OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association of the total diet quality with the incidence risk of metabolic syndrome constituents and metabolic syndrome among Korean adults.METHODS: Based on a community-based cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) from 2001 to 2014, data from a total of 5,549 subjects (2,805 men & 2,744 women) aged 40~69 years at the baseline with a total follow-up period of 38,166 person-years were analyzed. The criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel was employed to define metabolic syndrome. The total diet quality was estimated using the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk of metabolic syndrome constituents and metabolic syndrome in relation to KHEI quintile groups was calculated by multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model.RESULTS: After adjusting for age, energy intake, income, education, physical activity, smoking, and drinking, the incidence of abdominal obesity and high blood pressure was significantly lower, by approximately 29.7% (P < 0.01) and 25.2% (P < 0.01), respectively, in the fifth KHEI quintile compared to the first quintile in men. A significant decreasing trend of the metabolic syndrome incidence was observed across the improving levels of KHEI (HRq5vs.q1: 0.775, 95% CIq5vs.q1: 0.619~0.971, P for trend < 0.01). In women, the incidence of abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome was significantly lower, by approximately 29.8% (P < 0.01) and 22.5% (P < 0.05), respectively, in the fifth KHEI quintile compared to the first quintile adjusting for multiple covariates. On the other hand, the linear trend of metabolic syndrome risk across the KHEI levels did not reach the significance level.CONCLUSIONS: A better diet quality can prevent future metabolic syndrome and its certain risk factors among Korean men and women.
Adult ; Cholesterol ; Cohort Studies ; Diet ; Drinking ; Eating ; Education ; Energy Intake ; Epidemiology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Genome ; Hand ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Male ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Physical Education and Training ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking

The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate the relation between total diet quality and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. A community-based cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) provided basis for this study. During the total follow-up period of 38,171 person-years of 5,549 subjects, a total of 1,891 metabolic syndrome incident cases were identified. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel. Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, and Recommended Food Score (RFS) were used to assess total diet quality. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for metabolic syndrome associated with total diet quality. In men, the incidence of metabolic syndrome in the 5th MDS quintile group decreased by approximately 25% compared to the 1st quintile group (p for trend < 0.01) after adjusting for age and energy intake. In women, significant decreasing trend of metabolic syndrome incidence risk was observed across the quintiles of RFS in an age and energy intake-adjusted model (HR [95% CI] of Q5 vs. Q1; 0.662 [0.521–0.842], p for trend < 0.01). However, such associations did not reach at a significance level when additional covariates were included. In this first study looking at prospective relation of metabolic syndrome with total diet quality in a Korean population, study findings suggest some protective role of better diet quality in preventing future metabolic syndrome. But no convincing evidence was observed in this study.
Adult* ; Cholesterol ; Cohort Studies* ; Diet* ; Diet, Mediterranean ; Education ; Energy Intake ; Epidemiology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Genome ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Incidence* ; Male ; Prospective Studies*

BACKGROUND: Occupational radiation exposure causes certain types of cancer, specifically hematopoietic diseases like leukemia. In Korea, radiation exposure is monitored and recorded by law, and guidelines for compensation of radiation-related diseases were implemented in 2001. However, thus far, no occupation-related disease was approved for compensation under these guidelines. Here, we report the first case of radiation-related disease approved by the compensation committee of the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service, based on the probability of causation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old man complained of chronic fatigue and myalgia for several days. He was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. The patient was a diagnostic radiographer at a diagnostic radiation department and was exposed to ionizing radiation for 21 years before chronic myeloid leukemia was diagnosed. His job involved taking simple radiographs, computed tomography scans, and measuring bone marrow density. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first approved case report using quantitative assessment of radiation. More approved cases are expected based on objective radiation exposure data and the probability of causation. We need to find a resolution to the ongoing demands for appropriate compensation and improvements to the environment at radiation workplaces.
Bone Marrow ; Compensation and Redress ; Fatigue ; Humans ; Jurisprudence ; Korea ; Leukemia ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive* ; Middle Aged ; Myalgia ; Occupational Diseases ; Radiation, Ionizing ; Workers' Compensation

