• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• 제15권2호
• /
• pp.123-128
• /
• 2024

Background: Coal miners are highly prone to occupational health risks, such as black lung disease. This study aims to assess the prevalence of black lung disease and the factors associated with black lung disease among coal miners in Asia. Method: This systematic review, conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, searched through the scientific literature of the following databases: EBSCO, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus. We selected articles that studied black lung disease among coal miners from 48 countries in Asia and were published between 2014 and 2023. Article quality was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. Result: The seven articles that we review studied a total of 653,635 coal miners from various types of coal mines from three countries in Asia. Of these miners, 59,998 experienced black lung disease. Black lung disease is prevalent among 9.18% of coal miners in Asia, which is approximately four times higher than the worldwide prevalence. Common factors that influence black lung disease in Asia include age, years of dust exposure, smoking, drinking, working types, and sizes of mines, type of mines, respiratory functions, spirometry parameters, tenure, lack of attention to occupational health, inefficient surveillance, and weak occupational health service. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of black lung disease among coal miners in Asia is considerably high, it can be addressed through effective prevention measures, monitoring, control, and case reporting.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제16권16호
• /
• pp.6953-6961
• /
• 2015

Background: Tobacco and alcohol contain or may generate carcinogenic compounds related to cancers. CYP1A1 enzymes act upon these carcinogens before elimination from the body. The aim of this study was to investigate whether CYP1A1 T3801C polymorphism modulates the relationship between tobacco and alcohol-associated head and neck cancer (HNC) susceptibility among the northeast Indian population. Materials and Methods: One hundred and seventy histologically confirmed HNC cases and 230 controls were included within the study. The CYP1A1 T3801C polymorphism was determined using PCR-RFLP, and the results were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Logistic regression (LR) and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) approaches were applied for statistical analysis. Results: The CYP1A1 CC genotype was significantly associated with HNC risk (P=0.045). A significantly increased risk of HNC (OR=6.09; P<0.0001) was observed in individuals with combined habits of smoking, alcohol drinking and tobacco-betel quid chewing. Further, gene-environment interactions revealed enhanced risks of HNC among smokers, alcohol drinkers and tobacco-betel quid chewers carrying CYP1A1 TC or CC genotypes. The highest risk of HNC was observed among smokers (OR=7.55; P=0.009) and chewers (OR=10.8; P<0.0001) carrying the CYP1A1 CC genotype. In MDR analysis, the best model for HNC risk was the three-factor model combination of smoking, tobacco-betel quid chewing and the CYP1A1 variant genotype (CVC=99/100; TBA=0.605; P<0.0001); whereas interaction entropy graphs showed synergistic interaction between tobacco habits and CYP1A1. Conclusions: Our results confirm that the CYP1A1 T3801C polymorphism modifies the risk of HNC and further demonstrated importance of gene-environment interaction.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• 제44권3호
• /
• pp.131-139
• /
• 2011

Objectives: Masked hypertension is associated with metabolic risks and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency of and risk factors of masked hypertension in Korean workers. Methods: The study was conducted among 121 employees at a hotel in Gyeongju, Korea, from December 2008 to February 2009. We measured blood pressure (BP) both in the clinic and using 24-hour ambulatory BP monitors for all subjects. Hypertension was defined independently by both methods, and subjects were classified into four groups: true normotension, masked hypertension, white coat hypertension, and sustained hypertension. Results: The frequency of masked hypertension in our study group was 25.6%. Compared with true normotension, the factors related to masked hypertension were male gender (odds ratio [OR], 10.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41 to 81.09), aging one year (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.99), clinic BP 120-129 /80-84 mmHg (OR, 8.42; 95% CI, 1.51 to 46.82), clinic BP 130-139 / 85-89 mmHg (OR, 12.14; 95% CI, 1.80 to 81.85), smoking (OR, 5.51; 95% CI, 1.15 to 26.54), and increase of total cholesterol 1 mg / dL (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.08). In males only, these factors were clinic BP 120-129/ 80-84 mmHg (OR, 15.07; 95% CI, 1.55 to 146.19), clinic BP 130-139/ 85-89 mmHg (OR, 17.16; 95% CI, 1.56 to 189.45), smoking (OR, 11.61; 95% CI, 1.52 to 88.62), and increase of total cholesterol 1 mg/dL (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.09). Conclusions: The frequency of masked hypertension was high in our study sample. Detection and management of masked hypertension, a known strong predictor of cardiovascular risk, could improve prognosis for at-risk populations.

