• Anxiety and mood
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.120-124
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• 2009

Objectives : This pilot study examined the physical and psychological sequela of Korean War victims. Methods : Of 255 elderly who completed the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), we selected 16 subjects who suffered severe traumatic experiences during the Korean War and met more than 2 specified symptoms of PTSD in DSM-IV-TR and 16 controls. Demographic characteristics, medical history including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and brain infarction, Geriatric Depression Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, suicide scale in MINI, and a scale for the assessment of somatic symptoms were compared between subjects with trauma experience and controls. Results : Subjects with trauma experience were more likely to have brain infarction and diabetes mellitus compared to control group. Depressive symptoms and suicidal risk were significantly higher in subjects with trauma experience than controls. Subjects with trauma experience showed significantly higher scores in Trait Anxiety scale and more complained of pain than controls. Conclusion : This study suggests that traumatic experience probably induce physical and psychological problem even 60 years later. Further studies are needed to confirm the results of this pilot study.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.24-29
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• 2014

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the associations between physical disorders and prevalent/incident suicidal ideation in a community dwelling older population aged 65 years or over. Methods : 1204 people aged 65 years or over evaluated at baseline. Suicidal ideation was identified using the questions from the community version of the Geriatric Mental State Schedule ("GMS B3"). Reported physical disorders covering 11 common and generally chronic health problems were ascertained. Covariates included were depression, age, gender, years of education, accommodation status, past occupation, and current occupation. Of 1066 without suicidal ideation at baseline, 805 (76%) were followed 2 years later, and incident suicidal ideation was evaluated. Results : Prevalent suicidal ideation was significantly associated with 4 of 11 physical disorders: eyesight problems, persistent cough, heart disease and paralysis or weakness in one leg or arm. Incident suicidal ideation was associated with 3 physical disorders: asthma, high blood pressure and paralysis or weakness in one leg or arm. Both prevalent and incident suicidal ideation were significantly associated with increased number of physical disorders. Conclusions : Certain physical disorders were comorbid and precipitating factors of suicidal ideation in elders. And appropriate intervention and treatment of physical disorders might prevent suicidal ideation in elderly.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 1984.09a
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• pp.215-223
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• 1984

Panax ginseng has often been suggested as a geriatric restorative. This study is a double blind crossover trial to test whether ginseng can improve function in subjects with the depression and reduced abilities associated with senescence. 49 screened subjects were given 1500 mg Korean Red ginseng and identical placebo each for ten days, with a washout period in between the dosages. Standard tests of mental function, neuromuscular reflexes, responsiveness, mood and well being were used. The subjects were somewhat better at the co-ordination and speed test ('number copying') but tests of concentration and memory ('Concentration', 'Paired Association', 'Digit Span' and 'Object Learning') gave equivocal results. There were small improvements in mood and well being ('Life Satisfaction' and 'General Health Questionnaire') while the subjects indicated increased energy, alertness and less sleep, but also less happiness on the daily analogue scales. The major result was a highly significant improvement in reactivity, speed and co-oridnation at the tapping test, and the visual, auditory and disjunctive reaction timer. These are the most objective and accurate tests used in this trial. It is therefore concluded that ginseng can increase function in senile individuals. This effect is most easily visualisable in objective psychophysical tests, rather than the more subjective memory and concentration tests.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.271-281
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• 2015

Using data from 2011 Elderly Living Condition Survey database, this study analyzed risk factors for suicide ideation of Korean elderly persons. The analysis sample consists of 10,003 cases. The main purpose of this research was to explore the effects of social quality factor on suicide ideation of Korean elderly persons. Analysis results show that gender, age, area of residence, living alone, subjective standard of living, activities of daily living(ADLs), and geriatric depression are significant predictors of suicide ideation. Key findings are that social quality factor such as experiencing feeling hurt from others' words and actions like avoiding conversations, disregarding one's opinions, pretending to be not heard, getting irritated, grumbling, etc. has the largest effects on suicide ideation. Analysis results imply that without improving social quality, it would not be possible to lower elderly suicide rate.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.665-675
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of people with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Korea. The specific aim was to identify major problems that people with CHB face and strategies that they are dealing with. Methods: A grounded theory method was utilized. The data were collected by individual in-depth interviews from 12 CHB patients from one of the major hospitals in Korea. Results: After constant comparative analysis, a core category emerged as "illness management with self-reliance and will." Seven major strategies that were identified in dealing with the illness were maintaining receptive and positive attitudes; restraining excessive work and greed; searching for information; controlling illness information; adhering to practices for not spreading the viral disease; abstaining from alcohol and smoking and maintaining healthy eating habits; nd using alternative therapies. The outcomes that result from employing these strategies were identified as burden, depression and helplessness, stress for maintaining compliance, and dispirited interpersonal relationships. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that most people with CHB in Korea have problems in psychosocial area. Thus health professionals need to provide not only informational support but also emotional one to improve quality of life of the people with CHB.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.313-321
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• 2002