OBJECTIVES: An outbreak of hepatitis A occurred at a residential facility for the disabled in July 10, 2011. This investigation was carried out to develop a response plan, and to find the infection source of the disease. METHODS: A field epidemiologist investigated the symptoms, vaccination histories, living environments, and probable infection sources with 51 residents and 31 teachers and staff members. In July 25, 81 subjects were tested for the hepatitis A virus antibody, and specimens of the initial 3 cases and the last case were genetically tested. RESULTS: Three cases occurred July 10 to 14, twelve cases August 3 to 9, and the last case on August 29. Among the teachers and staff, no one was IgM positive (on July 25). The base sequences of the initial 3 and of the last case were identical. The vehicle of the outbreak was believed to be a single person. The initial 3 patients were exposed at the same time and they might have disseminated the infection among the patients who developed symptoms in early August, and the last patient might have, in turn, been infected by the early August cases. CONCLUSIONS: The initial source of infection is not clear, but volunteers could freely come into contact with residents, and an infected volunteer might have been the common infection source of the initial patients. Volunteers' washing their hands only after their activity might be the cause of this outbreak. Although there may be other possible causes, it would be reasonable to ask volunteers to wash their hands both before and after their activities.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Antibodies, Viral/metabolism ; Assisted Living Facilities ; Child ; Disabled Persons ; *Disease Outbreaks ; Drinking Water/virology ; Female ; Hepatitis A/*epidemiology ; Hepatitis A Virus, Human/genetics ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Viral/analysis ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: The Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI) of the Korea had not recognized gastrointestinal cancer as work-related disease during their evaluation. However, in 2018 OSHRI recognized gastric and rectal cancers as work-related disease in asbestos-exposed workers. We present 2 such cases along supportive evidence of causation.CASE PRESENTATION: Patient A: A 57-year-old man had worked for about 40 years since 1978 as an oxygen cutter at workplaces that dismantle ships, buildings, boilers, and thermal power plants. In November 2016, endoscopy and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of advanced gastric cancer, for which he underwent subtotal gastrectomy and chemotherapy; however, he later died of the cancer. Patient B: A 71-year-old man had worked in shipbuilding and repair workplaces for approximately 49 years, being employed in pipe laying, asbestos insulation installation, grinding, and other ship repair work. In 2003, he was diagnosed of rectal cancer by abdominal computed tomography. He accordingly underwent surgical removal of the cancer. Based on the occupational history of the 2 patients and our review of the relevant literature addressing the occupational environment, we concluded that both patients had continuous exposure to high levels of asbestos while performing their jobs for 40 and 49 years, respectively. CONCLUSION Both patients had a history of smoking and drinking (non-occupational personal risk factors). However, the possibility of an increased risk of gastric and rectal cancers from asbestos exposure cannot be excluded. Therefore, we considered that occupational exposure to asbestos had contributed to the cancer diagnosis in these cases. Workers exposed to asbestos should be made aware of the possibility of gastric or rectal cancer, and should undergo monitoring and medical examinations. Appropriate compensation for gastric and rectal cancers that occur in workers exposed to asbestos are anticipated in future.

BACKGROUND: The Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI) of the Korea had not recognized gastrointestinal cancer as work-related disease during their evaluation. However, in 2018 OSHRI recognized gastric and rectal cancers as work-related disease in asbestos-exposed workers. We present 2 such cases along supportive evidence of causation.CASE PRESENTATION: Patient A: A 57-year-old man had worked for about 40 years since 1978 as an oxygen cutter at workplaces that dismantle ships, buildings, boilers, and thermal power plants. In November 2016, endoscopy and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of advanced gastric cancer, for which he underwent subtotal gastrectomy and chemotherapy; however, he later died of the cancer. Patient B: A 71-year-old man had worked in shipbuilding and repair workplaces for approximately 49 years, being employed in pipe laying, asbestos insulation installation, grinding, and other ship repair work. In 2003, he was diagnosed of rectal cancer by abdominal computed tomography. He accordingly underwent surgical removal of the cancer. Based on the occupational history of the 2 patients and our review of the relevant literature addressing the occupational environment, we concluded that both patients had continuous exposure to high levels of asbestos while performing their jobs for 40 and 49 years, respectively. CONCLUSION Both patients had a history of smoking and drinking (non-occupational personal risk factors). However, the possibility of an increased risk of gastric and rectal cancers from asbestos exposure cannot be excluded. Therefore, we considered that occupational exposure to asbestos had contributed to the cancer diagnosis in these cases. Workers exposed to asbestos should be made aware of the possibility of gastric or rectal cancer, and should undergo monitoring and medical examinations. Appropriate compensation for gastric and rectal cancers that occur in workers exposed to asbestos are anticipated in future.