• 한국산학기술학회논문지
• /
• 제17권12호
• /
• pp.218-225
• /
• 2016

최근 우리나라는 사회 경제적으로 급성장하면서 생활습관과 질병양상이 다양하게 변화하여 만성질환 발병에 중대 위협을 받고 있다. 특히 만성질환의 원인요소를 공통적으로 포함하고 있는 대사증후군의 위험요인은 예방관리가 시급하며 우리나라 성인의 대사증후군 유병률은 22.4%로 많은 비중을 차지하고 있다. 본 연구는 SPSS 23.0을 사용하여 2014년 지역사회건강조사 원시자료 12,481명 중 충실히 응답된 전라북도 대상자 12,185명을 분석하였다. 대상자의 건강행태의 특성에 따른 대사증후군 위험요인 유무 차이는 성별, 흡연, 연령, 교육수준, 격렬한 신체활동 일수 등에서 유의하게 나타났다. 본 연구는 대사증후군 위험요인 중 이상지혈증, 고혈압 및 당뇨가 있는 집단에게 음주, 흡연 및 격렬한 신체활동 요인에 관한 건강증진 프로그램의 참여를 활성화 시키는 방안이 필요함을 강조하고 있다. 이에 본 연구는 일 지역 대사증후군 위험요인과 건강행태를 분석하여 건강생활실천 요소를 규명하고 건강증진 활성화에 기여하는 기초자료로 제공하고자 한다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제16권15호
• /
• pp.6293-6298
• /
• 2015

Opportunistic screening for lung cancer is commonly conducted in Korea in accordance with physician recommendations and screenee's preferences. However, studies have yet to thoroughly examine the public's understanding of the risks posed by lung cancer screening. This study was conducted to assess changes in intentions to undergo lung cancer screening in response to being informed about exposure to radiation during low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) tests and to identify factors with the greatest influence thereon among Korean men. We conducted sub-group interviews among men chosen from the 2013 Korea National Cancer Screening Survey (KNCSS), a nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional survey of men aged 40 to 74 years and women aged 30 to 74 years. From 4100 participants in the KNCSS, 414 men who underwent any cancer screening test within the last 2 years were randomly selected for inclusion in this study. Via face-to-face interviews, their intentions to undergo lung cancer screening were assessed before and after being informed about exposure to radiation during LDCT testing. Of the 414 participants, 50% were current smokers. After receiving information on the benefits of the test, 95.1% stated an intention to undergo screening; this decreased to 81.6% after they received information on the harms of the test. The average decrease in intention rate was 35.3%. Smoking status, household income, and education level were not associated with lowered intentions to undergo lung cancer screening. Participants who were older than 60 years old (OR=0.56; 95% CI= 0.33-0.96) and those with less concern for radiation exposure (OR=0.56; 95% CI=0.36-0.89) were less likely to lower their screening intentions. The results of this study suggest that there is a need to educate both non-smokers and former smokers on the harms of lung cancer screening.

• 한국산업보건학회지
• /
• 제25권3호
• /
• pp.338-345
• /
• 2015

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the distribution of urine cadmium levels of residents in the surrounding areas of an industrial complex. Methods: During the period of three month from August to October 2012, informed consent was obtained from a total of 362 residents in Kwangyang and Yeosu. We collected urine sample from all subjects and their demographic characteristics, including alcohol drinks and smoking habits, using a questionnaire. The urine samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometer. Results: The urinary cadmium geometric mean concentration of total participants was $0.87{\mu}g/g\;cr$. The results of this study showed that higher urine cadmium levels were observed in females and some subjects with a higher level of education level and a lower BMI. Also, those subjects who preferred to take vegetables and took fish 3 days before urine sampling procedure revealed higher urine cadmium concentrations. The urine cadmium concentrations of subjects in the exposed area($0.91{\mu}g/g\;cr$) were significantly higher than those in the control area($0.78{\mu}g/g\;cr$). Conclusions: An additional study is needed to assess health risks of residents in the vicinity of environment-unfriendly areas, coupled with endeavors to examine possible heavy metals contamination factors that may affect the human body.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• 제38권
• /
• pp.32.1-32.6
• /
• 2016

