• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.177-185
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• 1998

The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of farming in greenhouses with respect to subjective fatigue symptoms among farmers and the degree of symptoms. The study compared 176 green-house farmers with 216 open field farmers using a subjective fatigue symptoms rating scale developed by the Industrial Research Institute of Fatigue, Japanese Association for industrial Hygiene. 1. With respect to complaint rates of the subjective fatigue symptoms, the results indicated that greenhouse farmers have, in order of severity, high degrees of low back pain, difficulty in collecting thoughts, and apt to forget. 2. With respect to cumulative scores of fatigue symptoms, the results indicated that both groups of farmers exhibited a lack of attentiveness and a high degree of dullness and sleepiness(category I), body projection of fatigue(category II), and difficulty in concentration(category III). 3. With respect to general characteristics, it was found that the degrees of subjective fatigue symptoms were found to be higher among females, people with lower educational levels, and the elderly, regardless of the group. 4. With respect to work related factors, farmers with more years of experiences were found to have higher degrees of subjective fatigue symptoms, except for open field farmers with less than nine years experience. Both groups of farmers were found to have high degrees of subjective fatigue symptoms when working less than eight hours a day and less than six months a year. 5. With respect to health habits, for people who get less than eight hours of sleep per day exhibited higher fatigue scores than people who get more than eight hours. People who do not smoke and drink also exhibited higher fatigue scores than people who smoke and drink. 6. The results of multiple regression showed that the risk factors related to the subjective fatigue symptoms of farmers in the greenhouse group were ages, levels of education, sex and for the comparison group, were sex. years of farming, and hours of sleep. The R-square were 12.5% in the greenhouse group and 12.1% in the comparison son group. The differences between the greenhouse and open field farmers in the degrees of fatigue symptoms were found not to be statistically significant even if the working conditions of the greenhouse farmers were poor. This may be attributed to non-work related factors, i.e., social, economical, and psychological factors among greenhouse farmers.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.239-246
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• 2012

Purpose: This study is the narrative investigating research to comprehend the climacteric symptoms, depression and health promoting behavior of the male workers and to develop the nursing intervention. Methods: The research was done from August to September 2011, and the subjects were the middle-aged males between 40 and 64 working in capital cities of Chungcheongnamdo. Among the 220 questionnaires, 189 were retrieved and used for the analysis. The data analysis was done by $x^2$-test, and t-test using the SPSS/WIN 19.0 program. Results: The 70.9% of the subjects showed male climacterium and among them, those in their 40s showed high rate to the change in the body and emotions whereas those in their 50s showed high rate to the sexual function-related symptoms. Also, having the climacteric symptoms showed significant changes in depression and health promoting behavior. Conclusion: To promote health of the middle-aged male workers and the nursing intervention for those who show depression, verifying whether these males have climacteric symptoms is necessary.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.278-283
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• 2024

Background: Limited research has delved into the effects of work characteristics on premenstrual symptoms (PMS) in women, which can influence work performance and overlook potential hazards for women in their work environments. This study aimed to investigate the impact of shift work and working in a clean room on premenstrual symptoms, menstrual status, and menstrual pain among employed females in an electronics manufacturer. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on menstruating female employees between August and December 2014, aged 18e55, who received regular employee health checks. Questionnaires were designed to collect information on demographics, personal lifestyle, menstrual status, menstrual pain scores, and self-reported premenstrual symptoms. Results: Among 7,193 participants, 18.6% reported moderate to severe menstrual pain affecting their work. Female workers who reported shift work showed an increased prevalence of moderate to severe premenstrual symptoms, including fatigue (RR = 1.20), somatic discomforts (RR = 1.04), diarrhea (RR = 1.04), and tension (RR = 1.05). Additionally, shift work was associated with an elevated risk of experiencing a moderate or significant impact of menstrual pain on work (RR = 1.03), menstrual irregularity (RR = 1.30), and high menstrual pain (RR = 1.23). Working in a clean room was associated with an increased risk of high menstrual pain (RR = 1.13). Subjects working shifts in a clean room had the highest pain scores compared to the other groups. Conclusion: This study underscores the association of work-related factors on PMS in female employees. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of premenstrual symptoms in female workers with different work characteristics, emphasizing the potential hazards of work-related factors on female employees.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.67-75
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• 2009

