This study identified an effective control method for periodontitis by investigating the association between blood levels of vitamin D and periodontitis in Korean elderly based on raw data from the fifth Korea National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey of 2010 (KNHANES). In this study, 1,021 adults over 65 years of age were evaluated based on data from the KNHANES. Periodontal disease was assessed using community periodontal index (CPI), with CPI codes ≥3 defined as periodontitis. Blood levels of vitamin D were measured from blood samples and divided into four groups (first quartile: ≤13.23 ng/ml, second quartile: 13.24∼16.95 ng/ml, third quartile: 16.96∼21.58 ng/ml), and fourth quartile >21.59 ng/ml). Using multiple logistic regression analyses, the variables were adjusted for general characteristics, oral health-related characteristics, health-related characteristics, and bone mineral density. The statistical analysis was performed using the SAS (ver. 9.2). The results of this study are as follows: the prevalence of periodontitis was 42.6% in Korean elderly. After adjusting for general, oral health-related, and health-related, the risk of periodontitis in the first quartile group was 1.74 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02∼2.98) higher than that of the fourth quartile group (p=0.041). After adjusting for general, oral health-related, and health-related characteristics as well as bone mineral density, the risk of periodontitis in the first quartile group was 1.73 times (95% CI, 1.02∼2.96) higher than that of the four quartile group (p=0.042). There was a significant relationship between blood vitamin D level and periodontitis in Korean elderly. For the prevention of periodontitis, factors related to vitamin D should be considered along with other risk factors.
Adult ; Aged* ; Bone Density ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Methods ; Periodontal Diseases ; Periodontal Index ; Periodontitis* ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Vitamin D* ; Vitamins*

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of falls, mental health issues, and health behaviors among older adults, as well as to analyze the association between multiple falls and mental health status in this population. Methods: We utilized data from the 2017, 2019, and 2021 Korean Community Health Survey, a nationwide survey organized by region and conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Participants were categorized into no-fall, single-fall, and multiple fall groups based on responses to an index question regarding fall experiences and the number of such incidents reported in the survey. The chi-square test was applied to understand the characteristics of the elderly population in the community. Subsequently, multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to clarify the association between falls and mental health. Results: Integrated data analysis revealed that 11.3% of participants experienced a single fall, while 5.7% reported multiple falls. Participants from low-education and low-income backgrounds exhibited relatively high rates of falls. Additionally, non-drinkers and non-smokers reported falls more frequently than their counterparts who consumed alcohol and smoked. Multinomial logistic regression revealed significant associations between multiple falls and mental health factors. In particular, the severity of depression was directly proportional to the likelihood of experiencing multiple falls, with an odds ratio of 2.95 (95% confidence interval, 2.49 to 3.50). Conclusions We identified associations between various mental health-related factors—including sleep duration, subjective stress, the presence of depression, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score—and the occurrence of multiple falls.

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of falls, mental health issues, and health behaviors among older adults, as well as to analyze the association between multiple falls and mental health status in this population. Methods: We utilized data from the 2017, 2019, and 2021 Korean Community Health Survey, a nationwide survey organized by region and conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Participants were categorized into no-fall, single-fall, and multiple fall groups based on responses to an index question regarding fall experiences and the number of such incidents reported in the survey. The chi-square test was applied to understand the characteristics of the elderly population in the community. Subsequently, multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to clarify the association between falls and mental health. Results: Integrated data analysis revealed that 11.3% of participants experienced a single fall, while 5.7% reported multiple falls. Participants from low-education and low-income backgrounds exhibited relatively high rates of falls. Additionally, non-drinkers and non-smokers reported falls more frequently than their counterparts who consumed alcohol and smoked. Multinomial logistic regression revealed significant associations between multiple falls and mental health factors. In particular, the severity of depression was directly proportional to the likelihood of experiencing multiple falls, with an odds ratio of 2.95 (95% confidence interval, 2.49 to 3.50). Conclusions We identified associations between various mental health-related factors—including sleep duration, subjective stress, the presence of depression, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score—and the occurrence of multiple falls.