Academies and Institutes ; Aged ; Asbestos ; Biopsy ; Compensation and Redress ; Diagnosis ; Drinking ; Drug Therapy ; Endoscopy ; Gastrectomy ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms ; Humans ; Korea ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; Occupational Health ; Oxygen ; Power Plants ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Ships ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Stomach Neoplasms

PURPOSE: School foodservice employees (SFEs) could be exposed to the risk of musculoskeletal disease and of job stress due to their job characteristics. This study was to evaluate the level of job stress and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMS) in Seoul city's SFEs, and to determine associations between job stress and WRMS. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional, and 975 SFEs were recruited. Self-administered questionnaire included the 'Korean occupational stress scale-short form' and the 'KOSHA GUIDE H-9-2012' instrument to evaluate the job stress and WRMS, respectively. SFEs' medians of job stress were compared to the reference values of published study in Korean workers. RESULTS: The participants reported greater levels of job demand and physical environment than the general Korean population. WRMS were reported in 89.0% of participants at any body part, and 41.1% were presumed to need for medical intervention. High levels of job demand and of physical environment were significantly associated with WRMS. CONCLUSION: Subscales of job demand and physical environment were relatively high in SFEs and those were related to the occurrence of WRMS. To reduce the WRMS prevalence, a job stress management program focused on job demand and physical environment may be required.
Humans ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Prevalence ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Reference Values ; Seoul

The societies of the world in the 21st century have faced challenges arising from an aging population as the fertility rate has dropped dramatically and medical advances have extended the average human life span. The elderly aged 65 years or older make up at least 20% of the population in Korea, making the country a super-aging society as defined by the United Nations. The number of elderly women is higher than that of elderly men and women live longer than men. Based on the analysis of recent trends in previous studies, this study aimed to suggest practical strategies to utilize isoflavones, substances chemically similar to the female hormone estrogen, and to search for effective anti-aging strategies using this substance for women to be prepared to reach the elderly stage in good health.
Aged ; Aging ; Birth Rate ; Estrogens ; Female ; Hormone Replacement Therapy ; Humans ; Isoflavones ; Korea ; Male ; Quality of Life ; United Nations

OBJECTIVES: Although vaccination rates have increased, problems still remain in the storage and handling of vaccines. This study focused on inspecting actual vaccine storage status and awareness, and comparing them before and after education was provided. METHODS: In the primary inspection, a status survey checklist was completed by visual inspection. A questionnaire on the awareness of proper vaccine storage and handling was also administered to vaccine administrators in private medical institutions in 4 regions in Gyeongsangbuk-province. One-on-one education was then carried out, and our self-produced manual on safe vaccine storage and management methods was provided. In the secondary inspection, the investigators visited the same medical institutions and used the same questionnaire and checklist used during the primary inspection. The results before and after education were compared, by treating each appropriate answer as 1 point. RESULTS: The average checklists score was 9.74 (out of 15 points), which increased significantly after education was provided (by 0.84, p<0.001). The participants demonstrated improved practices in recording storage temperatures (p=0.016), storing vaccines in the center of the refrigerator (p=0.004), storing vaccines with other medication and non-medical items (p=0.031) after education. The average score calculated from the questionnaires was 10.48 (out of 14 points), which increased after education (by 1.03, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that vaccine storage practices and awareness are inadequate, but can be partially improved by providing relevant education. Repetitive education and policy-making are required to store vaccines safely because one-off education and unenforced guidelines offer limited efficacy.
Adult ; Drug Storage/*standards/statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Guideline Adherence/statistics & numerical data ; Health Facilities, Proprietary/*standards/statistics & numerical data ; *Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Health Personnel/*education ; Humans ; Inservice Training ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Questionnaires ; Republic of Korea ; Vaccines/*standards ; Young Adult