Background: This study aimed to analyze and describe the morbidity and mortality associated with tracheostomy in patients with oral cancer and to identify the risk factors associated with tracheostomy complications. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent tracheostomy during a major oral cancer resection between March 2001 and January 2016 at the National Cancer Center, Korea. Overall, we included 51 patients who underwent tracheostomy after oral cancer surgery. We assessed the morbidity and mortality of tracheostomy and determined the risks associated with tracheostomy complications. Results: Twenty-two tracheostomy-related complications occurred in 51 patients. The morbidity and mortality rates were 35.2 % (n = 18) and 0 % (n = 0), respectively. Tracheostomy-related complications were tracheitis (n = 4), obstructed tracheostomy (n = 9), displaced tracheostomy (n = 5), air leakage (n = 1), stomal dehiscence (n = 1), and decannulation failure (n = 2). Most complications (19/22) occurred during the early postoperative period. Considering the risk factors for tracheostomy complications, the type of tube used was associated with the occurrence of tracheitis (p < 0.05). Additionally, body mass index and smoking status were associated with tube displacement (p < 0.05). However, no risk factors were significantly associated with obstructed tracheostomy. Conclusions: Patients with risk factors for tracheostomy complications should be carefully observed during the early postoperative period by well-trained medical staff.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• 제43권2호
• /
• pp.166-173
• /
• 2010

Objectives: On December 7, 2007, the Hebei Spirit oil tanker spilled out 12,547 kl of crude oil on the Yellow Sea 10 km away from the cost of Taean Province, Korea. As the coastline has been contaminated, local residents have been exposed to crude oil. Because the residents were showing many symptoms, we investigated the acute health effects of this oil spill on them. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study consisting of the heavy and moderately oil soaked area in Taean and the lightly oil soaked area in Seocheon. Ten seashore villages were selected from each area, and 10 male and female adults were selected from each village. We interviewed the subjects using a structured questionnaire on the characteristics of residents, the cleanup activities, the perception of oil hazard, depression and anxiety, and the physical symptoms. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The logistic regression model was adjusted for age, gender, education, smoking, the perception of oil hazard and anxiousness. Results: The more highly contaminated the area, the more likely it was for residents to be engaged in cleanup activities and have a greater chance of exposure to oil. The indexes of anxiety and depression were higher in the heavy and moderately oil soaked areas. The increased risks of headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, tingling of limb, hot flushing, sore throat, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, itchy skin, rash, and sore eyes were significant. Conclusions: The results suggest that exposure to crude oil is associated with various acute physical symptoms. Long-term investigation is required to monitor the residents' health.

• 대한한의학회지
• /
• 제24권4호
• /
• pp.1-5
• /
• 2003

Leptin has a close correlation with obesity, which is known to be a major factor for stroke. This study was performed to determine whether serum leptin level would be an independent risk factor for stroke and whether it would change significantly early after stroke. Subjects were selected from those within I month after onset and non-stroke referents at Kyung Hee Oriental Medical Center in Seoul, Korea. We compared leptin and the other characteristics between stroke subjects and referents. Body mass index, hypertension history, presence of drinking and smoking, waist/hip ratio, total cholesterol and triglyceride were recorded. To assess odds ratio of leptin for stroke, we used logistic regression analysis. Leptin was rechecked 2 weeks later and compared with the former value in acute stroke subjects. In this study, serum leptin did not differ significantly between stroke subjects and referents, and its odds ratio was not significant in male (OR=0.52, 95％ Cl; 0.13-2.08) and female (OR=1.57, 95％ Cl; 0.53-4.67). In acute stroke subjects, leptin did not change significantly 2 weeks later. Hypertension had a significant odds ratio in male (OR=3.39, 95％ Cl; 1.02-11.24) and female (OR=12.37, 95％ Cl; 3.67-41.65). High waist/hip ratio was only in female (OR=6.70, 95％ Cl; 1.73-26.02). In conclusion, leptin was not an independent risk factor for stroke and its serum level did not change significantly early after stroke. Hypertension and waist/hip ratio had significant relative risks.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제16권7호
• /
• pp.2771-2775
• /
• 2015

Background: Associations between ABO blood groups and risk of several malignancies have been reported, although there are limited data regarding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to investigate any possible association between the ABO genotype, especially blood group A, and HCC risk in Koreans. Materials and Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 1,538 patients with newly diagnosed HCC at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital and 1,305 randomly selected members of the general population. The ABO genotype was determined by multicolor real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using displacing probes. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression models with adjustment for gender, age, smoking, alcohol drinking, and hepatitis B and C status. Results: The risk of HCC in genotype AA was significantly higher than in OO (aOR=1.773, 95% CI=1.161-2.705). The risk in blood group A was also higher than in blood group O (aOR=1.448, 95% CI=1.005 1.897). No significant difference was found for the AA, BO, BB, and AB genotypes, or blood group B and AB. Conclusions: Blood group A and genotype AA showed the highest risks of HCC in a Korean population. No significant difference was found for the AO, BO, BB, and AB genotypes, or blood group B and AB.