco use either in the form of chewing or smoking or both. When the different grades of OSCC were compared with different sites a statistically significant value was observed (P=0.029). Conclusions: The incidence of high grade PD is very much less in female patients but in males such lesions were common. In our location population the buccal mucosa is the most common site due to the tobbaco habits of the patients and majority cases of the buccal mucosa are WD whereas in tongue, floor of the mouth and palate PD are common.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7991-7995
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• 2015

Background: To identify the epidemiological characteristics of colorectal cancer mortality in China during the period of 1991-2011, and forecast the future five-year trend. Materials and Methods: Mortality data for colorectal cancer in China from 1991 to 2011 was used to describe epidemiological characteristics in terms of age group, gender, and rural/urban residence. Trend surface analysis was performed to analyze the geographical distribution of colorectal cancer. Four models including curve estimation, time series modeling, gray modeling and joinpoint regression were applied to forecast the trends for the future five years. Results: Since 1991 the colorectal cancer mortality rate increased yearly, and our results showed that the trend would continue to increase in the ensuing 5 years. The mortality rate in males was higher than that of females and the rate in urban areas was higher than in rural areas. The mortality rate was relatively low for individuals less than 60 years of age, but increased dramatically afterwards. People living in the northeastern China provinces or in eastern China had a higher mortality rate for colorectal cancer than those living in middle or western China provinces. Conclusions: The steadily increasing mortality of colorectal cancer in China will become a substantial public health burden in the foreseeable future. For this increasing trend to be controlled, further efforts should concentrate on educating the general public to increase prevention and early detection by screening. More effective prevention and management strategies are needed in higher mortality areas (Eastern parts of China) and high-risk populations (60+ years old).

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6005-6010
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• 2012

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in Southern Chinese and Southeast Asian populations. Geographical and ethnic clustering of the cancer is due to genetic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors. This case-control study aimed to identify or confirm both genetic and non-genetic risk factors for NPC in one of the endemic countries, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A panel of 768 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with various cancers and known non-genetic risk factors for NPC were selected and analyzed for their associations with NPC in a case-control study. Results: Statistical analysis identified 40 SNPs associated with NPC risk in our population, including 5 documented previously by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and other case-control studies; the associations of the remaining 35 SNPs with NPC were novel. In addition, consistent with previous studies, exposure to occupational hazards, overconsumption of salt-cured foods, red meat, as well as low intake of fruits and vegetables were also associated with NPC risk. Conclusions: In short, this study confirmed and/or identified genetic, environmental and dietary risk factors associated with NPC susceptibility in a Southeast Asian population.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6375-6378
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• 2013

Background: The glutathione S transferase (GST) family of enzymes plays a vital role in the phase II biotransformation of environmental carcinogens, pollutants, drugs and other xenobiotics. GSTs are polymorphic and polymorphisms in GST genes have been associated with cancer susceptibility and prognosis. GSTP1 is associated with risk of various cancers including bladder cancer. A case control study was conducted to determine the genotype distribution of GSTP1 A>G SNP, to elucidate the possible role of this SNP as a risk factor in urinary bladder cancer (UBC) development and to examine its correlation with clinico-pathologic variables inUBC cases. Materials and Methods: Using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approach, we tested the genotype distribution of 180 bladder cancer patients in comparison with 210 cancer-free controls from the same geographical region with matched frequency in age and gender. Results: We did not observe significant genotype differences between the control and bladder cancer patients overall with an odds ratio (OR)=1.23 (p>0.05). The rare allele (AG+GG) was found to be present more in cases (28.3%) than in controls (24%), though the association was not significant (p<0.05). However, a significant risk of more than 2-fold was found for the variant allele (AG+GG) with smokers in cases as compared to controls (p>0.05). Conclusions: Thus, it is evident from our study that GSTP1 SNP is not implicated overall in bladder cancer, but that the rare, valine-related allele is connected with higher susceptibility to bladder cancer in smokers and also males.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.81-89
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• 1979

This study was undertaken to evaluate the present status of intestinal helminthic infection in rural areas of Korea from Dec. 1976 to Feb. 1979.The 4,311 stool specimens collected from 4 mountainous areas, 2 plain areas and 4 ri ver basins were examined. The methods employed were Kato's cellophane thick smear technique and brine fletation technique. The results are as follows. 1. The positive rate of intestinal helminch of any kind was 73.4%. It was 82.9% in river basins, 70. 2% in plain areas and 70. 4% in mountainous areas. 2. The positive rates of intestinal helmint.h were; Ascaris lumbricoides 42.5%, Trichocephalus trichiurus 51.4%, Hookworm 4.2%, Clonorchis sinensis 4.0%, Meta-gonimus yokogawai 5.7%, Hymenolepis nana 1.3%, Taenia species 1.0%, and Trichostrongyllus orientalis 1.2% respectively. 3. Sexual distribution of heiminthic infections showed higher rate in female than that of male except C. sinensis, H. nana, Taenia species, and. M. yokogawai. 4.Infection rates of T. trichiurus, Hook-worm and C. sinensis increased with age, but conversely H. nana were more prominent in younger age. 5. No geographical differen=e was noticed except that, M. yokogawai (20.9%), C sinensis (14.2%) in river basins ancl Taenia species (2.3%, by applying only stool examination) in mountainous areas were higher than the other 2 areas.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.20-28
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• 2000