Objectives : To identify the risk factors of dementia among the elderly in a large city. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2001, with potential participants selected by stratified two stage cluster sampling of the elderly population of Keumgog dong, Busan. A total of 452 elderly people aged 65 years and over, underwent a two phase diagnostic procedure. Mini-mental State Examination-Korean (MMSE-K) and Samsung Dementia Questionnaire were used for the 1st stage, and the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR), the Bartel ADL, and IADL Index, the Korean Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS), the Modified Hatchinski Ischemic Scale (MHIS), and other laboratory tests were used for the 2nd stage. Results : Of the 446 participants finally chosen, 45 were confirmed with dementia, and 363 as normal, with the rests not confirmed with dementia or as normal, were excluded from the analysis. According to the logistic regression analysis, the risk of dementia was significantly higher In: people aged 80 and above (OR=4.36, 95% CI=1.97-9.62), illiterate (OR=3.58, 95% CI=1.71-7.46), who had a history of strokes (OR=6.35, 95% CI=2.71-14.87), or who had 3 history of hyperlipidemia (OR=4.74, 95% CI=1.65-13.61), compared to their counterparts. Conclusions : These results suggest that efforts to prevent strokes and hyperlipidemia can significantly decrease the risk of dementia.

• Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing
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• v.20 no.sup1
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• pp.119-126
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe problems and solutions for older adults living alone and using wearable devices to report depressive moods in daily life. In addition, gerontology nurses' competencies and strategies were discussed based on lessons learned from the observational study. Methods: A hybrid method was used, combining literature review and content analyses based on interviews with 53 participants and observations done by the research team. Results: Main issues and relevant strategies were identified in terms of (1) applicability of information and communications technology (ICT) devices for older adults, (2) feasibility of older adults' use of ICT devices, (3) integration of ICT devices into daily life, and (4) relevant issues when older adults use ICT. Important roles and competencies were discussed regarding general and gerontology aspects of ICT. Conclusion: Findings indicate that a wearable device is feasible to measure daily depressive moods in older adults living alone in community settings. To extend our research protocol to practice, gerontology nurses must adequately prepare to meet emerging health care trends and end users' needs for ICT-based nursing. It is necessary to develop diverse educational programs and active involvement in research and design of relevant devices and programs.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.149-158
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• 2024

Introduction: In this case report, we describe the clinical effectiveness of Yigan-san-gami in improving symptoms in a patient with worsening Alzheimer's dementia after COVID-19 infection. Case presentation: Symptoms of dementia worsened in a patient with Alzheimer's disease after COVID-19 infection. Western medicines were added following neurological consultation. However, there was no medicinal effect. The patient was treated with Korean medicine (Yigan-san-gami) three times a day. We used daily charts, the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination-2 (K-MMSE-2), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and Short Version Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS) to assess the patient's symptoms. Cognitive decline and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) improved following the treatment with Yigan-san-gami. Conclusion: The results suggest that Yigan-san-gami may be effective in improving symptoms of Alzheimer's disease that worsen after COVID-19 infection.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.9-17
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• 2011

The objective of this research was to examine the effects of lumber stabilization exercise and a general physiotherapy program for caregivers with chronic low back pain. Sixteen people participated in this study and were randomly assigned to two groups for either lumbar stabilization exercise or for general physiotherapy, respectively. The experiment was performed for eight weeks. To examine the general as well as the medical characteristics of the participants, the following measurements were used: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); Oswestry Disability Index (ODI); Back Performance Scale (BPS); Roland - Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ); and Beck Depression Index (BDI). To compare the general and medical characteristics of the participants in the two groups, an independent t test were used. During the experiment, a paired t test was conducted to determine whether there was a significant difference in the values of VAS, ODI, BPS, RMDQ, and BDI before and after the experiment. To examine the difference in the VAS, ODI, BPS, RMDQ, and BDI values in the two groups, ANCOVA was used with pre test values as a covariate. According to the test results, in the lumbar stabilization exercise group, the VAS, ODI, BPS, RMDQ, and BDI values showed a statistically significant difference before and after the test (p<.05). In comparison, in the general physiotherapy program group, only the ODI and BPS values showed a statistically significant level of improvement. Regarding the degree of improvement, participants in the lumbar stabilization exercise group showed statistically significant progress compared to those in the general physiotherapy group. In summary, lumbar stabilization exercise is regarded as more effective than general physiotherapy for treating caregivers with chronic low back pain. In future studies, it will be useful to expand the research and to examine the long term effects of lumbar stabilization exercise on workers.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2017

Objectives: By the end of the 2000s, the economic situation in many European countries started to deteriorate, generating financial uncertainty, social insecurity and worse health status. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the recent financial crisis has affected the lifestyle health determinants and behaviours of older adults living in the Mediterranean islands. Methods: From 2005 to 2015, a population-based, multi-stage convenience sampling method was used to voluntarily enrol 2749 older adults (50% men) from 20 Mediterranean islands and the rural area of the Mani peninsula. Lifestyle status was evaluated as the cumulative score of four components (range, 0 to 6), that is, smoking habits, diet quality (MedDietScore), depression status (Geriatric Depression Scale) and physical activity. Results: Older Mediterranean people enrolled in the study from 2009 onwards showed social isolation and increased smoking, were more prone to depressive symptoms, and adopted less healthy dietary habits, as compared to their counterparts participating earlier in the study (p<0.05), irrespective of age, gender, several clinical characteristics, or socioeconomic status of the participants (an almost 50% adjusted increase in the lifestyle score from before 2009 to after 2009, p<0.001). Conclusions: A shift towards less healthy behaviours was noticeable after the economic crisis had commenced. Public health interventions should focus on older adults, particularly of lower socioeconomic levels, in order to effectively reduce the burden of cardiometabolic disease at the population level.