Objectives : To identify whether and how Korean people understand 'qi deficiency' and related symptoms. Methods : We developed a questionnaire based on the experts' comments and modification asking understanding of 'qi deficiency' and symptoms or situations related with it. Total 128 workers at community healthcare centres across the country completed the questionnaire. They were asked if they know the meaning of the word 'qi deficiency' and to give at least three symptoms or situations that they conceive are related with 'qi deficiency'. The responses were collected and descriptive and frequency analyses were performed. Results : Approximately 79.7% of responders answered that they understand the meaning of the word 'qi deficiency' and of them, 71.6% reported that they experience 'qi deficiency' sometimes or more. Regarding somatic or condition-related responses in qi deficiency, lack of power or energy (26.6%), tiredness or fatigue (22.2%), dizziness (7.2%) or sweating (6.3%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. They related symptoms such as loss of appetite (4.3%) or easily catching colds (2.4%) with qi deficiency. Factors described in traditional pattern recognition of qi deficiency were not exactly matched with the responses from this survey. Conclusions : Korean people have rather a broad concept of qi deficiency covering a range of symptoms and this should be taken into account in developing a deficiency assessment tool.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.20-26
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• 2008

The objective of the study which utilised population based data was to determine the respiratory condition of elementary school children in Gangneung. From October 9th to December 14th, 2006, Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) including Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratoy Volume in I Second $(FEV_1)$ were conducted on the target group of children using a spirometer. The prevalence of asthmatic symptoms was 29.8% among boys and 39.6% among girls. By using logistic regression, we found that family history of allergic rhinitis (OR=3.90, CI=1.05-14.51), experience of allergic conjunctivitis (OR=4.67, CI=1.54-14.16) and atopic dermatitis (OR=2.86, CI=1.17-7.05) significantly increased the asthmatic symptoms. Also, a family history of asthma and food allergy were associated with asthmatic symptoms. In relation to housing and environmental risk factors, residences under the ground (OR=3.59, CI=1.35-9.51) and big-size dolls (OR=2.71, CI=0.86-8.53) significantly increased the prevalence of asthmatic symptoms. For PFT, above four families, exposure of passive smoking and pets significantly reduced FVC in both groups (p<0.05). In girls, a big-size doll was significantly associated with decreased lung function (FVC and $FEV_1$). In boys, using bed significantly reduced $FEV_1$. Also, the risk of asthmatic symptoms was found to increase when the house has been built for 5 years or more, the house is close to a road $({\leq}100m)$, a gas/Kerosene heater or carpet is utilized within the house. However, their differences were not significant. It is concluded that genetic factor such as a family history of respiratory disease, allergic symptoms and housing risk factor are related to asthmatic symptoms. These results were worth noting because the findings will help address risk factors related respiratory symptoms especially in relation to housing and environment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3129-3133
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• 2012

Diagnosis and treatment procedures in cancers and resulting anxiety negatively affect the individual and the family. Particularly treatment methods may generate psychological symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine the level of such symptoms in Turkish gynecologic cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. A total of 41 patients who were referred to our gynecologic oncology research clinic between January-March 2012, receiving 3 months or more chemotherapy and who agreed to participate were enrolled in study. All the data were collected using a personal information form, Edmonton Symptom Assesment System and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Patients received highest point average from fatigue symptom ($6.53{\pm}2.67$) and lowest point average from dyspnea ($1.53{\pm}3.03$) according to Edmonton Symptom Assesment System. The mean State Anxiety score of patients was $43.1{\pm}9.77$ and mean Trait Anxiety score was $46.7{\pm}7.01$. Comparing symptoms of patients and mean State Anxiety score it was found that there was a statistically significant corelation with symptoms like pain (p<0.05), sadness (p<0.001), insomnia (p<0.05), state of well being (p<0.001) and dyspnea (p<0.05). Similarly comparing symptoms of patients and mean Trait Anxiety score demonstrated significant correlations for fatigue (p<0.05), sadness (p<0.01), insomnia (p<0.01) and state of well-being (p<0.01). As a result, patients with gynecological cancers experienced symptoms related to chemotherapy and a moderate level of anxiety. In accordance, appropriate interventions should recommended for the evaluation and improvement of anxiety and symptoms related to treatment in cancer patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.4057-4062
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• 2012