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of falls, mental health issues, and health behaviors among older adults, as well as to analyze the association between multiple falls and mental health status in this population. Methods: We utilized data from the 2017, 2019, and 2021 Korean Community Health Survey, a nationwide survey organized by region and conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Participants were categorized into no-fall, single-fall, and multiple fall groups based on responses to an index question regarding fall experiences and the number of such incidents reported in the survey. The chi-square test was applied to understand the characteristics of the elderly population in the community. Subsequently, multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to clarify the association between falls and mental health. Results: Integrated data analysis revealed that 11.3% of participants experienced a single fall, while 5.7% reported multiple falls. Participants from low-education and low-income backgrounds exhibited relatively high rates of falls. Additionally, non-drinkers and non-smokers reported falls more frequently than their counterparts who consumed alcohol and smoked. Multinomial logistic regression revealed significant associations between multiple falls and mental health factors. In particular, the severity of depression was directly proportional to the likelihood of experiencing multiple falls, with an odds ratio of 2.95 (95% confidence interval, 2.49 to 3.50). Conclusions We identified associations between various mental health-related factors—including sleep duration, subjective stress, the presence of depression, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score—and the occurrence of multiple falls.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop and execute the village heath worker(VHW) training program which based on short term overseas medical volunteer and medical mission. METHODS: Through case studies of previous VHW program and review articles about the state of medical volunteer and medical mission, we developed the VHW training program. Pilot test of the program was carried out in Tugeugarao city, Phillipines on July, 2008. The subject were 32 persons from 15 villages around Tuguegarao city. After training we surveyed regarding the satisfaction of training and the degree of getting knowledge and skills. RESULTS: Through article review, we got the common subjects of previous VHW training program and the limitations of overseas medical volunteer and medical mission. We developed VHW training program aiming to community health promotion through community participation and community change. The main text was "Where There Is No Doctor" of Hesperian Foundation. The program executed through 1 day intensive lecture and practice. The satisfaction of the program was 8.95+/-1.70 on 10 point rating scale. CONCLUSIONS: We strongly expect VHW training program can be available as new model of short overseas medical volunteer as well as medical mission if we could systemize it with the confirming subject before training, management after training and continuous support through connection with the field.
Community Health Workers ; Consumer Participation ; Health Education ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; Missions and Missionaries ; Philippines ; Primary Health Care

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the blood and urinary cadmium concentration levels of around abandoned metal mines in comparison with a control group. METHODS: Blood and urinary cadmium concentration levels were analyzed through investigations of the dietary habits and dietary water of subjects living near abandoned metal mines (exposure group) (n=190) in comparison with those living in designated control areas (control group) (n=256). RESULTS: The blood cadmium (1.93 microgram/l) and urinary cadmium (2.41 microgram/g cr) concentrations of the exposure group were significantly higher than those of the control group (blood cadmium: 1.19 microgram/l, urinary cadmium: 1.94 microgram/g cr). Both concentrations were significantly higher in vegetarians in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The exposure group had higher blood and urinary cadmium concentrations than the control group. We attributed the elevated blood and urine cadmium levels in the abandoned mine residents to the influence of the abandoned mine sites.
Cadmium ; Food Habits ; Water

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and correlated factors of high myopia in 19 year-old men in Southeast Korea. METHODS: This retrospective study was based on the medical checkup data of conscription during 2005. The study subjects were 19 years old men in Busan, Ulsan and Gyeongsangnam-do. The health checkup data of the conscripts consisted of noncycloplegic autorefraction test, the biometric data and social factors. To analyze the social and biometric effects, we classified the biometric factors into 4 or 5 groups and the social factors into 3 groups. High myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of under -6.0 diopter. Data analysis was performed using the chi square test for trends and multiple logistic regression analysis. The SAS(version 9.1) program was used for all the analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of high myopia was 12.39% (6256 / 50 508). The factors correlated with high myopia were the residence area (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.77 to 2.4 for small city; OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.72 to 2.34 for metropolis; the reference group was rural area), academic achievement (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.34 to 1.53 for students of 4-and 6-year-course university; the reference group was high school graduates & under) and blood pressure (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.10 to 2.16 for hypertension; OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.17 for prehypertension; OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.20 for hypotension; the reference group was normal blood pressure). CONCLUSIONS: More than one tenth of the young men were high myopia as one of the risk factor for visual loss. Further studies on high myopia and its complications are needed to improve eye health in Southeast Korea.
Body Mass Index ; Cluster Analysis ; Comorbidity ; Humans ; Hypertension/*epidemiology ; Hypotension/*epidemiology ; Male ; Military Personnel/statistics & numerical data ; Myopia/classification/*epidemiology ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; *Residence Characteristics ; Retrospective Studies ; Rural Population ; Severity of Illness Index ; Urban Population ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to assess the community capacity building ability of health promotion workers of public health centers and to identify influential factors to the ability. METHODS: The subjects were 43 public officers from 16 public health centers in Busan Metropolitan City. Questionnaire was developed based on 'Community Capacity Building Tool' of Public Health Agency of Canada which consists of 9 feathers. Each feather of capacity was assessed in 4 point rating scale. Univariate analysis by characteristics of subjects and multivariate analysis by multiple regression was done. RESULTS: The mean score of the 9 features were 2.35. Among the 9 feathers, 'Obtaining resources' scored 3.0 point which was the highest but 'Community structure' scored 2.1 which was the lowest. The mean score of the feathers was relatively lower than that of Canadian data. The significant influential factors affecting community capacity building ability were 'Service length', 'Heath promotion skill level', 'Existence of an executive department' and 'Cooperative partnership for health promotion'. According to the result of multiple linear regression, the 'Existence of an executive department' had significant influence. CONCLUSIONS: Community capacity building ability of subjects showed relatively lower scores in general. Building and activating an executive department and cooperative partnerships for health promotion may be helpful to achieve community capacity building ability.
Adult ; Community Health Aides/*organization & administration ; Community Health Centers/*organization & administration ; Female ; Financial Management ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Health Promotion/*organization & administration ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; Korea ; Leadership ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Public Health Administration

