In 2004, this study was carried out at 5 commune health stations at Van Son, Ngoc Hai, Ngoc Xuyen, Van Huong wards and Bang La commune. The results revealed that only the health station of Bang La commune met the national standard for commune health with 90.5 points. Most communes had not achieved standard III (on disease diagnosis and medical treatment and rehabilitation activities), standard IV (on facilities and medical equipment) and standard VI (on traditional medicine). Factors causing drawbacks at these commune health stations include shortage of human resource, material facilities and equipments.
Public Facilities ; Health ; Epidemiology ; Health Facilities

The present status of control treasures for public health important helminthic infections in Korea was surveyed in 1969 and the following results were obtained The activities of parasitic examination and Acaris treatment for the positives which were done during 1966 to 1969 were brought in poor result and could not decrease the infection rate. It is needed to improve or strengthen the activities. The mass treatment activities for paragonimiasis and clonorchiasis in the areas which were designated by the Ministry of Health were carried out during 1965 to 1968 with no good results in decrease of estimated number of the patients. There were too many pharmaceutical companies where many kinds of anthelmintics were produced. It may be better to reduce the number of anthelmintics produced and control the quality. The human feces, the most important source of helminthic infection, was generally not treated in sanitary ways because of the poor sewerage system and no sewage treatment plant in urban areas and insanitary latrines in rural areas. The field soils of 170 specimens were collected from 34 areas out of 55 urban and tourist areas where night soil has been prohibited by a regulation to be used as a fertilizer, and examined for parasites contamination with the result of Ascaris egg detection in 44%. Some kinds of vegetables of 64 specimens each from the supply agents of parasite free vegetables and general markets were collected and examined for parasites contamination with the results of Ascaris egg detection in 25% and 36% respectively. The parasite control activities and the ability of parasitological examination techniques in the health centers of the country were not satisfactory. The budget of the Ministry of Health for the parasite control was very poor. The actual expenditure needed for cellophane thick smear technique was 8 Won per a specimen. As a principle the control of helminthic infections might be led toward breaking the chain of events in the life cycle of the prasites and eliminating environmental and host factors concerned with the infections, and the following methods may be pointed out. 1) Mass treatment might be done to eliminate human reservoirs of an infection. 2) Animal reservoirs which are related with human infections might be eliminated. 3) The excretes of reservoirs, particularly human feces, should be treated in sanitary ways by the means of sanitary sewerage system and sewage treatment plant in urban areas and sanitary latrines such as waterborne latrine, aqua privy and pit latrine in rural areas. The increase of national economical development and prohibition of the habit of using night soil as a Fertilizer might be very important factors to achieve the purpose. 4) The control of vehicles and intermediate hosts might be done by the means of prohibition of soil contamination with parasites, food sanitation, insect control and snail control. 5) The improvement of insanitary attitudes and bad habit which are related with parasitic infections might be done by the means of prohibition of habit of using night soils as a fertilizer, and improving eating habits and personal hygiene. 6) Chemoprohylactic measure and vaccination may be effective to prevent the infections or the development of a parasite to adult in the bodies were invaded by parasites. Further studies and development of this kind of measures are needed.
Acari ; Adult ; Animals ; Anthelmintics ; Ascaris ; Budgets ; Cellophane ; Clonorchiasis ; Communicable Disease Control ; Eating ; Feces ; Health Expenditures ; Helminths ; Humans ; Hygiene ; Insect Control ; Korea* ; Life Cycle Stages ; Ovum ; Paragonimiasis ; Parasites ; Plants ; Public Health ; Sanitation ; Sewage ; Snails ; Soil ; Toilet Facilities ; Vaccination ; Vegetables

OBJECTIVES: For the first time, Boliwong, an indigenous community in the Philippines, was surveyed for the prevalence of Cryptosporidium from April to December 2017. METHODS: Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in samples from the river, creek, and water pumps via immunomagnetic separation techniques, and from human and animal concentrated faecal samples using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. RESULTS: Seven of the 24 water samples (29.2%) were positive for Cryptosporidium, with the highest concentration (0.8 oocyst/L) detected in the creek. Of 35 fecal samples from different animal groups, 8 (21.6%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. The highest intensity of oocyst shedding was detected in dogs (χ2=8.00). Of the 137 human fecal samples, 39 (28.5%) were infected with Cryptosporidium. In this study, 3 risk factors were found to be associated with infection: (1) location (crude odds ratio [cOR], 16.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11 to 127.41; p=0.008), (2) drinking water from the natural spring (cOR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.82; p<0.05), and (3) using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility (cOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.20; p<0.05). When the cOR was adjusted, using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility remained a significant risk factor of infection (adjusted OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.90; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a potentially emerging Cryptosporidium zoonosis in Boliwong, Lagawe, Philippines. It is recommended that the toilet facilities and the water system in the community be rehabilitated to avoid any possible disease outbreak. Health education is also needed in the community to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
Animals ; Cryptosporidium* ; Disease Outbreaks ; Dogs ; Drinking Water ; Epidemiology ; Health Education ; Humans ; Hygiene ; Immunomagnetic Separation ; Natural Springs ; Odds Ratio ; Oocysts ; Philippines* ; Prevalence ; Public Health ; Risk Factors ; Rivers ; Sanitation ; Toilet Facilities ; Water