The objective of this study is to establish a methodology of bioregional approach for coastal area management as a basis for planning and design. Focusing on the bioregional approach, this study reviewed currently prevailing approaches such as watershed approach and ecological unit approach for planning and management purposes. This research placed its geographical focus on the landward watershed of the Bay of Hampyong located in Chonnam Province, dealing efficiently with shortcomings of existing researches which mainly covered seaward tidal flats without considering outside effects. The main methods of the study are classified into indoor computerized map analysis and field work. For computer analysis, printed maps and digital maps have been analysed, and GIS techniques have been utilized for its synthesis and finalizations. Field work included on-site landscape analysis and verification of a tentative place unit boundary. As a practical step, criteria for classifying bioregion were presented and the selected criteria included : topography & water ways ; roads & administrative boundaries ; habitat types ; and visual enclosure. First, based on the data of topography and water ways, broad classification work was performed and corrections were made based on data drawn out from other criteria. A tentative place unit map was drawn and revised through field visits. This study encompassed an initial but integral part for bioregional approach in landward watershed management of a coastal area. As results of the study, the necessity and efficiency of bioregional approach which considers environmental and cultural components systematically have been presented.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.103-115
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• 2012

Purpose: This is the descriptive research for providing the basic data necessary for the first aid education after understanding the first aid experience, first aid education, first aid knowledge, and educational needs of ski resorts workers. Methods: 323 workers of domestic 9 ski resorts were surveyed for data, which was collected using the systematic questionnaire from Oct. $6^{th}$ to $20^{th}$, 2011. The collected data has been processed using the program of SPSS Win. Version 14.0 and analyzed that according to the purpose of research in terms of real number, percentage, standard deviation, t-test and ANOVA. Results: 1. 58.8%(190) of ski resort workers experienced an emergency on duty and 33.6%(108) carried out the first aid for emergency patients on duty. 2. 65.6%(210) of workers experienced first aid education. 3. The percentage of correct answers of first aid knowledge was average 46.8% and average $9.35{\pm}2.54$ points out of total 20 points. 4. The first aid educational necessity indicated as follows: ski resort workers need first aid education (97.5%, 306); workers want to have the education if they have chance (94.6%, 296 persons); in addition, they need the repeated education of first aid (95.6%, 301). Conclusion: It is understood that as special first aid service can be delayed in ski resorts due to their geographical characteristics, the workers of ski resorts need the continuous and systematic first aid education enabling them to play the first responder in the first aid system when emergency situation occurs.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.205-233
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• 1999

This study is an effort to make policy suggestions by analysing the current health examination program as a benefit service provided by the national health insurance system, including health screening for the insured, screening of cancer and chronic diseases for their dependents. Analyses found some issues being gave attention to; 1) The insured under the community health insurance system do not get the health examination benefit. A program for them should be set to have equity in benefit services. 2) Low rates of using screen services compromise purpose and the efficiency the services have first intended to. An immediate attention should be made to increase low rate of use of screen test to detect chronic diseases in particular. 3) Selection of diseases and test items covered by health examination program does not reflect the need of the insured, but to reflect financial resources of the national health insurance system. 4) Lack of health screening facilities and their geographical maldistribution is observed, which with preference of a general hospital as a screening post by the insured may lead to unreliable test. 5) A follow-up system should have been developed for the suspected classified by test results of carrying chronic diseases. They should be cared for within the health examination program. Public health care systems incorporate such a system, along with caring for those who are in need of having a health counselling on preventive care. In conclusion, the national health insurance system should be a medical insurance of giving a higher priority on preventive care benefits, health examination program in particular. That could be done by making rearrangements of test items, screening methods and system, rationalizing current reimbursement system of service fee, increasing accessibility to and utilization of the services, and making an establishment of follow-up system.

• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.57-65
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• 2004

The space is formed in close connection with a human life style, and whose significance is interpreted and recognized by characteristics given in the life culture to which they belong to. The spacial concept in terms of recognition plays an important role in the design of spaces. The understandings of its identity is an indispensable factor to forming the proper relation between the human beings and the space. This paper is the inquiry and the arrangement for geographical, thinking, and beauty-conscious features of Japan by the researches on documentary records in order to reveal the relationship between recognition and space as mentioned aboved. Also this paper presents the frame(system) which can draw the method of space construction and its expression and then seize and analyze the reality of space by re-arrangement for these various cultural background on the center of the relationship with Japanese spacial cognition. And this paper analyzed and arranged expressive features for Japanese spacial concepts by applying this analysis frame to contemporary commercial spaces in Japan. In results this research revealed that Japanese spacial features is always in the consciousness for cognitive space on the design of space , and in the features the neutral and several layered spaces are showed in complexed and mutual connected forms. These may be the methods for the relationship establishment between human and space on the ground of unique spacial concepts which is commonly found not only in traditional spaces but also in contemporary spaces in Japan.