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of myopia and its influencing factors in an epidemiologic study of conscripts living in Gyeongsangnam-do, Ulsan and Busan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 19-year-old conscripts in Gyeongsangnam-do, Ulsan and Busan. Health checkup data of the conscripts were collected and analyzed along with subjective visual acuity, noncycloplegic autorefraction test, biometric data, and social factors such as education level and residence area. Myopia and high myopia were defined as having a refractive error of more than -0.5D, -6.0D, respectively. To analyze the social and biometric effects, we classified social factors into three groups and biometric factors into five groups. The estimated myopic prevalence was calculated adding excluded conscripts who scored under 0.5 on the subjective visual acuity test and missed autorefraction data. Data analysis was performed with descriptive analysis and the chi square test for trends using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 14.0K. RESULTS: From 66,917 eligible conscripts, 50,243 were analyzed. The prevalence of myopia and high myopia in 19-year-old men in Gyeongsangnam-do, Ulsan and Busan were 45.60% (95% CI: 45.17~46.03) and 11.50% (95% CI: 11.23~11.77). The estimated myopic prevalence using 66,917 eligible conscripts was 54.31% (95% CI: 53.88~54.74). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of myopia and high myopia and the estimated prevalence of myopia in 19-year-old men in Gyeongsangnam-do, Ulsan and Busan were 45.60%, 11.50% and 54.31%, respectively.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Myopia ; Prevalence ; Refractive Errors ; Social Sciences ; Statistics as Topic ; Visual Acuity ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To support the establishment of lymphedema education plans and the actual practice of education by investigating the current lymphedema awareness status of Korean breast cancer patients. METHODS: cross-sectional population survey was conducted in 116 breast cancer patients in the Busan-Gyeongnam area. The survey included questions regarding demographic characteristics, breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) risk factors, and characteristics and treatments of the disease. Some of the items were scored to determine the level of awareness. The items that affect the awareness of lymphedema were investigated by statistical analysis. RESULTS: Eighty-one of the 116 patients answered that they had heard of lymphedema, and 30 of them (25.86%) had received explanations about the possibility of lymphedema before surgery. Only 20 patients (17.25%) knew that lymphedema is not a completely curable disease, 24 patients (20.68%) thought that lymphedema does not require any treatment, and only 56 patients (48.27%) knew that lymphedema is treated in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. The main factors that affected patients' awareness of lymphedema were their age, chemotherapy, duration of breast cancer, and lymphedema treatment history. CONCLUSION: The majority of survey participants who were breast cancer patients either lacked awareness of BCRL or had false ideas about it, indicating the inadequate level of education provided for lymphedema. In the case of breast cancer diagnosis, early and continuous education for future management is essential, and the framework for the provision of education including education protocols related to age, disease duration, and lymphedema treatment is needed.
Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Drug Therapy ; Early Diagnosis ; Education ; Humans ; Korea* ; Lymphedema* ; Rehabilitation ; Risk Factors