OBJECTIVES: For the first time, Boliwong, an indigenous community in the Philippines, was surveyed for the prevalence of Cryptosporidium from April to December 2017.METHODS: Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in samples from the river, creek, and water pumps via immunomagnetic separation techniques, and from human and animal concentrated faecal samples using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique.RESULTS: Seven of the 24 water samples (29.2%) were positive for Cryptosporidium, with the highest concentration (0.8 oocyst/L) detected in the creek. Of 35 fecal samples from different animal groups, 8 (21.6%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. The highest intensity of oocyst shedding was detected in dogs (χ2=8.00). Of the 137 human fecal samples, 39 (28.5%) were infected with Cryptosporidium. In this study, 3 risk factors were found to be associated with infection: (1) location (crude odds ratio [cOR], 16.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11 to 127.41; p=0.008), (2) drinking water from the natural spring (cOR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.82; p<0.05), and (3) using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility (cOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.14 to 5.20; p<0.05). When the cOR was adjusted, using an open pit as a sanitary toilet facility remained a significant risk factor of infection (adjusted OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.90; p<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: There is a potentially emerging Cryptosporidium zoonosis in Boliwong, Lagawe, Philippines. It is recommended that the toilet facilities and the water system in the community be rehabilitated to avoid any possible disease outbreak. Health education is also needed in the community to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
Animals ; Cryptosporidium ; Disease Outbreaks ; Dogs ; Drinking Water ; Epidemiology ; Health Education ; Humans ; Hygiene ; Immunomagnetic Separation ; Natural Springs ; Odds Ratio ; Oocysts ; Philippines ; Prevalence ; Public Health ; Risk Factors ; Rivers ; Sanitation ; Toilet Facilities ; Water

BACKGROUND: The anti-smoking policy in Korea has been recently focusing on reducing the harmful effects of tobacco smoke pollution by establishing smoking bans or restrictions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in opinions between smokers and non-smokers regarding this current policy. METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted by Gallup Korea involving 1,200 adult residents (older than 19 years) of the Daejeon Metropolitan Area. The number of respondents included in the assessment was 1,013 people (sampling error: +/-3.1% in 95% confidence interval). The questionnaire consisted of 4 main categories-general characteristics, knowledge and attitude of tobacco smoke pollution, agreement on non-smoking area designation of 9 public facilities, and opinions for imposing smoking fines. We conducted the Pearson's chi-square test to identify the different opinions between smokers and non-smokers. All statistical assessments were performed using the SPSS 18.0K. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the level of knowledge regarding the risks of tobacco smoke pollution between the two groups. However, smokers (79.0%) were less likely to recognize the seriousness of tobacco smoke pollution than non-smokers (94.7%) (P<0.001). In regard to their opinions for designating outdoor non-smoking areas, both groups agreed that designating non-smoking zones for children is the most important. Lastly, regarding the imposing of smoking fines, smokers were less supportive (58.3%) of the policy than non-smokers (92.2%) (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of our survey, establishing non-smoking zones for children is the top priority of all non-smoking public areas, followed by restaurants, bus stops, and parks. For a successful non-smoking policy in public facilities, the cooperation and participation of smokers is required. Therefore, we should make every effort to educate smokers focusing on public relations to reduce the harmful effects of tobacco smoke pollution.
Adult ; Child ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Humans ; Korea ; Public Facilities ; Public Relations ; Restaurants ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Sulfones ; Telephone ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution

BACKGROUND: The anti-smoking policy in Korea has been recently focusing on reducing the harmful effects of tobacco smoke pollution by establishing smoking bans or restrictions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in opinions between smokers and non-smokers regarding this current policy. METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted by Gallup Korea involving 1,200 adult residents (older than 19 years) of the Daejeon Metropolitan Area. The number of respondents included in the assessment was 1,013 people (sampling error: +/-3.1% in 95% confidence interval). The questionnaire consisted of 4 main categories-general characteristics, knowledge and attitude of tobacco smoke pollution, agreement on non-smoking area designation of 9 public facilities, and opinions for imposing smoking fines. We conducted the Pearson's chi-square test to identify the different opinions between smokers and non-smokers. All statistical assessments were performed using the SPSS 18.0K. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the level of knowledge regarding the risks of tobacco smoke pollution between the two groups. However, smokers (79.0%) were less likely to recognize the seriousness of tobacco smoke pollution than non-smokers (94.7%) (P<0.001). In regard to their opinions for designating outdoor non-smoking areas, both groups agreed that designating non-smoking zones for children is the most important. Lastly, regarding the imposing of smoking fines, smokers were less supportive (58.3%) of the policy than non-smokers (92.2%) (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of our survey, establishing non-smoking zones for children is the top priority of all non-smoking public areas, followed by restaurants, bus stops, and parks. For a successful non-smoking policy in public facilities, the cooperation and participation of smokers is required. Therefore, we should make every effort to educate smokers focusing on public relations to reduce the harmful effects of tobacco smoke pollution.
Adult ; Child ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Humans ; Korea ; Public Facilities ; Public Relations ; Restaurants ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Sulfones ; Telephone ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution

PURPOSE: As a part of analysis of home-based cancer patients management of public health centers, regional cancer center, and hospice institution in Jeju, this study was undertaken to establish their role. METHODS: We investigated current status of hospice palliative care, especially home-based cancer patients management and summary demand of public health centers. RESULTS: Services provided through the home-based cancer patients management project included physical, emotional, spiritual and education/informative services, even though there was little difference between them. The result showed that in the view of patients there was little relationship between public health centers, regional cancer center and hospice palliative institution. CONCLUSION: The relationship between home-based cancer patients management and institutions should be reinforced. Patients in acute state and difficulty care of patients should be referred to regional cancer center whereas maintenance state of patients should be referred to public health center.
Cancer Care Facilities ; Home Care Services, Hospital-Based ; Hospices ; Humans ; Palliative Care ; Public Health ; United States Public Health Service

OBJECTIVES: The current survey environment is changing and participation rates in national nutrition surveys are decreasing. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop strategies for improving the nutrition survey system in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). METHODS: To develop an alternative system for conducting the KNHANES nutritional survey, we conducted focus group interviews with stakeholders of the survey, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, and expert reviews. In addition, spatial analysis of potential sites for conducting surveys instead of relying on household visits was performed, and the perception of nutritional surveys in the population eligible for KNHANES was evaluated. RESULTS: Based on the results of the focus group interviews, SWOT analysis, and expert reviews, we propose two options for survey sites: vehicles specifically prepared for nutritional surveys and public facilities such as community service centers or public health centers. Among public facilities, community service centers were found to be more appropriate sites than public health centers because they were considered more accessible. About 90% of respondents would participate in the survey in public facilities and about 74% would in vehicles. CONCLUSIONS: Conducting national nutrition surveys in specially designed vehicles and public facilities could be a viable alternative to home visits. Next, the validity of these newly proposed nutrition survey methods needs to be compared to the results of the current national nutrition survey.
Family Characteristics ; Focus Groups ; House Calls ; Korea ; Nutrition Surveys ; Public Facilities ; Public Health ; Social Welfare ; Spatial Analysis ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVES: The current survey environment is changing and participation rates in national nutrition surveys are decreasing. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop strategies for improving the nutrition survey system in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). METHODS: To develop an alternative system for conducting the KNHANES nutritional survey, we conducted focus group interviews with stakeholders of the survey, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, and expert reviews. In addition, spatial analysis of potential sites for conducting surveys instead of relying on household visits was performed, and the perception of nutritional surveys in the population eligible for KNHANES was evaluated. RESULTS: Based on the results of the focus group interviews, SWOT analysis, and expert reviews, we propose two options for survey sites: vehicles specifically prepared for nutritional surveys and public facilities such as community service centers or public health centers. Among public facilities, community service centers were found to be more appropriate sites than public health centers because they were considered more accessible. About 90% of respondents would participate in the survey in public facilities and about 74% would in vehicles. CONCLUSIONS: Conducting national nutrition surveys in specially designed vehicles and public facilities could be a viable alternative to home visits. Next, the validity of these newly proposed nutrition survey methods needs to be compared to the results of the current national nutrition survey.
Family Characteristics ; Focus Groups ; House Calls ; Korea ; Nutrition Surveys ; Public Facilities ; Public Health ; Social Welfare ; Spatial Analysis ; Surveys and Questionnaires

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the public's ability to perform basic life support (BLS) in public facilities. METHODS: We collected the information and results of BLS from the public in parks and civil defense education centers. The enrolled subjects performed the CPR sequence and the foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) sequence on manikins. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty people were enrolled and 186 (52%) of them knew about BLS by the media. Also, 257 (71%) of them answered that the media was important when they were asked about the priority of the education methods for BLS. On the results of the tests, 111 (30%) were not confident performing BLS and as a result, only 9 persons correctly performed the sequence of BLS and 2 persons correctly performed the sequency of FBAO. 189(57%) of them were contacted any cases of resuscitation education just by media and 250(74%) were evaluated in having affinity to media educations. Self-satisfaction was revealed almost at 50~80 points. CONCLUSION: Almost all public persons did not correctly perform the sequence of BLS. We expected that the media will have a large role to teach and effectively spread the techniques of BLS to the public.
Airway Obstruction ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Civil Defense ; Foreign Bodies ; Humans ; Mass Media ; Public Facilities ; Resuscitation