Objective: To study the level of awareness and knowledge about cancers and associated risk factors among households in selected states of India. Methods: In the study 3070 households were interviewed from six states viz, West Bengal, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Mizoram. Results: Knowledge of cancers other than those related to tobacco was very low (prostate 8%, colon 11% ) among the communities, with a poor awareness of warning signs and symptoms. The knowledge varied from state to state. It is found that the major source of information related to cancers was television (38%) followed by friends and relatives (36%). Only about 15 % of respondents had knowledge about cancer awareness camps organized in their districts but they did not have knowledge about the organizers of the camp. Findings suggested a strong need for strengthening of DCCP. Conclusion: It is important to create awareness among community through educational programs on cancer prevention, preventable cancer risk factors, benefits of early diagnosis, and availability of screening facilities. Integration of District Cancer Control activities with NRHM could be the most cost-effective strategy to prevent cancers and rural population.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.362-369
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• 2019

Background: Chronic nonspecific symptoms attributed to indoor nonindustrial work environments are common and may cause disability, but the medical nature of this disability is unclear. The aim was to medically characterize the disability manifested by chronic, recurrent symptoms and restrictions to work participation attributed to low-level indoor pollutants at workplace and whether the condition shares features with idiopathic environmental intolerance. Methods: We investigated 12 patients with indoor aire-related work disability. The examinations included somatic, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations as well as investigations of the autonomic nervous system, cortisol measurements, lung function, and allergy tests. We evaluated well-being, health, disability, insomnia, pain, anxiety, depression, and burnout via questionnaires. Results: The mean symptom history was 10.5 years; for disabling symptoms, 2.7 years. Eleven patients reported reactions triggered mainly by indoor molds, one by fragrances only. Ten reported sensitivity to odorous chemicals, and three, electric devices. Nearly all had co-occurrent somatic and psychiatric diagnoses and signs of pain, insomnia, burnout, and/or elevated sympathetic responses. Avoiding certain environments had led to restrictions in several life areas. On self-assessment scales, disability showed higher severity and anxiety showed lower severity than in physician assessments. Conclusion: No medical cause was found to explain the disability. Findings support that the condition is a form of idiopathic environmental intolerance and belongs to functional somatic syndromes. Instead of endless avoidance, rehabilitation approaches of functional somatic syndromes are applicable.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.256-269
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• 2003

Purpose: This study was intended to investigate the types and seriousness of the couvade syndrome, pregnancy-related physical and psychological symptoms among expectant fathers whose spouses were pregnant. Method: The subject was consists of 100 expectant fathers at one hospital in Seoul, Korea. The pregnant women had not been diagnosed any medical complication. Data were analyzed by SPSS/PC program. Result: 1) The total mean score was 1.85: the mean score of perceived physical symptoms (1.87) revealed higher than the mean score of psychological symptoms (1.81). 2) With the respect to the general characteristics of subjects, there were statistically significant correlations between subject's level of education and couvade symptoms (r=-.209, p=.037), gestational age and couvade symptoms (r=-.227, p=.023), family total income and couvade symptoms (r=-.198, p=.048), perceived self health status and couvade symptoms (r=-.254, p=.011). 3) With the respect to the general characteristics of subjects, there were statistically significant differences in pregnant woman's age (t=1.363, p=.044),occupation of subject (F=3.594, p= .009), educational level of subject (t=3.506, p=.002), family total income (F=16.822, p= .000), perceived self health status (F=3.151, p=.047). Conclusion: Couvade syndrome is an issue for nurses who perform an important role in the care of pregnant women and their spouses.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.303-311
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• 2009

Purpose: The study aimed to explore the health consequences that women experienced after miscarriage and the factors related to them. Methods: A convenience sample consisting of 102 women who had miscarried within 2 years was used. Women were recruited from hospitals and enterprises in Seoul and Gyeong-Gi Province. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire containing a physical and psychological symptoms checklist developed for this study. Results: More than 40% of the miscarriages occurred after 9 weeks of pregnancy and 35% of women were found to have had a previous miscarriage prior to this study. Psychological symptoms were more prevalent and prolonged than the physical symptoms, furthermore, the frequencies of the symptoms experienced were not consistent with the duration of symptoms. Employed women and women with early miscarriages complained of more physical symptoms; however, psychological symptoms were not different according to women's characteristics. Employment was a significant factor affecting physical symptoms. Conclusion: Health care professionals need to inform and educate women and the family of the potential health changes during the recovery after the miscarriage. Health consequences due to miscarriages also need to be incorporated in women's reproductive health care. Nursing care should consider factors of maternal age, employment status, and obstetrical conditions upon the apparent social changes.